Implantable pacing and defibrillation system with illuminated generators

Abstract

A pacemaker defibrillator system implantable in the intercostal space of a mammalian patient is configured with sensors to sense electrical, mechanical and blood flow activity of the heart from the base to the apex, and the patient position, and to generate corresponding signals responsive to the sensed cardiac situation, as well as to provide instantaneous display of the cardiac situation and the system operational situation using an LCD and multicolor LEDs generating signals which can be seen through the skin of the patient. The system includes at least two flexible electrical generators contoured to conform to the anatomy of the intercostal space and embedded with electrodes for measuring electrical activity, as well as echocardiographic piezoelectric electrodes for measuring mechanical activity of the heart and Doppler blood flow. The system is equipped with microprocessors to analyze a cardiac situation based on the sensors' readings, produce a diagnosis, and generate the therapeutic strategy, such as 'pacing or shocking pulse' in a life-threatening situation, or 'observe' in non-life-threatening situations, meanwhile providing a bedside instantaneous on-demand display of the heart rhythm and the system's functionality through the patient's skin.