Patent ID: 6389316
Filing Date: 2002-05-14
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
In an implantable stimulation device, wherein the implantable stimulation device is a dual-chamber device operable in an atrial tracking mode and an atrial non-tracking mode, a system for detecting atrial capture and automatically setting an atrial stimulation pulse energy, the system comprising:sensing means for sensing intrinsic P-waves; pulse generating means for generating atrial stimulation pulses; control means, coupled to the sensing means and the pulse generating means, for defining a P-wave detection window based on the sensed P-waves, for triggering the pulse generator to generate atrial stimulation pulses at a predetermined interval prior to the detection window, for detecting non-capture when a P-wave is sensed during the detection window, and for detecting capture when a P-wave is not sensed during the detection window; wherein the control means further comprises: means for determining that an atrial capture assessment is needed; means for switching from the atrial tracking mode to the atrial non-tracking mode when atrial capture assessment is needed; and means for switching from the atrial non-tracking mode back to the atrial tracking mode when atrial capture is present; and adjusting means for adjusting atrial stimulation pulse energy until capture is detected as indicated by the detected absence of P-waves in the detection window.