Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for delivery of pacing in response to a premature atrial contraction (PAC) to prevent atrial arrhythmia, i.e., delivery of post-PAC pacing pulses. The techniques may involve monitoring the success rate of prior post-PAC pacing sequences, and adjusting the number of post-PAC pacing pulses delivered subsequent post-PAC pacing sequences based on a success rate. In addition, the techniques may involve adjusting the post-PAC pacing interval based on the success rate.

Abstract: A method for enabling a programming device to upload a distributed software upgrade into a reprogrammable device having a unique serial number, the software upgrade having a unique upgrade identifier. The method comprises the steps of calculating a first enabling code as a function of the unique upgrade identifier and the unique serial number and comparing the first enabling code to a second enabling code received from a registry. Also disclosed is an apparatus for changing a heart-stimulating waveform comprising an implanted reprogrammable medical device (IRMD) having a unique serial number, an IRMD software upgrade program having a unique media identifier, and a programming device for uploading the IRMD software upgrade program into the IRMD.

Abstract: A soothing program for anti-atrial tachyarrhymia therapy operates within a natural intrinsic atrial rate band for increased patient comport and improved therapy. The implantable pacemakers is configured with an atrial event detector, an anti-atrial tachyarrhymia progam that produces an anti-tachyarrhymia therapy, and a soothing program. The soothing program resides in memory and adjusts the anti-atrial tachyarrhymia program. The soothing program has an acceleration rate within a natural intrinsic atrial rate band upon detection of an atrial tachyarrhymia event and a deceleration rate also within the natural intrinsic atrial rate band to adjust the anti-atrial tachyarrhymia therapy. Some embodiments can adjust the anti-atrial tachyarrhymia therapy to maintain natural atrial activation and reduce patient discomfort such as palpitations.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to techniques for delivery of pacing in response to a premature atrial contraction (PAC) to prevent atrial arrhythmia, i.e., delivery of post-PAC pacing pulses. The techniques may involve monitoring the success rate of prior post-PAC pacing sequences, and adjusting the number of post-PAC pacing pulses delivered subsequent post-PAC pacing sequences based on a success rate. In addition, the techniques may involve adjusting the post-PAC pacing interval based on the success rate.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system and method incorporate DSP processing and software algorithms for collecting signal amplitude data and noise data, and organizing the data for automatic checking of signal channel gain and signal detection sensitivity. Unfiltered signals are used to obtain values representative of maximum amplitude, which values are stored in a gain histogram, from which determination of the percentage of clipped signals can be made. Gain is adjusted by limiting clipping to a predetermined range of allowed clipping, to optimize use of the DSP range. The signals, both P waves and R waves for a dual chamber system, are also processed by DSP and parameters representing maximum amplitudes are stored in amplitude histograms. At the same time, noise is analyzed for respective windows of time following each ventricular event, and noise amplitude data is stored in noise histograms.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system and method incorporate DSP processing and software algorithms for collecting signal amplitude data and noise data, and organizing the data for automatic checking of signal channel gain and signal detection sensitivity. Unfiltered signals are used to obtain values representative of maximum amplitude, which values are stored in a gain histogram, from which determination of the percentage of clipped signals can be made. Gain is adjusted by limiting clipping to a predetermined range of allowed clipping, to optimize use of the DSP range. The signals, both P waves and R waves for a dual chamber system, are also processed by DSP and parameters representing maximum amplitudes are stored in amplitude histograms. At the same time, noise is analyzed for respective windows of time following each ventricular event, and noise amplitude data is stored in noise histograms.

Abstract: A system for a method of classifying distinct signals sensed from an electrode of an implantable cardiac pacing system positioned within an atrium of a heart of a patient is disclosed. The cardiac pacing system includes a pulse generator for generating pacing pulses and a controller for controlling the operation of a pacemaker. The method includes collecting atrial event signals consisting of P-wave signals and far field R-wave signals. An interim form factor histogram is generated based upon a form of collected atrial event signals. The interim form factor histogram includes an interim P-wave form factor histogram and an interim far field R-wave form factor histogram, each having bins of atrial event signals. A previously generated form factor histogram is weighted and combined with the interim form factor histogram to create a representative form factor histogram.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having a tri-polar pacing and sensing lead is disclosed. The implantable medical device includes a lead capable of insertion into a heart of a patient. The lead further includes a tip electrode, a first ring electrode positioned proximal from the tip electrode, and a second ring electrode positioned proximal from the first ring electrode. A first electrical signal is sensed from the heart via the tip and first ring electrodes. A second electrical signal for pacing the heart is provided to the heart via the tip and second ring electrodes. A digital signal processor is electrically coupled to the tip and first ring electrode. The digital signal processor converts the first set of electrical signals into a digital signal. Pacing electrical circuitry is electrically coupled to the tip and second ring electrodes and coupled to the digital signal processor. The pacing electrical circuitry provides electrical pulses to the heart via the tip and second ring electrodes to pace the heart.