Patents Assigned to Pacesetter
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Patent number: 5951592Abstract: An implantable cardioversion/defibrillation device includes a cardioversion signal generator and a defibrillator signal generator. Heart beat rates are classified into a first, an intermediate and a second range. A ventricle state determinator is also provided to determine the current status of the ventricle. At the low and high rates cardioversion and fibrillation signals are generated and applied to the heart, respectively. At the intermediate rate, if the ventricle is stable, cardioversion signals are generated and applied. If the ventricle is unstable, then defibrillation signals are applied. Ventricle stability is determined from the variability of the ventricular rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Anthony Murphy
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Patent number: 5948005Abstract: Event/rate data gathered by an implantable pacemaker is displayed in a histogram format as a function of heart rate and event type, with multiple events being included in the display of each rate bin of the histogram. Event types include a paced event, a sensed event, or a premature ventricular event (PVE). Two types of histograms are provided: (1) a heart rate histogram that shows the occurrence of each event type in each heart rate bin as a function of the percent of total events in all heart rate bins; and (2) a histogram that shows event type distribution by rate bin.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Valikai, Gregory Bevan
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Patent number: 5948014Abstract: A single-pass tripolar pacing/lead system for pacing and sensing electrical activity in the heart of a patient in one of a VDD or VDDR fashion. The lead system is capable of bipolar sensing of the atrium and the ventricle using a three electrode structure: a first electrode in the atrium, a second in the ventricle just below the tricuspid valve, and a third in the ventricle. The lead system also is capable of providing bipolar stimulation of the ventricle.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth Valikai
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Patent number: 5944746Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulating device which incorporates the functionality of both a pacemaker and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The implantable cardiac stimulating device is adapted to periodically obtain an impedance measurement by applying a pacing pulse to the pacing tip and measuring the resulting current on a lead connected to one of the high voltage shocking coils implanted within the heart. The measured impedance between the pacing lead and the shocking lead is compared to previously obtained impedance measurements to determine if an increase in the impedance has occurred. The system is further adapted to compare the impedance measurement to the impedance measured between the pacing lead and the casing of the implantable cardiac stimulating device to determine whether any increase in the measured impedance is due to a problem with the pacing lead or a problem with the high voltage coil or high voltage lead.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Mark W. Kroll
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Patent number: 5941830Abstract: A system and method for optimal sensing of cardiac events includes registering electrical activity from a cardiac event in a patient's heart and entering a refractory period after the cardiac event has been registered. The system and method further includes detecting when the electrical activity from the cardiac event has settled into a baseline region for a predetermined period of time, whereby the refractory period is ended at such time. The method may also implement a minimum backup timer and a maximum backup timer, which are set to predetermined minimum and maximum time periods, respectively, when the refractory period begins. In this case, the system ends the refractory period, either: (1) when the electrical activity settles into a baseline region for a predetermined period of time and the minimum time period elapses, or (2) when the maximum time period elapses, whichever occurs first.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Michael O. Williams
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Patent number: 5941831Abstract: A method for detecting or classifying cardiac arrhythmias using interval irregularity. The method includes the steps of detecting a patient's cardiac activity and looking at a first selected criterion such as the patient's heart rate exceeding a preset rate threshold to determine if a tachycardia is present. When the first criterion is met, a window of N successive cardiac intervals is selected for analysis. A selected number of the shortest and longest intervals are ignored and the difference between the remaining longest and shortest intervals is calculated to provide a measure of interval irregularity indicative of the origin of the cardiac rhythm. In one embodiment, a parameter n is set such that 0.ltoreq.n<N/2, and the intervals in the window are ordered from shortest to longest with the shortest being interval 1 and the longest being interval N.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Robert Turcott
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Patent number: 5935158Abstract: An implantable electrode for stimulating tissue has a piezoelectric electrode for electrically and mechanically stimulating tissue and for detecting electrical and mechanical evoked response of the stimulated tissue. An implantable lead and an implantable stimulation device employing such an electrode are described including diagnostic circuitry for making a diagnosis of the heart condition using such an electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter ABInventors: Nils Holmstrom, Sven-Erik Hedberg, Kenth Nilsson
