Charles U Smith

Title: Innovations of Charles U. Smith in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Introduction

Charles U. Smith, a prominent inventor located in Minnetonka, MN, holds an impressive portfolio of seven patents. His innovative work primarily focuses on the advancements in implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), devices crucial in treating life-threatening heart conditions. The innovations he has developed significantly enhance the practicality and efficiency of these medical devices.

Latest Patents

Among his latest contributions to the field, Smith has developed an implantable cardioverter defibrillator with a smaller mass. This capacitor-discharge ICD weighs less than 120 grams, achieved by optimizing internal components to deliver a maximum defibrillation countershock with a minimum physiologically effective current (I.sub.pe). Notably, the device requires less than 30 Joules of electrical charge energy (E.sub.c), which results in a reduced size of the capacitor to under 125 μF. Consequently, this design allows for practical subcutaneous implantation in the pectoral region of patients, making it a remarkable advancement in medical technology. Furthermore, the charging time for each defibrillation countershock is optimized to less than 10 seconds, with a pulse duration reduced to less than 6 milliseconds.

Another of Smith’s notable patents describes an implantable cardioverter defibrillator with smaller energy storage requirements. Similar to his first patent, this innovation maintains a minimum effective current (I.sub.pe) for efficient defibrillation while decreasing the overall energy storage capacity of the device to less than 1.0 Amp-hours. These advancements signify a major step forward in the accessibility and comfort of ICDs for patients.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Charles U. Smith has worked with esteemed organizations, including Angeion Corporation and Angelon Corporation. His role in these companies allowed him to push the boundaries of cardiac device technology and contribute significantly to advancements in the field.

Collaborations

Smith has collaborated with several notable individuals, including Mark W. Kroll and Theodore P. Adams. Their combined efforts in research and development have led to significant breakthroughs in the efficiency and functionality of implantable cardiac devices.

Conclusion

Charles U. Smith's innovations and patents reflect his commitment to improving medical technology and enhancing patient care. His contributions to the design and functionality of implantable cardioverter defibrillators have not only advanced the field but have also made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals requiring these critical medical devices.