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Abstract

An apparatus and method for treating post-defibrillation electromechanical dissociation ('EMD'). A first embodiment comprises an implantable defibrillator, which may include cardioversion and pacemaker capabilities, which has the capability of detecting and treating post defibrillation EMD. The stimulator/defibrillator has one or more leads with electrodes. At least one electrode for defibrillation may be an endocardial or epicardial electrode or other suitable defibrillation electrode. A sense circuit senses the electrical condition of the heart of the patient. A hemodynamic sensor senses a parameter correlated to the state of blood flow. The cardiac stimulator/defibrillator detects ventricular tachyarrhythmia including fibrillation and terminates ventricular tachyarrhythmia. After termination of the ventricular tachyarrhythmia, the stimulator/defibrillator can detect the presence of electrical rhythm in the heart correlated, however, with inadequate blood flow to sustain life. Under such conditions, the device provides an output to stimulate the heart to overcome electromechanical dissociation and restore adequate blood flow. The device may also be an external therapy device, as part of, or in conjunction with an external defibrillator. The method for treating the heart to restore blood flow where electromechanical dissociation occurs after termination of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation comprises identifying electromechanical disassociation after termination of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia or a fibrillation and providing electrical therapy, the therapy comprising a series of packets of electrical pulses.

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First Claim