Patent ID: 8812103
Filing Date: 2014-08-19
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of periodically monitoring for a potential short circuit in an implantable defibrillation system comprising: periodically forming a defibrillation pathway wherein the defibrillation pathway is comprised of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator generator housing (CAN) electrode and a dual-coil defibrillation lead conductor having a superior vena cava (SVC) electrode and a right ventricle (RV) electrode and a tip located in the right ventricle of a heart;measuring an impedance of the defibrillation pathway for the conductors in the defibrillation pathway using a high voltage, short duration pulse; determining if one of the conductors has low impedance at a level indicating a short circuit; and providing an indication of a potential short circuit in the implantable defibrillation system before any detection of a cardiac arrhythmia condition for which a defibrillation shock is delivered.