Abstract: The present invention uses switching networks for the predetermined combination of capacitor-discharge waveforms in order to approximate a particular waveform for application to the heart muscle in a defibrillation procedure. These are usually biphasic waveforms, or waveforms exhibiting a positive pulse followed immediately by a negative pulse. Examples of the discharge-process possibilities are those of two capacitors in parallel, two in series, two in sequence, or a capacitor or capacitors with polarity inverted. Adding capacitors and switches expands the range of possibilities and provides waveforms "tailoring" under the guidance of a switching network that can be digitally programmed from an external programming console, much as in the digital programming of a pacemaker system. Digital signals are transmitted to the implanted system using infrared, visible, RF electromagnetic radiation, or ultrasound radiation.

Abstract: A sterilizable programmer repeater system for retransmission of a programmed code via an RF data link from a pacemaker or defibrillator programmer to an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator which can be used in the operating theater. Coded program information from a remotely placed programmer is data linked by an RF transmitter to a programmer repeater placed externally adjacent to an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator. The received coded program data information is rebroadcast by a transmitter in the programmer repeater to the implanted pacemaker or defibrillator. Coded program data information from the implanted pacemaker or defibrillator is also sent in the reverse direction from the implanted device to the remotely linked placed programmer.