Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An implantable variable rate cardiac pacemaker adaptive to patient exercise has a sensor responsive to each of several preselected different static physical positions of the implant patient to produce electrical output signals uniquely representative of the different physical positions. The pulse generator of the pacemaker is responsive to each output signal of the sensor to generate pacing pulses at a rate different from the rates generated in response to each of the other output signals of the sensor, so that each preselected different physical position has its own representative pacing pulse rate for stimulation of the patient's heart. The generator includes a rate control section adapted to respond to a change by the implant patient from one preselected physical position to another by producing a predetermined pattern of transition from the rate representative of the old position to the rate representative of the new position. In circumstances where the old position is a supine, reclining or prone position and the new position is standing, the rate control is effected to cause a transition from the old rate (for lying or seated reclining position) to the new rate (for the standing position) by first abruptly increasing the rate to a magnitude substantially exceeding the desired new rate and then gradually reducing the magnitude to the new rate. In other position changes, a smooth transition is effected between the old and new rates.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim