Patent ID: 6185457
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A method for forcing cardiac output during tachyarrhythmia 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) providing means for detecting the presence of tachyarrhythmia in the patient;(c) detecting the presence of tachyarrhythmia in the patient; and(d) delivering electrical current pulses through the patient's body, via said electrodes after detecting tachyarrhythmia, 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, to force contraction in the patient's heart and facilitate a minimum level of cardiac output until cessation of the tachyarrhythmia or until other medical intervention is provided.