|Publication number||US7643879 B2|
|Application number||US 11/466,974|
|Publication date||5 Jan 2010|
|Filing date||24 Aug 2006|
|Priority date||24 Aug 2006|
|Also published as||US8239023, US8504151, US20080051838, US20100100144, US20120296382, WO2008024180A1|
|Publication number||11466974, 466974, US 7643879 B2, US 7643879B2, US-B2-7643879, US7643879 B2, US7643879B2|
|Inventors||Allan C. Shuros, Michael J. Kane|
|Original Assignee||Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (95), Non-Patent Citations (13), Referenced by (10), Classifications (11), Legal Events (2)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
Event detection and therapy with biomedical devices and in particular event detection and therapy using sensors coupled with a heart valve.
The body includes a plurality of organs and systems that perform functions necessary for maintaining the health of a person. The circulatory system is one example of a system that includes the heart organ as its centerpiece. Other body systems include the respiratory system, digestive system, endocrine system, nervous system or the like. The organs of these systems provide a variety of physiological parameters useful for observing the normal and abnormal behaviors of the body. Observation of these parameters and recognition of potential normal and abnormal events through observation allows effective diagnosis or treatment of diseases, conditions or the like. The complexity of the various systems of the body provide multiple parameters that, when observed, provide insight regarding the onset of a condition or disease. Measuring each of these parameters and correctly identifying when measurements indicate a condition is difficult. Identifying a condition becomes even more difficult when some measurements indicate the onset or existence of a condition or disease while others do not.
One example of a body system is the circulatory system. The heart is the central organ for the circulatory system and includes an electromechanical system performing two major pumping functions. The left portions of the heart draw oxygenated blood from the lungs and pump it to the organs of the body to provide the organs with oxygen. The right portions of the heart draw deoxygenated blood from the organs and pump it into the lungs where the blood is oxygenated. The pumping functions are accomplished by contractions of the heart. An increase in the body's metabolic need for oxygen is satisfied primarily by a higher frequency of the contractions, i.e., a higher heart rate, along with changes in stroke volume.
Measurements of the various electrical and mechanical functions of the heart provide a variety of physiological parameters that can indicate the onset of a condition, for instance, heart failure, arrhythmia (fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia), ischemia, or the like. These physiological parameters include, for example, electrocardiac characteristics, heart sounds (e.g., S3 amplitude), DC impedance near the lungs, heart rate, respiration rate, weight, intracardiac pressure, blood flow, blood velocity, temperature, chemical presence and concentration or the like. At least some of these parameters may indicate the onset or change of a condition and thereby provide an alert that therapy or therapy adjustment is needed, such as defibrillation, change in pacing schema or the like. It is difficult, however, to determine when an event is beginning when only some measurements for these parameters indicate the onset of a condition.
In some examples, clinicians set measured parameter thresholds in implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization devices, or the like. Many clinicians adopt a conservative approach geared toward applying therapy even when therapy may not be needed. Therapy is thereby provided when at least one or more of the measurements for a parameter are above the set threshold—even when the measurements for other parameters indicate there is not an event. False positives, non-events that include measurements above at least some thresholds, thereby initiate treatment. In some circumstances, such as defibrillation shock therapy, the user of the implantable medical device receives painful and unnecessary treatment in response to such a false positive. The issues described above, with regard to cardiac therapy, such as setting conservative thresholds or the like, extend to other medical devices associated with the other organs and systems of the body.
Further, information about when many conditions begin may involve the left ventricle or left atrium. It is difficult to position sensors within the left side of the heart. The ability to precisely measure physiological parameters of the left side of the heart is thereby limited. Further still, because of the convoluted vasculature it is difficult to position electrodes for defibrillation and pacing therapy within the left side of the heart.
The present inventors have recognized that event detection systems and methods that address the above issues are needed. The present inventors have also recognized that what is further needed are implantable event detection systems capable of sensing multiple physiological parameters and providing increased specificity for delivery of therapy, such as in difficult to reach locations of the heart.
The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, logical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.
