Abstract: An implantable defibrillator apparatus having a plurality of defibrillation electrodes which can be applied to the heart muscle in order to apply electric defibrillation shocks thereto, and defibrillation-control means for selectively applying respective electric defibrillation shocks to the electrodes preferably sequentially in time and in synchronism with the QRS.

Abstract: Electrodes can generate electrical stimulation pulses at least one first intensity level and at least one second intensity level. The first and second intensity levels are above and below a given stimulation threshold, respectively. The synchronous or asynchronous delivery of second-level pulses enables the conduction of the atrioventricular node to be modulated by electrotonic effect, for example, to reduce ventricular frequency in the event of atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillator apparatus having a plurality of defibrillation electrodes which can be applied to the heart muscle in order to apply electric defibrillation shocks thereto, and defibrillation-control means for selectively applying respective electric defibrillation shocks to the electrodes preferably sequentially in time and in synchronism with the QRS.

Abstract: The device senses Natural Heart Acceleration (NHA), isolating at least one segment (t) thereof corresponding to an isovolumetric phase, such as isovolumetric contraction (P1, P2) and/or isovolumetric relaxation (P3, P4). Preferentially, the action of isolation of the aforesaid segment is made starting from the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Among other things, the device may be used to carry out pacing functions (pacemaker, defibrillator, pacer cardioverter defibrillator) and/or to pick up, possibly by telemetry, data on the myocardial function and/or also to control a system of drug administration.

Abstract: The device senses Natural Heart Acceleration (NHA), isolating at least one segment (t) thereof corresponding to an isovolumetric phase, such as isovolumetric contraction (P1, P2) and/or isovolumetric relaxation (P3, P4). Preferentially, the action of isolation of the aforesaid segment is made starting from the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Among other things, the device may be used to carry out pacing functions (pacemaker, defibrillator, pacer cardioverter defibrillator) and/or to pick up, possibly by telemetry, data on the myocardial function and/or also to control a system of drug administration.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker having switching circuitry for dynamically re-assigning the electrical function of a plurality of electrodes coupled thereto. The pacemaker is provided with switching circuitry for allowing the sensing signals from a plurality of implanted electrodes may be selectively applied to sensing and detection circuitry in the pacemaker. Controller circuitry in the pacemaker controls the operation of the switching circuits and of a rheography current pulse generator such that a plurality of time slots are defined during a sensing interval. During successive time slots, a different electrical function may be assigned to the same electrode. Also disclosed is a method of operating such a pacing system.

Abstract: The device senses Natural Heart Acceleration (NHA), isolating at least one segment (t) thereof corresponding to an isovolumetric phase, such as isovolumetric contraction (P1, P2) and/or isovolumetric relaxation (P3, P4). Preferentially, the action of isolation of the aforesaid segment is made starting from the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Among other things, the device may be used to carry out pacing functions (pacemaker, defibrillator, pacer cardioverter defibrillator) and/or to pick up, possibly by telemetry, data on the myocardial function and/or also to control a system of drug administration.

Abstract: An electronic circuit included in a pacer detects the impedance between two electrodes connected to it and made up by the conducting part of the pacer case (B) and by an auxiliary subcutaneous lead placed in the chest or by an electrode placed on the insulating part (C) of the case itself. The changing geometry of the chest, due to pulmonary ventilation, determines the impedance variations. The electronic circuit, by processing the impedance signal is able to automatically adjust the stimulation rate of the ventricle and/or of the atrium between minimum and maximum preset values according to the activity levels of the patient.

Abstract: A low electric energy consumption circuit to detect parameters associated to the patient's respiration, suitable for the realization of implantable devices, such as implantable and physiologic pacemakers, is designed to detect, at the same sample rate of the impedance in a part of the patient's body, the voltage variations V (.DELTA.ZL) corresponding to said impedance with both negative and positive variations from the base line. According to a first scheme, these variations V' (.DELTA.ZL) are subsequently processed by means that produce a clean V.sub.OUT signal, e.g. a squared one, which shows a transition every time that the difference between minimum value and maximum value and maximum value and minimum value of the input signal exceeds a fixed a preferably programmable value. According to a second scheme, said variations V' (.DELTA.ZL) are processed by means producing a signal proportional to the variation speed of the body impedance and by means producing a signal Vm (.DELTA.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac pacemaker in which the stimulation rate is determined through a suitable programmable algorithm by the patient's ventilation rate which is taken by measuring the impedance variations throughout a distance within the human body; preferably a distance within the thoracic region that goes between the pacemaker box and the lead which is placed subcutaneously. The pacemaker is constructed to detect variations, even rapid ones, of the corporeal impedance and to discriminate substantial variations attributable in all probability to a respiratory act, as well as to limit the drain of electrical energy.

Abstract: The gas generating device according to the invention comprises a basin-like main container containing a solid chemical reagent substance, and an auxiliary container, arranged at the interior of the main container, containing a liquid chemical reagent substance.The main container is closed at its top by a cover lid in such a manner as to permit the outflow of gas generated at its interior. The gas generating device is accomodated at the interior of a storage or transport receptacle formed by a stack of superposed crates of fruits or vegetables, enclosed in a gas-tight wrapping of suitable plastic sheet material.