Abstract: A method and apparatus for emergency pacing of a surgical patient's heart through an esophageal catheter. Pacing electrodes are connected to the external wall of the catheter having sufficient surface area to reduce the current density to a level which does not burn or injure the patient's esophagus. Pacing pulses are applied to the electrodes by a pacing generator and the pulses are transmitted through the esophagus wall to the patient's heart.

Abstract: A temporary pacing catheter having an integrally attached temporary pacemaker function is disclosed. The pacemaker integrally built in this catheter for temporary pacing has a very small size and can be fixed to the body of a patient, and therefore, the patient can be transferred conveniently. Furthermore, if this catheter is packaged in the sterilized condition, problems or another's help required for the connection of the catheter to the pacemaker and the like operations in the conventional technique can be avoided, and therefore, the packaged catheter is suitably used for an emergency treatment. Moreover, if a balloon is attached and arranged so that when the balloon is inflated, the balloon envelopes an electrode at the distal end, the catheter can be caused to flow in the heart and blood vessel safely and promptly.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing apparatus and method. A cardiac pacing apparatus (24) provides a cardiac pacing signal to a plurality of electrode pairs (20, 22), each comprising a positive electrode (20a, 22a) and a negative electrode (20b, 22b). A plurality of isolated current sources (30, 32) supply the electrode pairs with separate electric pacing currents, each small enough in magnitude so as to avoid patient discomfort or burning. The plurality of pacing currents delivered to the electrode pairs add to produce a total cardiac pacing current of sufficient magnitude to cause contraction of a heart muscle through which the pacing currents flow.

Abstract: A temporary pacemaker combines technologies of the implantable pacemaker, the waterproof watch, with a separate remote-control programming unit that communicates with the pacemaker via IR radiation. An LCD readout on the temporary pacemaker continuously reports on current settings, and is monitored periodically, as well as during the setting process. The programming unit is aimed at an IR sensor on the pacemaker, and its dedicated controls are used for setting, with the aid of prompting messages on its own LCD panel. Battery life is about 6-9 months, while that for the lithium battery in the sealed and sterilizable pacemaker approaches five years.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transcutaneously pacing the heart with background stimuli occurring in the intervals between pacing stimuli to reduce patient discomfort during pacing, and including electrodes therefor.

Abstract: The pacemaker includes a casing housing a pulse generator having at least one electrode tip preferably projecting out of said casing and being insulated therefrom, whereby no plug-receptacle nor electrode catheter is required. The pacemaker is to be surgically located below the heart in the virtual cavity formed between the epicardium and the pericardium with its electrode tip in close contact with the epicardium of the heart.