The implantable medical device 102 generally includes processor module 210 and a storage module 212. In one example, the implantable medical device 102 receives information from the heart valve 102 at a second signal communications interface 214. Similar to the signal communications interface 208, the second signal communications interface 214 of the device 102 includes, but is not limited to a transceiver, a socket for the lead assembly 104 or the like. Optionally, the implantable medical device 102 includes an amplifier 216 or other signal processing circuit coupled between the signal communications interface 208, the processor module 210 and the storage module 212. As shown in
In operation, the sensor 202 of the heart valve 110 measures at least one physiological parameter such as intrinsic cardiac electrical activity, one or more hemodynamic parameters, chemical composition of the blood, temperature, valve patency, valve functionality or the like. Optionally, the valve 110 includes multiple sensors 202, as described below, such as for measuring multiple physiological parameters. The measurement of the physiological parameter is sent through the signal processing circuit including the amplifier 206, in one example, and passed on to the signal communications interface 208. The signal communications interface 208, as described above, transmits the measurement (for instance, wirelessly, by the lead assembly 104 or the like) to the second signal communications interface 214 in the implantable medical device 102. In another example, the measurement is amplified by the amplifier 216 and sent to at least one of the storage module 212 and the comparator module 218. The measurement is compared against a specified threshold in the module 218, in yet another example. In one option, an alert is sent to the therapy module 220, for instance, if the measurement is above the specified threshold. In another option, an alert is sent to the therapy module 220 if the measurement is below the specified threshold. In still another example, the therapy module 220 sends a signal to the heart valve 110 and, in response, at least one electrode 204 at the valve 110 provides therapy (e.g., pacing, defibrillation or the like) to the heart 111 (
In another example, the measurements retained in the storage module 212 are available through the transmitter 222 for use by, for instance, the external system 106 (
In another example, the measurement of the valve leaflet 306 peak angle is performed over time. In still another example, one or more mathematical functions, such as derivatives, integrals, approximations of the same or the like are performed on the function of the valve leaflet 306 angle with respect to time. Optionally, integrating the valve leaflet angle with respect to time over a cardiac cycle provides an indication of the volume of blood flow through the valve ring 304, because the ring 304 has a consistent size and shape. In yet another example, blood flow volume is another measurement used in determining the onset of an event, changing of a condition or the like, either in addition to or in place of peak angle of the leaflet.
Where the peak angle of the valve deflection does not meet a specified threshold, as described above in
Referring now to the heart valve 400B shown in
Referring now to
In another example, because the valve ring 504 has a substantially consistent orifice 508 area, measuring the velocity of blood flow through the heart valve 500 provides information used to generate the volume of blood flow through the valve. See, for instance, the flow rate equation below, where Q is the flow rate, V is the measured velocity and A is the area of the orifice 508.
Such information (velocity, flow rate, change in flow rate or the like) can be used by the implantable medical device 102 (
Referring now to
As described below, pressure measurements can be used to assist in detecting an event (e.g., bradycardia, tachycardia, fibrillation or the like). The heart valve 700 consolidates the pressure sensors 702 with the valve 700. This provides a convenient chronic intracardiac pressure measurement without requiring a separate implanted chronic intracardiac pressure sensor. Pressure readings of the otherwise difficult to reach left side are easily obtained by the heart valve 700 and relayed to the implantable medical device 102, such as for use in providing pacing therapy, resynchronization therapy, defibrillation therapy, drug dispensing therapy or the like.
In another example, the thermal output of the heart is estimated using sensors placed to observe the difference between the blood inflow and outflow temperatures. The sensors include, for instance, thermistors, thermocouples, semiconductor junctions or similar devices. The sensed locations include, but are not limited to, right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle, aortic valve, aortic outflow tract, mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonic valve, coronary sinus, coronary veins or similar anatomic locations adjacent or containing blood flow with intimate contact to the myocardium. In one example, the sensors are located in one or more heart valves, as described herein. One arrangement for observing cardiac thermal output includes a differential temperature measurement taken from the aortic valve and the coronary sinus locations. This flow is in intimate contact with the myocardium and has sufficient transit time to communicate the heat from the tissue to the blood. The power dissipated as heat is proportional to the coronary blood flow multiplied by the difference of coronary sinus and aortic outflow temperatures. In one example, at least one of an estimate of the coronary blood flow or measurements from a flow sensor (e.g., as described herein) are used in the calculation.
The efficiency of the heart is proportional to the mean pressure of the aortic outflow tract multiplied by the cardiac output all divided by the power dissipated as heat in the muscle. The pressure of the outflow is measured, in another example, with pressure sensors included in the heart valve, as shown for instance, in
In still another example, a system of sensors for estimating cardiac efficiency measures the heat transferred to the primary right or left heart flows, for instance, with heart valves including sensors to measure temperature in the right and left sides of the heart (described above). This system is implemented with a minimum of sensors while providing an estimation of cardiac efficiency based solely on heat transfer measurements.
