Modular antitachyarrhythmia therapy system

• US 9,993,654 B2
• Filed: 04/26/2016
• Issued: 06/12/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Smith, Joseph M., Dujmovic, Jr., Richard Milon
• Primary Examiner(s): Johnson, Nicole F
• Application Number:
  US15/138,734
• Publication Number:
  US 20160236000A1
• Time in Patent Office: 777 Days
• Field of Search: 607 4, 607 32, 607 60
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3605 Implantable neurostimulators for stimulating central or peripheral nerve system
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3621 for treating or preventing abnormally high heart rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3622 comprising two or more electrodes co-operating with different heart regions
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36514 controlled by a physiological quantity other than heart potential, e.g. blood pressure controlled by two or more physical parameters A61N1/36585
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36564 controlled by blood pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36585 controlled by two or more physical parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/372 Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37217 characterised by the communication link, e.g. acoustic or tactile
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3925 Monitoring; Protecting
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3956 Implantable devices for applying electric shocks to the heart, e.g. for cardioversion
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/39622 Pacing therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3987 characterised by the timing or triggering of the shock

Abstract

This document discusses, among other things, a modular antitachyarrhythmia therapy system. In an example, a modular antitachyarrhythmia system includes at least two separate modules that coordinate delivery an antitachyarrhythmia therapy, such as defibrillation therapy. In another example, a modular antitachyarrhythmia therapy system includes a sensing module, an analysis module, and a therapy module.

Claims

1. An implantable cardiac rhythm management system comprising:

an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) having a controller, circuitry for delivery of defibrillation therapy, and communications circuitry for communicating with at least an external device and another implantable device, the implantable defibrillator adapted for use with a lead;

a lead comprising a plurality of electrodes thereon and adapted for coupling to the ICD such that, when the lead is coupled to the ICD, the circuitry for delivery of defibrillation therapy is coupled to at least one electrode on the lead;

a leadless intracardiac module (LIM) adapted for implantation inside the heart of a patient and having at least two electrodes thereon coupled to pacing circuitry for delivery of pacing therapy, the LIM also including communications circuitry for communicating with at least the implantable defibrillator;

wherein the LIM is configured to communicate information about one or more sensed parameters to the ICD; and

wherein the ICD is configured to determine whether to deliver defibrillation therapy using at least information communicated from the LIM.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the ICD is configured to coordinate therapy with the LIM.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the ICD is configured to receive the information about one or more sensed parameters to the ICD and, prior to delivering defibrillation therapy, to communicate to the LIM to request that the LIM deliver anti-tachycardia pacing therapy.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using a radio frequency signal.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using inductive coupling.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using conduction through the body of a patient.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the ICD is configured as a subcutaneous-only implantable defibrillator having a canister attached to the lead, the canister and lead adapted to be implanted subcutaneously.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the LIM is configured to communicate information about cardiac performance to the ICD.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the LIM is configured to communicate blood pressure data to the ICD.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the LIM is configured to communicate data related to heart sounds to the ICD.

11. An implantable cardiac rhythm management system comprising:

an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) having a controller, circuitry for delivery of defibrillation therapy, and communications circuitry for communicating with at least an external device and another implantable device, the implantable defibrillator adapted for use with a lead;

a lead comprising a plurality of electrodes thereon and adapted for coupling to the ICD such that, when the lead is coupled to the ICD, the circuitry for delivery of defibrillation therapy is coupled to at least one electrode on the lead;

a leadless intracardiac module (LIM) adapted for implantation inside the heart of a patient and having sensing circuitry for capturing one or more physiological parameters within the heart, the LIM also including communications circuitry for communicating with at least the implantable defibrillator;

wherein the LIM is configured to communicate information about one or more sensed parameters to the ICD; and

wherein the ICD is configured to determine whether to deliver defibrillation therapy using at least information communicated from the LIM.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the LIM comprises pacing circuitry for delivering at least pacing therapy to the heart of a patient and the ICD is configured to coordinate therapy with the LIM.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the ICD is configured to receive the information about one or more sensed parameters to the ICD and, prior to delivering defibrillation therapy, to communicate to the LIM to request that the LIM deliver anti-tachycardia pacing therapy.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using a radio frequency signal.

15. The system of claim 11 wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using inductive coupling.

16. The system of claim 11 wherein the ICD and the LIM are configured to communicate with one another using conduction through the body of a patient.

17. The system of claim 11 wherein the ICD is configured as a subcutaneous-only implantable defibrillator having a canister attached to the lead, the canister and lead adapted to be implanted subcutaneously.

18. The system of claim 11 wherein the LIM is configured to communicate information about cardiac performance to the ICD.

19. The system of claim 11 wherein the LIM is configured to communicate blood pressure data to the ICD.

20. The system of claim 11 wherein the LIM is configured to communicate data related to heart sounds to the ICD.