Methods and systems for detecting the presence of T-wave alternans
First Claim
1. In an implantable system, a method for detecting T-wave alternans, comprising:
- (a) stimulating a patient'"'"'s vagus nerve to thereby simulate at least one premature contraction of the ventricles;
(b) measuring at least one metric of T-waves in a specified number of beats that follow each simulated premature contraction of the ventricles that is caused by stimulating the patients vagus nerve; and
(c) determining, based on the measured T-wave metrics, whether T-wave alternans are present.
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention relate to implantable systems, and method for use therein, that can detect T-wave alternans. In accordance with specific embodiments of the present invention, intrinsic premature contractions of the ventricles are detected, and at least one metric of T-waves is measured in a specified number of beats that follow each detected intrinsic premature contraction of the ventricles. A determination of whether T-wave alternans are present is made based on the measured T-wave metrics. In alternative embodiments, rather than waiting for intrinsic premature contractions of the ventricles, premature contractions of the ventricles are caused on demand by inducing premature atrial contractions. In still other embodiments, a patient'"'"'s vagus nerve is stimulated to simulate premature contractions of the ventricles. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. In an implantable system, a method for detecting T-wave alternans, comprising:
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(a) stimulating a patient'"'"'s vagus nerve to thereby simulate at least one premature contraction of the ventricles; (b) measuring at least one metric of T-waves in a specified number of beats that follow each simulated premature contraction of the ventricles that is caused by stimulating the patients vagus nerve; and (c) determining, based on the measured T-wave metrics, whether T-wave alternans are present. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An implantable system for detecting T-wave alternans, comprising:
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means for stimulating a patient'"'"'s vagus nerve to thereby simulate premature contractions of the ventricles; means for measuring at least one metric of T-waves in a specified number of beats that follow the simulated premature contractions of the ventricles that are caused by stimulating the patients vagus nerve; and a TWA detector to determine, based on the measured T-wave metrics, whether T-wave alternans are present. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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Specification