Referring now to
In one example, the chemical sensor 902 includes, but is not limited to an optical light emitting and detecting sensor that measures ion and/or analyte concentrations in a fluid flow (e.g., blood flow) to determine the presence and concentration of particular chemicals. The chemical sensor 902 includes a sensing element 910 adapted to translate analyte concentrations into variable color responses in one or more chromophore materials. The sensor 902 also includes an optical excitation module 912 integrated with the sensing element 910. The excitation module 912 is adapted to illuminate the sensing element 910 and produce an optical return signal that is responsive to analyte concentration. The sensor 902 also includes an optical detection module 914 integrated with the sensing element 910. The detection module 914 is adapted to monitor the intensity of the optical return signal to determine analyte concentration in interstitial fluid or plasma.
The sensing element 910 includes a fluorescent indicator and the optical return signal includes an analyte dependent fluorescent return signal, in some examples. According to various examples, the sensing element 910 includes a colorimetric indicator and the optical return signal includes an analyte dependent reflectance signal. In one example, the detection module 914 includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector. The detection module 914 includes a photodiode detector, in another example.
The excitation module 912 includes a light-emitting diode (LED) in one example. The excitation module 912 includes one or more LEDs coupled with one or more bandpass filters, each of the LED-filter combinations emitting at a different center frequency, in another example. According to yet another example, the LEDs operate at different center-frequencies, sequentially turning on and off during a measurement, illuminating the sensing element 914. As multiple different center-frequency measurements are made sequentially, a single unfiltered detector can be used. Another implementation may use one or more laser diodes tuned to different wavelengths as illumination sources.
Another example of the chemical sensor 902 includes a reflectance-based or transmittance-based chemical sensing system. According to the reflectance-based example, the detection module 914 is on the same side of the sensing element as the excitation module 912, and the detection module 914 is adapted to monitor the intensity of the excitation light diffusely reflected off of the chemical sensor 902 or fluorescent return from the chemical sensor 902 to determine chemical analyte concentration. According to the transmittance-based example, the detection module 914 is opposite from the excitation module 912, and the detection module 914 is adapted to monitor the intensity of the excitation light transmitted from the excitation module 912 to determine chemical analyte concentration. Sensing may be directed at a specific ion or a plurality of different ions. Examples of ions that can be sensed include, but are not limited to potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, pH and hydronium. In addition, embodiments include integrated sensors adapted to sense not only concentrations of ions, but other analytes of interest such as glucose, creatinine, lactate, urea, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), nitric-oxide and cardiac-specific troponin, for example. Sensor embodiments may be adapted to sense an ion, multiple ions, an analyte of interest, multiple analytes of interest, or a combination thereof. According to other examples, the chemical sensor 902 includes a sensor selected from the group consisting of an electro-chemical sensor, colorimetric sensor, a fluorescent sensor and a near-infrared sensor.
Referring again to
The heart valve 1100, in another example, senses for the physiological parameter, transmits the measurement or the like intermittently as enough energy is obtained by the storage element (e.g., capacitor 1108). For instance, when the capacitor 1108 discharges (after storing a specified amount of energy) the sensor 1112 measures the physiological parameter, the measurement is amplified and then transmitted. In yet another example, the heart valve 1100 collects a plurality of measurements and stores the measurements until enough energy is retained in the capacitor to transmit the measurements. Optionally, the heart valve 1100 includes a microprocessor that controls the function of at least one of the sensor 1112, transmitter 1116 or the like.
Referring now to
Several variations for the method 1200 follow. In one example, measuring the physiological parameter includes measuring an intrinsic electrical cardiac signal (e.g., P-wave, T-wave, S-T segment, QRS-complex or the like), the relationship between subsequent or successive ECG signals, such as morphology and intervals, or the like. Additionally, intervals, morphology or the like between individual intrinsic electrical cardiac signal features (e.g., P-wave, T-wave, S-T segment, QRS-complex or the like) are measured, optionally. In another example, measuring the physiologic parameter includes measuring at least one hemodynamic parameter, such as blood flow, blood pressure, heart valve deflection, heart valve deflection rate or the like. Measuring the heart valve deflection includes measuring the valve leaflet angle, in yet another example.
