Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator or stand-alone hemodynamic monitor that uses an acoustic transducer responsive to heart sounds to detect the hemodynamic status of a patient. A hermetic housing encloses the device electronics and the device housing includes at least one substantially planar face configured to act as a diaphragm in response to acoustic waves. A transducer positioned inside the device housing provides an output signal to the device electronics responsive to vibration of the diaphragm. Embodiments of the transducer include a piezoelectric element and laser interferometer. The hemodynamic information may be used in various ways including arrhythmia discrimination and pacing and sensing optimization.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim