Patent ID: 7756571
Filing Date: 2010-07-13
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. In an implantable system, a method for detecting T-wave alternans, comprising: (a) detecting at least one intrinsic premature contraction of the ventricles; (b) measuring at least one metric of T-waves in a specified number of beats that follow each detected intrinsic premature contraction of the ventricles; and (c) determining if the detected intrinsic premature contraction of the ventricles is immediately preceded by at least a specified number of non-premature contractions of the ventricles and further determining, based on the measured T-wave metrics, whether T-wave alternans are present wherein, if the detected intrinsic premature contraction is not immediately preceded by at least the specified number of non-premature contractions then the T-wave metrics following the detected intrinsic premature contraction are either not measured or not used in determining if T-wave alternans are present.