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:
Nov. 02, 1999
Filed:
Mar. 13, 1998
Bruce H KenKnight, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Raymond E Ideker, Birmingham, AL (US);
Robert S Booker, III, St. Paul, MN (US);
Stephen J Hahn, Shoreview, MN (US);
UAB Research Foundation, Birmingham, AL (US);
Abstract
An implantable system for the defibrillation or cardioversion of the heart of a patient in need of such treatment comprises a plurality of primary electrodes, a power supply, and a control circuit. Preferably, at least one auxiliary electrode is also included. The plurality of primary electrodes are configured for delivering a defibrillation pulse along a predetermined current pathway in a first portion of the heart, the current pathway defining a weak field area in a second portion of the heart. The at least one auxiliary electrode is configured for delivering an auxiliary pulse to the a portion of the heart where the primary shock field intensity is at or near a minimum. The control circuit is operatively associated with the primary electrodes, the auxiliary electrode, and the power supply, with the control circuit configured for delivering a cardioversion sequence comprising an auxiliary pulse sufficient to induce a cessation of propagation in the weak field area through the auxiliary electrode, followed by a defibrillation pulse through the primary electrodes delivered during the cessation of propagation in the weak field area.