Patent ID: 6560484
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A method for forcing cardiac output during cardiac malfunction in a patient, comprising the steps of:(a) attaching a plurality of electrodes to external portions of a patient's body proximate the patient's thoracic region so that the electrodes may deliver electrical pulses which will be transmitted through portions of the patient's upper body; (b) detecting the presence of cardiac malfunction in the patient; and (c) delivering electrical current pulses through the patient's body, via said electrodes after detecting the malfunction, at a rate between about 60 and 200 pulses per minute, said electrical current pulses having a voltage less than a normal defibrillation voltage level and more than a normal pacemaker voltage level, to force contraction in the patient's heart and facilitate a minimum level of cardiac output until cessation of the cardiac malfunction or until other medical intervention is provided.