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Abstract

A novel electrode apparatus and method for use with an automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator. The electrode apparatus includes a catheter electrode intravenously positioned within the heart of a patient wherein one electrode, defined by the catheter, is within the right ventricle and a second electrode, defined by the catheter, spaced from the first electrode, is within the superior vena cava. A third electrode, in the form of a flexible, substantially planar patch, is subcutaneously positioned outside the thoracic cavity proximate to the apex of the left ventricle. The third electrode is electrically connected with the second electrode of the catheter. The electrode arrangement can be implanted without opening of the thoracic cavity by intravenously placing the catheter electrode within the heart of a patient and subcutaneously implanting the patch electrode between the skin and the thoracic cavity. The automatic implantable cardioverter/defibrillator senses life-threatening arrhythmic conditions of the heart and issues at least one cardioverting or defibrillating pulse that is applied between the electrode positioned within the right ventricle and the electrode pair comprising the electrodes positioned within the superior vena cava and subcutaneously adjacent the apex of the left ventricle.

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