Abstract: For temporary cardiac pacing, non-bioelectrical monitoring of intracardiac blood pressure variations is provided in the right ventricle. Unlike traditional bioelectric sensing, which is accomplished via the pacing leads, pressure based sensing can be independently accomplished from anywhere within the volume of the right ventricle, making it unnecessary to force a stiff pacing electrode tip into the myocardium to ensure quality sensing. Consequently, the distal pacing electrode can be designed with a more bulbous tip to significantly reduce the risk of myocardial perforation during implant. An inflatable bladder, employed initially to guide the catheter into the right ventricle, is subsequently employed as a fluid pressure sensor bulb to transmit intracardiac blood pressure variations to a fluid pressure transducer integral within the pacing controller.

Abstract: Manually and autonomously configured non-bioelectrical-monitoring backup and/or primary pacemaker sensing is provided in the right ventricle and in the right atrium. Non-bioelectrical-monitoring is accomplished via direct, in-chamber metering and analysis of right ventricle and right atrium dynamic intracardiac pressures. A sensor is located on the right ventricular lead, another on the right atrial lead, and both are connected to the pacemaker. Right ventricular and right atrial dynamic intracardiac pressures are monitored and analyzed to indicate the presence or absence of contraction, relaxation and acceptable rhythm.