Pacemaker programming apparatus utilizing a computer system with

Abstract

A digital computer system is disclosed as associated with a processor unit and including an EKG shaping and amplifying circuit coupled by electrodes to various portions of the patient's body, whereby artifact signals as generated by an implanted pacemaker are sensed and applied by the shaping and amplifying circuit to the processor unit and in particular, to its interrupt input. There is further included a key board which includes a measure key which upon actuation enables the interrupt input of the processor unit to receive the artifact signals. The processor unit detects first and second, successive pacer artifact pulses to actuate a first counter to count pulses for that interval between the first and second pulses and to initiate a second counter to measure the pulse width of at least one of the pulses. In an illustrative embodiment of this invention, the first such pulse initiates the first counter within the unit and the second pulse terminates the counting of the first counter to provide an indication of interval therebetween and thus the pulse rate of the pacing pulses. The second counter is initiated to count upon the occurence of the leading edge of the second pulse and terminates counting upon the sensing of the trailing edge of the second pulse to thereby provide an indication of pulse width.