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Abstract

An anti-reentry apparatus and method for reverting ventricular arrhythmias. Biphasic stimulation is applied at multiple ventricular sites to revert arrhythmias caused by reentry, particularly multiple random reentry. In the preferred embodiment, the first phase of biphasic stimulation is anodal, and is at a maximum subthreshold amplitude. The anodal phase preconditions the myocardium to accept the second phase (cathodal) such that less electrical energy is required to reach the threshold amplitude to produce depolarization. The anodal phase stimulation may have a shape over time that is square wave, ramped, or a series of short square wave pulses. Multiple electrodes located at multiple ventricular sites may be stimulated simultaneously, or they may be sequentially stimulated over time in a manner mimicking the normal progress pattern of cardiac depolarization. The multiple ventricular electrodes may stimulate from internal or external surfaces. One or both ventricles may receive biphasic stimulation from multiple electrodes. The invention also may be practiced with respect to atria.

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First Claim