In another example, the method 1200 includes detecting an event, such as tachyarrhythmia, bradyarrhythmia and the like (e.g., by measuring the intrinsic electrical cardiac signal and measuring at least one hemodynamic parameter). The event is classified as a first tachyarrhythmia type if the measured hemodynamic parameter indicates inadequate cardiac output. The event is classified as a second tachyarrhythmia type if the measured hemodynamic parameter indicates adequate cardiac output. In yet another example, measuring the hemodynamic parameter indicates whether blood continues to adequately flow through the heart, or if the tachyarrhythmia is serious enough there is inadequate blood flow. In still another example, a first anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy (e.g., anti-tachyarrhythmia pacing therapy) is delivered in response to a detected tachyarrhythmia of the first tachyarrhythmia type. A second anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy (e.g., defibrillation therapy) is delivered in response to a detected tachyarrhythmia of the second tachyarrhythmia type. Additional accuracy is provided by comparing the intrinsic electrical cardiac measurement and the hemodynamic measurement with respective thresholds. For instance, inappropriate therapy, such as defibrillation shocking, is avoided when the hemodynamic measurement (e.g., blood flow, blood velocity, pressure or the like) exceeds the threshold indicating there is still flow through the heart, while the electrical cardiac measurement alone may indicate a fibrillation event. Therefore, appropriate antitachycardia pacing is provided, in another example, until the condition stabilizes or the hemodynamic parameter also indicates fibrillation (e.g., blood flow, velocity, pressure or the like fall below the hemodynamic threshold). Optionally, a condition, such as bradycardia is detected and treated in a similar manner (i.e., by measuring intrinsic electrical cardiac signals and at least one hemodynamic parameter and adjusting or providing pacing therapy). A system including the implantable heart valve having hemodynamic sensors as described above, along with an implantable medical device (e.g., a pulse generator) that uses the measurements of the hemodynamic sensors along with intrinsic electrical cardiac measurements is thereby able to discriminate more accurately between conditions and provide the more appropriate therapy for the particular condition.
Optionally, the method 1200 includes changing a pacing site or inter electrode timing based on the measurements of the physiological parameter (e.g., hemodynamic parameter, intrinsic electrical cardiac signal or the like). For instance, different electrodes at positions along a lead assembly (e.g., electrodes 105 on lead assembly 104) or on the heart valve are used to deliver therapy to various heart locations based on the physiological parameters measured by the heart valve. Altering the pacing site or interelectrode timing based on these measurements resynchronizes the spatial nature of a heart contraction and thereby increases its output.
In yet another example, the method 1200 includes obtaining energy by movement of a portion of the valve. The energy is optionally stored in the heart valve. The method 1200 further includes using the energy, such as for the measuring functions (e.g., measuring at least one physiological parameter), communicating information, including measurements, to at least one of an implantable medical device, external system or the like. In one example, obtaining energy includes using blood flow for deflecting a piezo-electric element coupled between a valve ring and a valve leaflet, as described above in
In still another example, the method 1200 includes adjusting a delay between electrical pulses delivered to the same or different heart chambers using the information about the physiological parameter as a control input. In one example, measuring the physiological parameter includes measuring a duration for which the heart valve is open, and the delay is adjusted so as to generally increase the measured duration for which the heart valve is open. Optionally, adjusting the delay is performed as a feedback loop with the electrical pulse therapy to adjust the heart output. Adjusting the delay between pulses according to measurements of the physiological parameter taken by the heart valve is performed to resynchronize the heart function (contraction or filling between the left and right sides) and thereby optimize the performance and output of the heart. In another example, the delay is adjusted to generally minimize a time interval between: (1) an electrical pulse delivered to one of the right and left ventricles; and (2) an opening of the heart valve. Minimizing this time interval, for instance, adjusts the output of the ventricular contractions. In yet another example, adjusting the delay includes adjusting the atrial-ventricular delay between an electrical pulse delivered to an atrium and an electrical pulse delivered to the ventricle during the same cardiac cycle. Optionally, measuring the physiological parameter with the heart valve includes measuring a delay between an opening of a first valve and an opening of a second valve (e.g., at least one hemodynamic sensor is included in each of two replacement heart valves).
