Abstract: Responsive heart stimulating device and method for operating the device which includes a heart stimulating waveform generator for transmitting a waveform to an electrode. A time domain reflectometer (TDR) is also connectable to the electrode for generating TDR signals. A logic and control unit processes TDR readings from the electrode, and is adapted to alter the heart stimulating waveform in response to the TDR readings. The TDR may be connected to a pacemaker pacing electrode to detect changes in heart stroke volume or cardiac output, or to one or more probes capable of detecting motion of the patient, and the logic and control unit may adjust the pacing rate accordingly.

Abstract: A device and method for testing the integrity of an electrode/wire, such as a pacemaker electrode, and electrical wires connected thereto has a receptacle for an electrode and includes a time domain reflectometer comprising an output signal mechanism operatively connected to the electrode receptacle. The method of analyzing the integrity of an electrode comprises the steps of generating a time domain reflectometer (TDR) reading (output signal) from the electrode, and transmitting the signal to an output device. The output signal may be analyzed to determined whether it varies by a predetermined threshold, or it may be displayed so that differences in the electrical characteristics of the electrode may be identified. The present invention allows a cardiologist or technician to ensure that the electrode is properly engaged and to determine the integrity of the electrode.

Abstract: A device, system and method is used for testing the integrity of an implantable electrode. The electrical device has a receptacle for an electrode and includes a time domain reflectometer comprising an output signal mechanism operatively connected to the electrode receptacle. The method of analyzing the integrity of an implanted electrode comprises the steps of generating a time domain reflectometer (TDR) reading (output signal) from the electrode, and transmitting the signal to an output device. The output signal may be analyzed to determined whether it varies by a predetermined threshold, or it may be compared to a previously generated signal from the electrode so that differences in the electrical characteristics of the electrode may be identified. The present device, system and method allows a cardiologist or technician to ensure that the electrode is properly implanted and to non-invasively determine the integrity of the electrode over a patient's life.