Patent ID: 6529772
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
A method of optimizing a mode of therapy applied to a patient, comprising the steps of:(a) measuring and recording ECG waveforms over a predetermined time interval at a first point in time; (b) computing from said ECG waveforms the absolute value of the difference in the length of successive RR intervals; (c) plotting a two-dimensional histogram of the values computed in step (b) vs. RR intervals; (d) measuring the area subtended by the plot of step (c) as an indicator of a patient's exercise capacity; (e) subsequently changing the mode of therapy applied to the patient; (f) repeating steps (a) through (d) at a later time; (g) plotting a value of the area measured in step (d) at the first point in time and at the later time to display trends in the patient's exercise capacity. (h) comparing the area measured in step (d) at the first point in time to the area measured in step (d) at the later time to assess which area is the greater; and (i) adjusting the mode of therapy to increase the patient's exercise capacity.