In another example, the physiological parameter measured (e.g., blood flow, valve leaflet deflection, leaflet deflection rate, valve opening duration, blood velocity, chemical presence and concentration, temperature or the like) are used as an indication of cardiac output (described above) and valve patency. For instance, sensors in the heart valve measure at least one of flow and pressure through the valve during regular heart activity and also measure regurgitation of blood (e.g., velocity, flow, pressure or the like) through the valve if the valve leaflet fails to fully close as a chamber contracts. Leaks through the valve are thereby identified and replacement of the valve performed if needed. The method 1200 further includes using the indication of cardiac output to establish a rate-responsive pacing upper rate limit. Pacing is thereby adjusted to provide the needed cardiac output without needlessly raising the pacing rate without obtaining a corresponding increase in cardiac output.
As described above, adjustment of the hemodynamic parameter can be accomplished by coordinating contractions of the chambers to obtain stronger contraction. For example, by adjusting the pacing site or the delay between electrical pulses to chambers of the heart (one or more chambers) the heart contracts in a more spatially coordinated manner to adjust at least one hemodynamic parameter, such as blood flow. In one example, the hemodynamic parameter is measured at implantable aortic and pulmonic valves, as shown in
In an additional example, the physiological measurements taken by the heart valve are used by at least one of the implantable electronics unit (e.g., implantable medical device 102), the external system or the like for ischemia detection in the heart. For instance, measurement of a decreased blood flow with the heart valve sensors described above may indicate a myocardial infarction, which can then be more quickly treated because of the measured change in blood flow.
At 1304, the intrinsic electrical cardiac measurement is compared with an electrical cardiac reference, such as a rate threshold, morphology template or the like. At 1306, a hemodynamic parameter is measured using a physiological sensor at the implantable heart valve, as described above. At 1308, the hemodynamic measurement is compared with a hemodynamic reference (e.g., blood flow, blood velocity, valve leaflet angle, valve opening duration, chemical presence and concentration, temperature thresholds or the like). At 1310, the method 1300 includes determining whether the intrinsic electrical cardiac measurement and hemodynamic measurement are representative of a detected event (e.g., bradycardia, tachycardia, fibrillation or the like), such as based on the comparisons of the intrinsic electrical cardiac measurement and the hemodynamic measurement. Optionally, an alert or therapy (anti-tachycardia, defibrillation, pacing, resynchronization, drug dispensing therapies or the like) are provided according to this determination. Additional accuracy is provided by comparing the intrinsic electrical cardiac measurement and the hemodynamic measurement with respective references. For instance, inappropriate therapy, such as defibrillation shocking, is avoided when the hemodynamic measurement (e.g., blood flow, blood velocity, pressure or the like) exceeds a threshold, indicating there is still adequate flow through the heart, even though the electrical cardiac measurement alone may indicate a fibrillation event. Therefore, appropriate antitachycardia pacing is provided, in another example, until the condition stabilizes or the hemodynamic parameter also indicates fibrillation (e.g., blood flow, velocity, pressure or the like fall below the hemodynamic threshold). A system including the implantable heart valve having one or more hemodynamic sensors as described above, along with an implantable medical device (e.g., a pulse generator) that uses the measurements of the hemodynamic sensors along with intrinsic electrical cardiac measurements is thereby able to discriminate more accurately between conditions and provide the best response for the particular condition.
Several variations for the method 1300 follow. In one example, determining the intrinsic electrical cardiac measurement and hemodynamic measurement are representative of a detected event includes determining the detected event is a first type of tachycardia event where the intrinsic electrical cardiac measurement (e.g., depolarization rate) exceeds the electrical cardiac threshold, and the hemodynamic measurement is above the hemodynamic threshold. In another example, determining the intrinsic electrical cardiac measurement and hemodynamic measurement are representative of a detected event includes determining the detected event is a second type of tachycardia event (e.g., fibrillation) where the intrinsic electrical cardiac measurement (e.g., depolarization rate) exceeds the electrical cardiac threshold, and the hemodynamic measurement is below the hemodynamic threshold. Distinguishing between symptomatic and non-symptomatic ventricular tachycardia is important because the appropriate type of therapy delivered by the device is specific to the type of ventricular tachycardia. Patients with symptomatic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and/or ventricular fibrillation (VF) have little to no blood perfusion. In this case a defibrillation shock is appropriate therapy. Patients with episodes of non-symptomatic VT still have adequate perfusion. In this case other therapies such as rapid or burst pacing can break the arrhythmia with less pain and danger to the patient. Patients with bradycardia or myocardial infarction may still have adequate perfusion unless these conditions degenerate or create secondary hemodynamically unstable pathologies.
