Medtronic, Inc.

Vitatron Medical B. V.

Biotronik Mes-Und Therpiegeräte Gmbh & Co. Ingenieurbüro Berlin

Daniel Flammang

Frits M Van Krieken

An electrode arrangement, in particular for the intracardial discharge of defibrillation pulses in the atrium of a heart, comprising an electrode line which in the region of its distal end has a plurality of electrically conductive surface portions as electrodes which can be electrically connected by way of the electrode line to an electrical pulsedischarging device such as defibrillator, wherein the electrode line is adapted to be split in the electrode-bearing region of its distal end into at least two respectively electrode-bearing branches.

Electrode lead with multiple branches

A method and apparatus for identifying cardiac arrhythmias. In the preferred embodiment the invention is embodied in an implantable pulse generator. The IPG features a system to analyze the sensed ECG. The system utilizes an algorithm able to quantify continuously the sensed cardiac rhythm. The algorithm features essentially two parts, a pre-diagnostic program ('PDP'), which is able to discriminate up to 95% of all sensed rhythms, and a diagnostic program ('DP'), which is able to discriminate the remaining sensed rhythms. The pre-diagnostic program is relatively quicker and draws less energy as compared to the diagnostic program. The pre-diagnostic program functions by regularly measuring the dv/dt of the sensed ECG. These values are then converted into an index value to thereby quantify the sensed cardiac rhythm. After any noise is rejected, the algorithm permits an automatic discrimination of normal sinus rhythm from atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular flutter. In cases where other rhythms are sensed, the algorithm then utilizes the diagnostic program. The diagnostic program compares a series of sensed values from the sensed ECG to a series of references values. Through the various values examined, a discrimination among various arrhythmias is accomplished.

Method and apparatus using windows and an index value for identifying

There is provided a pacemaker lead for use in a dual chamber pacemaker system, wherein the single lead provides for ventricular pacing and atrial sensing. The lead has at least two floating bipoles positioned for placement in the atrium. A first whole-ring bipole is positioned a distance from the distal end so as to be positioned in the lower atrium of an average patient when the distal end is in position for ventricular pacing, and a second split-ring bipole is placed on the lead proximal from the first bipole so as to be positioned in the upper atrium of the normal patient. The method thus comprises positioning a floating whole-ring bipole in the lower atrium, and/or positioning a floating split-ring bipole in the upper atrium. The pair of bipoles so placed provide for atrial sensing with a high degree of ventricular far-field rejection, enabling VDD pacing and also monitoring of P-wave direction and conduction duration.

Growing community of inventors

Angouleme, France

Daniel Flammang