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:
Jun. 19, 2007
Filed:
Mar. 31, 2005
Douglas A. Hettrick, Blaine, MN (US);
David E. Euler, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Douglas A. Hettrick, Blaine, MN (US);
David E. Euler, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A method of evaluating ventricular performance of a heart employing sensors to measure a ventricular dimension signal and deriving indices of ventricular performance therefrom. Premature Shortening (PS) and Isovolumic Lengthening (IL) comprise two indices of ventricular performance determined from analysis of the left ventricular dimension signal during the transition from ventricular filling to ventricular ejection. Measured values of PS and IL are compared to other measured values or reference values to determine if ventricular performance has improved (or worsened). In some embodiments, the dimension sensors may comprise piezoelectric sonomicrometer crystals that operate as ultrasound transmitters and receivers. The sensors may be mounted in relation to a ventricle of the heart either temporarily or permanently, and may be configured either separately from or integrally with cardiac pacing leads.