Importance

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Abstract

A multi-mode, adaptable, implantable pacemaker is described including a microprocessor and memory programmed or capable of being programmed with a variety of processes for stimulating the patient's heart and/or for sensing and transmitting to a device external of the patient's body, various conditions of or activities of the patient's heart, or conditions of the pacemaker itself. The pacemaker includes a multiplexer by which a variety of analog and digital inputs are accessed under the control of the microprocessor and operated upon by the processes stored in the memory and executed by the microprocessor. The output of the pacemaker comprises a plurality of latch drivers and switches, which are selectively operable to apply stimulation to the patient's heart, as well as to sense signals indicative of the patient's heart activity as well as other internal conditions. The pacemaker is capable of transmitting these signals via a link such as an RF or acoustical link to an external monitoring apparatus. The external apparatus may transmit code signals to be received by the pacemaker, whereby the pacemaker's memory may be reprogrammed, dependent upon change of the patient's condition. Illustratively, the memory is divided into a plurality of blocks and control signals may be sent from the external apparatus to address the initial or starting location within another block, whereby another, selected program or process may be executed by the microprocessor.

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First Claim