Implantable cardiac stimulation device with warning system and

Abstract

A cardiac simulator including a patient warning apparatus, having an electrically conductive suture point in electrical communication with the patient warning apparatus. An electrically conductive suture passed through the suture point connects said stimulator mechanically and electrically to excitable tissue such as skeletal tissue. Inside the suture point is a connection for assuring a reliable electrical contact between the suture point and the suture. The cardiac stimulator automatically alters the peak voltage of its output stimulus whenever a condition exists requiring patient notification or warning. A specialized shunt circuit mounted within the stimulator or in the header of the stimulator re-directs electrical current from the standard stimulation electrode to the electrically conductive suture point. A controlled switch may be mounted within a hermetically sealed can of the stimulator to re-direct a stimulation pulse to the suture point. The controlled switch could also be mounted in the header. A dedicated stimulation circuit could also be used. The connection inside the suture point may comprise conductive metal fingers or bristles, a toroidal, multi-filar or woven conductor or an electrically conductive polymer.