Patent ID: 6470211
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A method of delivering selective shock pulses to a patient's heart to induce the appropriate defibrillation thereof, comprising the steps of:inserting a plurality of spaced apart electrodes into the natural lumens of the patient's heart such that that each electrode resides in different locations therein, so that at least a first atrial defibrillation shock pathway is defined by at least two of said plurality of spaced apart electrodes and at least a first ventricular defibrillation shock pathway is defined by at least two of said plurality of spaced apart electrodes; sensing cardiac signals associated with the cardiac activity of the patient's heart with at least one of said plurality of spaced apart electrodes; detecting the presence of atrial fibrillation based on said sensing step; detecting the presence of ventricular fibrillation based on said sensing step; transmitting a first atrial defibrillation shock pulse to said first atrial defibrillation shock pathway responsive to said first detecting step, wherein the first atrial shock pulse exposing the patient to a shock pulse energy level of less than about 8 joules; and transmitting a first ventricular defibrillation shock pulse to said first ventricular defibrillation shock pathway responsive to said second detecting step.