Patent ID: 8190258
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for assessing a condition of a lead assembly coupled to an implantable medical device (IMD), the method comprising: determining by an impedance unit of the IMD or an external unit in communication with the IMD a first impedance relative to a first electrode and a reference electrode; determining by the impedance unit of the IMD or the external unit in communication with the IMD a second impedance relative to a second electrode and the reference electrode; comparing by the impedance unit of the IMD or the external unit in communication with the IMD the first impedance to the second impedance to determine an impedance difference; determining by the impedance unit of the IMD or the external unit in communication with the IMD a position of the first electrode relative to the second electrode based on at least the impedance difference; determining a third impedance, the third impedance comprising the impedance relative to the first electrode and the second electrode; determining whether the impedance difference is outside a predetermined tolerance range; comparing the impedance difference to the third impedance; and identifying a source of a lead condition error based upon the comparing of the impedance difference to the third impedance, the source comprising at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and a physiological impedance.