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Patent number: 5931862Abstract: A continuous sheath of open-celled porous plastic, preferably ePTFE, is used on the outside of a medical lead, extending along the lead body and the electrodes. Because the plastic is open-celled, when the pores are filled with saline, the lead can deliver electrical energy through the pores in the plastic. Pore size is chosen to discourage tissue ingrowth while allowing for defibrillation energy delivery and electrical signals through it. The porous plastic has a biocompatible wetting agent applied to it to speed the process of filling the pores with saline.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Dean F. Carson
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Patent number: 5930109Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor having several cathode layers and several anode layers stacked in a single housing. At least some of the anode layers are electrically interconnected in a group electrically isolated from another group of electrically interconnected anodes. Separate electrical connections permit the separate groups to be independently connected to external circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Matthew G. Fishler
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Patent number: 5925067Abstract: A non-invasive programming stimulation system for performing electrophysiological testing on a cardiac patient is performed using a programmer coupled to an implantable device by a communication channel. The system generates stimulating pulses for the heart and analyzes the responses to determine the pathological condition of the heart. Advantageously, before analysis, the system automatically tests for capture by the stimulating pulses to insure that the pulses do not fall into an absolute refractory period.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Richard Lu
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Patent number: 5926357Abstract: An aluminum electrolytic capacitor with an aluminum housing defining a chamber, and having a feed-through aperture providing communication with the chamber from outside of the housing. A number of aluminum anode layers are positioned within the chamber, and a feed-through member formed of a first conductive material occupies the feed-through aperture. The feed-through member has an inner end extending into the chamber, an outer end extending externally from the housing, and an insulative sleeve encompassing an intermediate portion of the feed-through member and directly contacting the housing at the feed-through aperture to prevent electrical contact between the feed-through member and the housing. A connection element formed of a second different conductive material is attached to the inner end of feed-through member and spaced apart from the housing. A compressible insulative gasket may be positioned between the housing and the connection element to provide insulation and a fluid seal.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: William H. Elias, Timothy A. Fayram
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Patent number: 5925068Abstract: Improved methods of determining the recommended replacement time (RRT), and therefore extending the longevity, of implantable electronic medical devices, especially implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, pacemakers and similar devices which rely on a battery having at least a minimal charge in order for the device to perform its intended function and devices employing these methods are described. In one embodiment the improved method entails independent measurement of at least two different indicators of battery strength, at least one of which is affected by the battery's internal impedance. In a preferred embodiment, terminal battery voltage and capacitor charge time are independently monitored. If the terminal battery voltage falls below a predetermined minimum threshold or the capacitor charge time is confirmed to exceed a predetermined maximum charge time, an RRT signal is issued.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Mark W. Kroll
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Patent number: 5922215Abstract: A method for making anode foil plates for use with layered electrolytic capacitors and capacitors made with such plates. A high purity aluminum foil is provided for generation of anode foil plates. Sheets of the foil are highly etched to provide a very high surface area. Following the etch process, the foil is partially cut or punched into plates from the etched sheets in the general shape of the finished capacitor housing with a portion remaining connected to the supporting foil. The supporting foil with the partially punched-out etched plates are subjected to a forming process by applying a voltage to the plates in the presence of an electrolyte to provide formed anode foil plates with edges which do not have to be reformed during capacitor aging and which do not have any particulates at cut edges. The formed anode plates are layered with cathode plates and separators in a capacitor housing with an electrolyte to provide a finished capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin D. Pless, William H. Elias, Sam Parler, J. Scott McCall
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Patent number: 5919214Abstract: A method for ensuring two-sided telemetry in implantable cardiac therapy devices by making at least one of the following operating parameters selectable (reversible): (1) the direction of current detection of the telemetry circuitry of the implantable cardiac therapy device; (2) the direction of the magnetic field produced by the transmit coil of an external telemetry device (programming wand); (3) the direction of the magnetic field produced by the T/R coil of the implantable cardiac therapy device; and/or (4) the direction of current detection of the telemetry circuitry of the programming wand. In a presently contemplated implementation, when it is desired to read-out data from the implantable cardiac therapy device and/or to re-program the device parameters, a telemetry operation is attempted in the normal manner, i.e., it is initiated by the programming wand.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Timothy E. Ciciarelli, Stephen T. Archer
