Importance

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Abstract

An implantable medical device for controlling a physiological function includes functional apparatus for controllably duplicating the selected normal physiological function of the patient's body. A sensor detects the physical orientation of the implanted medical device within the body, which is indicative of whether the patient is standing, sitting or reclining. The sensor is also responsive to forces of acceleration on the medical device within the body, indicative of the state of rest or activity movement of the patient. Apparatus in the device is responsive to the physical position and the physical state of the patient, as detected by the sensor, to control the duplication of the normal physiological function according to that position and state. In one embodiment, the medical device is a cardiac pacemaker and the physiological function is heart rate. The sensor of that embodiment includes a chamber, a mercury ball confined within the chamber, and a multiplicity of electrodes within the chamber for making or not making electrical contact with the ball to signify the physical orientation of the medical device. The electrodes are disposed about a surface of the chamber against which the ball normally resides, such that movement of the patient causes movement of the ball and interrupted makings of contact between electrodes.

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First Claim