Abstract: An apparatus for determining a physical condition in a living subject by determining peripheral resistance to flow is wherein peripheral resistance to flow is determined by measuring changes in the pressure drop characteristic in an artery during diastole. The pressure drop characteristic can be determined by measuring absolute pressure, relative pressure or dimensional changes in the artery during diastole. The apparatus can advantageously be used in a rate-responsive heart stimulator.

Abstract: A pacemaker system which includes a fast responding temperature sensor located near the distal end of a transvenous pacing lead generates a cycle-by-cycle variation of temperature indicative of the mechanical pumping action of the heart. A timer is used to define a detection window after the generation of a pacing pulse. The occurrence of a detected depolarization within the detection window indicates that the pacing pulses capture the heart.

Abstract: The implantable device, of the Holter intervention type, permits the detection and the polygraphic analysis (ECG, TA, haemodynamics, resonant frequencies), of the cardiovascular parameters, especially in the active sequence of current cycles, permitting the instantaneous activation of a cardiac electrical or neurovegetative or pharmacological stimulation. The device comprises automatic adaptation means permitting the active permanent monitoring of the hearts treated, repaired by prosthesis (especially valvular, arterial or myocardial), or repaired by transgenic tissue graft (including a graft in the presence of specific growth factors such as FGF).