Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A system for therapeutic stimulation of a patient's heart includes means for varying the escape interval or rate of a means for producing pacing pulses. Pressure sensing means sense pressure at a site in the circulatory system of a patient. Signal producing means respond to output from the sensing means to develop a variable first signal representative of mean pressure at the site over a period of predetermined duration. Signal producing means respond to output from the sensing means for developing a second signal representing mean pressure at the site over a period of given duration less than the period of predetermined duration. Control signal producing means responsive to the first signal and to the second signal develop a control signal upon the first signal and the second signal differing by at least a predetermined amount. Control means, responsive to the control signal, control the means for varying the escape interval or rate of the means for producing pacing pulses. The escape interval or rate may be additionally controlled by a second control signal related to the activity level of the patient either conjointly or contemporaneously. A method of therapeutic stimulation of a patient's heart is also disclosed. The method can be viewed as an analogue of the system.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim