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Abstract

A method and apparatus for activating a pulsatile heart-lung bypass pump, intra-aortic balloon pump or the like on a patient whose heart is externally paced by a pacemaker of the type having a surface with an optical indicating device which emits optical signals corresponding to pacer signals generated by the pacemaker. The method comprises the steps of optically sensing the optical signals, converting the optical signals sensed into electrical signals phased with the pacer signals generated by the pacemaker, and activating the pump in response to the electrical signals for operation of the pump in phase with the pacer signals. The apparatus accomplishes the steps of the method by use of optical coupling transistors within a bracket adapted for disposition in covering facing relation with the surface of the pacemaker for sensing by the transistors of optical signals emitted by the optical indicating device, the transistors convert the optical signal to electrical signals, and an activating circuit electrically shapes the waveforms of the electrical signals to simulate ECG signals that are applied to activate the pump.

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First Claim