Method and apparatus for identifying lead-related conditions using lead impedance measurements

• US 20040064161A1
• Filed: 09/30/2002
• Published: 04/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Gunderson, Bruce D., Patel, Amisha S., Duffin, Edwin G., Bounds, Chad A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,047,083 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/28
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/276 Protection against electrode failure
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3925 Monitoring; Protecting

Abstract

A method and apparatus for automatically detecting and diagnosing lead-related conditions is provided. Specifically, relatively short-term and relatively long-term impedance parameters are determined for detecting an impedance trend indicative of a lead-related condition such as an open circuit, which may be due to a conductor fracture or poor connection to an associated implantable medical device, or a short circuit due to an insulation breach. Monitoring of multiple lead impedance parameters is performed to diagnose a lead-related condition based on a number of diagnostic criteria. Supplementary analysis of multiple lead impedance parameter trends may be performed to identify lead-specific conditions, such as metal ion oxidation induced insulation degradation. A lead-related condition diagnosis and supporting data are stored in memory for uplinking to an external device for review by a clinician. A recommended corrective action and/or a patient notification signal for a lead-related condition may optionally be provided.

Claims

1. A method for detecting a lead-related condition comprising:

periodically measuring a lead impedance,

determining a short-term impedance trend,

determining a long-term impedance trend,

applying a set of diagnostic criteria to the short-term and long-term impedance trends, and

diagnosing a lead-related condition based on said set of diagnostic criteria.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the method of periodically measuring a lead impedance includes comparing if a single measurement falls out of range.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the method of diagnosing a lead-related condition includes subsequently storing diagnosis and supporting data with optimal recommendation and generating patient notification.