The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 21, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 02, 1995
John P Rosborough, Houston, TX (US);
M Zafar Munshi, Missouri City, TX (US);
Chris A Bonnerup, Houston, TX (US);
Sulzer Intermedics Inc., Angleton, TX (US);
Abstract
An implantable cardiac stimulator delivers a first electrical shock via implantable stimulating electrodes at a time when there is substantially no flow of blood. At least one of the stimulating electrodes is disposed in a blood flow path of the cardiovascular system. The first shock is of insufficient energy level to cause defibrillation. An electrical potential is measured as a function of time between the blood-contacting electrode and a reference electrode following delivery of the first shock to obtain a first potential equilibration function under no-flow conditions. A second therapeutic electrical shock, of sufficient energy level to effect defibrillation, is delivered via the stimulating electrodes. A second potential equilibration function is measured following delivery of the second shock. The first and second potential equilibration functions are compared, and if the two functions are sufficiently different in morphology, it is determined that blood is flowing.