In one example, low cardiac output is the result of bradycardia, myocardial infract, fibrillation or the like. Low cardiac output resulting from bradycardia is distinguishable by the presence of a low frequency periodic contraction of the heart. Around 60 beats per minute or less with low cardiac output and a distinct periodic ECG or valve sensor signal (described above) is indicative of this cause. The heart rate signal can be observed using electrodes to detect the depolarization potentials, the valve position or valve motion sensor to detect the rate of valve cycling, the flow sensor to detect the periodic rate of blood flow, or the pressure sensors to detect the periodic variation of pressures within a chamber or across a valve.
Low cardiac output from fibrillation is distinguished, in another example, by the lack of periodicity of the ECG or by the presence of dominant high frequency components in the ECG waveform. Valve motion sensors indicate incomplete or very rapid valve position variations. Pressure sensors indicate high rate pressure fluctuations with small amplitudes.
In yet another example, low cardiac output from infarct is distinguished by an elevated heart rate well above the resting rate but substantially below the 185 beat per minute associated with tachycardia. The suite of sensors described above for the detection of bradycardia and fibrillation rates will provide the data to combine with the low cardiac output signal. These data are then processed to indicate the infarct as the probable cause of low cardiac output. Another distinguishing characteristic of infarct is the change in ECG vector behavior (e.g., an elevated S-T segment). This is uniquely identifiable with a sensor equipped valve that has multiple electrodes positioned on the annulus of the valve body, as described above. The morphology and vector changes from two or more electrodes are processed (e.g., by the implantable medical device 102, external system 106 or the like) to identify the probable cause as infarct.
In still another example, the tachycardia event, such as fibrillation, is distinguished from a bradycardia condition or myocardial infarct by measuring the R-R interval, for instance, with sensors in the heart valve. Fibrillation has a measurably shorter R-R interval than bradycardia or a myocardial.
In another example, the hemodynamic threshold includes a valve leaflet angle threshold and measuring the hemodynamic parameter includes measuring a valve leaflet angle, as described above in
In still another example, the method 1300 includes communicating at least one of the intrinsic electrical cardiac measurement and the hemodynamic measurement to at least one of an implantable medical device (e.g., implantable medical device 102), an external system or the like. In one example, the measurements are communicated by at least one of a lead assembly, EMF generation (e.g., through electrodes on the heart valve, described above), ultrasound (through piezo-electric and piezo-resistive elements, also described above), RF, inductive coupling, optically (e.g., with infrared light) or the like, as described above.
Several variations for the method 1400 follow. In one example, comparing the hemodynamic measurement with the hemodynamic parameter and adjusting the delay between electrical pulses is performed by an implantable medical device (e.g., device 102 shown in
In another example, the hemodynamic parameter measured is the duration the heart valve is open. Optionally, adjusting the delay between electrical pulses to at least two heart chambers based on the comparison of the measurement with the threshold increases the duration the heart valve is open (e.g., increases the cardiac output through the valve). In yet another example, adjusting the delay between electrical pulses to at least two heart chambers includes adjusting a delay between pulses to the left and right ventricles to minimize a delay between at least one pulse and the opening of the valve to thereby enhance, for instance, cardiac output. The valve opening and pulse substantially correspond to more efficiently expel blood through the open valve during the contraction. In still another example, the delay is adjusted between pulses to an atrium and a ventricle. In an additional example, measuring the hemodynamic parameter includes measuring a delay between the opening of a first implantable heart valve and the opening of a second implantable heart valve. As described above, the method 1400 includes changing the pacing site based on the comparison to adjust the hemodynamic parameter (e.g., blood flow, valve opening duration, valve leaflet angle or the like).
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
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|U.S. Classification||607/18, 623/2.1|
|Cooperative Classification||A61N1/36514, A61N1/3621, A61F2/2403, A61N1/3962|
|European Classification||A61N1/39M2, A61N1/362A, A61N1/365B, A61F2/24B|
|24 Aug 2006||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC., MINNESOTA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SHUROS, ALLAN C.;KANE, MICHAEL J.;REEL/FRAME:018167/0374;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060817 TO 20060818
|11 Mar 2013||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4