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Patent number: 5913879Abstract: An implantable detection and therapy device allow prediction of the vasovagal syncope for use in administering therapy to a subject, the therapy including pacing pulses or drug delivery, or a combination thereof. The detection and therapy device includes a sensor which obtains blood flow velocity data or blood pressure data either in the area of the tricuspid valve or in the superior vena cava. The data are utilized in a control unit to identify the occurrence of venous pooling, which is recognized by the occurrence of a sudden reduction of the peak values of blood flow velocity waves or blood pressure waves. If this sudden reduction of the blood flow velocity waves or blood pressure waves is preceded by a sudden increase in the sinus heartbeat rate, the reduction is identified as being caused by venous pooling. The sudden increase in sinus heartbeat rate is caused by the increased sympathetic activity preceding the vasovagal syncope.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter ABInventors: Bozidar Ferek-Petric, Branko Breyer
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Patent number: 5908151Abstract: A capacitor and a method for making the capacitor using ultrasonic welding to join the cathode layers together are provided. The capacitor includes a housing defining a chamber with a step provided at an inner portion of the housing. A plurality of capacitor layers each including a cathode foil, a separator and an anode foil, each having alignment holes therein to precisely fit with alignment elements housing, is positioned within the chamber, with the alignment holes mating with the alignment elements. The housing is electrically conductive for connection to the cathode foils. Each cathode foil includes a cathode tab which extends away from the foil. The cathode tabs are pressed together and ultrasonically welded to the housing step abutting the periphery of the interior of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: William H. Elias
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Patent number: 5908392Abstract: The system of the present invention records and stores, in long-term memory and in form of data snapshots, medical data acquired prior to and subsequent to an occurrence of cardiac episodes and implantable device functions defined as important by the medical practitioner. The system provides the medical practitioner with the ability to specify trigger criteria representative of important cardiac episodes and implantable device functions. The system of the present invention allows the medical practitioner to control the amount of medical data stored in the data snapshots. The system allows the medical practitioner to specify a mode of storing data snapshots when the maximum storage capacity of long-term memory has been reached. In a first mode, the system stores data snapshots in a circular buffer manner, overwriting the older data snapshots. In a second mode, the system stops storing new data snapshots after the maximum storage capacity of long-term memory has been reached.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1996Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Raymond J. Wilson, Laurence S. Sloman
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Patent number: 5906633Abstract: A system for delivering low pain cardioversion shocks to the heart wherein the system provides a waveform to the heart that is biphasic and has rounded leading and trailing edges. The rounded leading and trailing edges are believed to decrease the discomfort experienced by the patient. In one embodiment, the circuit has a two capacitors connected in parallel with each other and with an H-bridge. The two capacitors are connected via a switch that can be closed so as to simultaneously charge one capacitor from the other while simultaneously applying voltage to the H-bridge. The circuit also includes a dump resistor that can be connected in parallel with the capacitors so as to increase the rounding of the trailing edges of the waveform. In another embodiment, controllable switches can also be included so as to be able to connect the capacitors in series and apply a sharp peak defibrillation waveform to the heart.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1998Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Mouchawar, Robert J. Sweeney, Mark W. Kroll
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Patent number: 5902329Abstract: An extractable lead and method for chronic blood contacting use. The new lead contains a hydrogel coating having a thickness increase greater than 10% when hydrated. A thick coating is used to provide a shear layer so that the coating tears during extraction, either at the coating/lead interface, between layers of the coating itself, or at the coating/tissue interface. Furthermore, because of the flexibility of such a thick coating, contracture of any fibrous capsule that may have formed is not a problem during extraction, since instead of contracting onto the lead, it contracts onto the flexible coating which can be extracted out of the tight capsule.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Drew A. Hoffmann, Dean F. Carson
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Patent number: 5899928Abstract: A system and method for pulse modulating a cardiac pacing signal provides a way to have the pulse modulation characteristics be descriptive of critical information relating to the operational performance of an implanted pacemaker. The patient's ECG/EKG signal is modulated by varying the pulse-intervals of a prescribed plurality of ventricular stimulation pulses in a manner descriptive of important pacer/patient information, such as Pacemaker Battery Status, Pacemaker Sensor Function, Impedance of the Atrial Lead, Impedance of the Ventricular Lead, Existence of Specified Rhythmic Conditions, Indicated Extrsystoles Rates, and other related parameters. The resulting pulse-modulated signal is suitable for transtelephonic transmission to remote locations for subsequent demodulation and analysis. The preferred method comprises the steps of determining or measuring parametric information for selected pacemaker parameters of the implanted pacemaker, varying the pulse characteristics (i.e.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1997Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Jason A. Sholder, Kenneth Valikai