System and method for detecting hypoglycemia based on a paced depolarization integral using an implantable medical device
First Claim
1. A method for use with an implantable medical device for detecting hypoglycemia in a patient in which the device is implanted, the method comprising:
- detecting electrical cardiac signals corresponding to ventricular evoked responses; and
detecting an episode of hypoglycemia based on changes in a parameter representative of the energy associated with the electrical cardiac signals corresponding to ventricular evoked responses;
wherein the parameter incorporates an integral of portions of the electrical cardiac signals corresponding to ventricular evoked responses.
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Abstract
Techniques are provided for use with an implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) for predicting and detecting hypoglycemia. In one example, the device tracks changes in a paced depolarization integral (PDI). A significant increase in PDI over a relatively short period of time indicates the onset of hypoglycemia (this can also be confirmed with QT changes). Upon detection of hypoglycemia, appropriate warning signals are generated to alert the patient. Certain therapies automatically provided by the implantable device may also be controlled in response to hypoglycemia. For example, if the patient is an insulin-dependent diabetic and the implantable device is equipped with an insulin pump capable of delivering insulin directly into the bloodstream, insulin delivery is automatically suspended until blood glucose levels return to acceptable levels. If the device is an ICD, it may be controlled to begin charging defibrillation capacitors upon detection of hypoglycemia so as to permit prompt delivery of a defibrillation shock, which may be needed if hypoglycemia triggers ventricular fibrillation. The detection techniques may be used in conjunction with other hypoglycemia detection techniques to improve detection specificity.
82 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for use with an implantable medical device for detecting hypoglycemia in a patient in which the device is implanted, the method comprising:
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detecting electrical cardiac signals corresponding to ventricular evoked responses; and detecting an episode of hypoglycemia based on changes in a parameter representative of the energy associated with the electrical cardiac signals corresponding to ventricular evoked responses; wherein the parameter incorporates an integral of portions of the electrical cardiac signals corresponding to ventricular evoked responses. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for use with an implantable medical device for detecting hypoglycemia in a patient in which the device is implanted comprising:
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means for detecting electrical cardiac signals corresponding to ventricular evoked responses; and means for detecting an episode of hypoglycemia based on changes in a parameter representative of the energy associated with the electrical cardiac signals corresponding to ventricular evoked responses; wherein the parameter incorporates an integral of portions of the electrical cardiac signals corresponding to ventricular evoked responses.
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Specification