Method and apparatus for rate-responsive cardiac pacing using header mounted pressure wave transducer

Abstract

In a pacemaker, a method and apparatus for providing rate response in proportion to the patient's metabolic demand for cardiac output as determined in response to the patient's breathing rate or respiratory minute ventilation or contraction strength, optionally augmented by the patient's activity level. An implantable pulse generator (IPG) has one or more pacing leads having a proximal end coupled to the IPG and a distal end in contact with a patient's heart. A pressure wave transducer mounted in the IPG in relation to the proximal end of the pacing lead senses pressure waves transmitted from the distal end of the pacing lead to the proximal end thereof. The pressure waves originate from disturbances imparted to the lead by heart contractions and breathing. A further isolated, reference sensor is also incorporated into the IPG in a similar fashion. An activity signal processor is coupled to the pressure wave or reference sensor for providing a patient activity physiologic signal. A respiration signal processor is coupled to said pressure wave and reference transducers for nulling out common mode noise and providing physiologic respiration rate and/or respiratory minute ventilation signals. A contraction strength signal processor is coupled to said pressure wave and reference transducers for nulling out common mode noise and providing physiologic contraction strength signals. Pacing rate control circuitry is responsive to one or more of the physiologic signals for setting the pacing rate to meed the metabolic demand.