Importance

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Abstract

A system for controlling end diastolic volume of the heart is disclosed. The system includes an EDV sensor constructed and arranged to measure a parameter related to the end diastolic volume of the heart, and a heart stimulator, responsive to the EDV sensor, constructed and arranged to invoke systole when the measured parameter reaches a predetermined level, the parameter reaching that level prior to termination of diastole. Preferably, the heart stimulator may be a pacemaker. The EDV sensor may be any sensor constructed to measure a parameter related to the end diastolic volume of the heart, or another selected physiological or patho-physiological condition of the heart, including a strain sensor, a stress sensor, a dimension sensor, an impedance sensor, an optical sensor, a microwave sensor, or another sensor constructed to measure a parameter related to the end diastolic volume of the heart, or another selected physiological or patho-physiological condition of the heart. A method for controlling end diastolic volume of the heart including the steps of measuring a parameter that is related to the end diastolic volume of the heart, and invoking systole before termination of diastole when the measured parameter reaches a predetermined level is also disclosed.

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