Abstract: Preventing sudden cardiac death involves providing an implantable device configured to deliver only two forms of cardiac therapy, the two forms of cardiac therapy including an anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy and an asystole prevention pacing therapy. The tachyarrhythmia therapy is delivered in response to detecting a tachyarrhythmia, and the pacing therapy is delivered in response to detection of cardiac asystole. An implantable cardiac device for preventing sudden cardiac death may be configured to be fully operational upon setting a therapy On/Off parameter and two or less programmable parameters associated with therapy delivery. Control circuitry configures the device for operation to prevent sudden cardiac death after programming the two or less programmable parameters and enabling the therapy On/Off parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for sensing of cardiac activity from a subcutaneous, non-intrathoracic location, and detecting a cardiac condition necessitating treatment in response to the sensed cardiac activity. One of a number of cardiac therapies may be selectively delivered to treat the detected cardiac condition, such cardiac therapies including at least a tachycardia therapy, a bradycardia therapy, and an asystole prevention therapy.

Abstract: A cardiac sensing and stimulation system includes a housing within which energy delivery circuitry and detection circuitry are provided. Subcutaneous electrodes are coupled to the energy delivery and detection circuitry and arranged in a non-contacting relationship with respect to cardiac tissue, great vessels, and coronary vasculature. A lead system is coupled to the energy delivery and detection circuitry. The lead system electrodes are configured to contact cardiac tissue, great vessels, or coronary vasculature. A controller, provided in the housing, is coupled to the energy delivery and detection circuitry. The controller configures the system to operate in a first mode using at least the subcutaneous electrodes, and to operate in a second mode using at least the lead electrodes. The controller can selectively switch between the first and second modes, and selectively enable and disable components and circuitry associated with the first and second modes and combinations of these modes.

Abstract: Preventing sudden cardiac death involves providing an implantable device configured to deliver only two forms of cardiac therapy, the two forms of cardiac therapy including an anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy and an asystole prevention pacing therapy. The tachyarrhythmia therapy is delivered in response to detecting a tachyarrhythmia, and the pacing therapy is delivered in response to detection of cardiac asystole. An implantable cardiac device for preventing sudden cardiac death may be configured to be fully operational upon setting a therapy On/Off parameter and two or less programmable parameters associated with therapy delivery. Control circuitry configures the device for operation to prevent sudden cardiac death after programming the two or less programmable parameters and enabling the therapy On/Off parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for sensing of cardiac activity from a subcutaneous, non-intrathoracic location, and detecting a cardiac condition necessitating treatment in response to the sensed cardiac activity. One of a number of cardiac therapies may be selectively delivered to treat the detected cardiac condition, such cardiac therapies including at least a tachycardia therapy, a bradycardia therapy, and an asystole prevention therapy.

Abstract: A reconfigurable cardiac device includes a housing, and detection circuitry and energy delivery circuitry provided in the housing. One or more subcutaneous, non-intrathoracic electrodes are coupled to the energy delivery and detection circuitry. A lead interface is provided on the housing and coupled to the energy delivery and detection circuitry. The lead interface is configured to receive at least one lead that includes one or more intrathoracic lead electrodes. A controller is provided in the housing and coupled to the lead interface and the energy delivery and detection circuitry. The system is operable in a first configuration using the subcutaneous electrodes in the absence of the lead and operable in a second configuration using at least one or more of the lead electrodes. The system is capable of providing cardiac activity sensing and stimulation in each of the first and second system configurations, respectively.