Patent ID: 6115633
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
An implantable stimulator for treating arrhythmic function disturbances of a heart, comprising:a stimulation electrode for transmitting stimulation pulses to the heart, the electrode being adapted to be disposed in one of the heart and the vicinity thereof;pulse generator that is connected on an output side to the stimulation electrode for generating the stimulation pulses;a control unit that is connected on an output side to the pulse generator for controlling the pulse emission by the pulse generator;a hemodynamic sensor for controlling the pulse emission as a function of the cardiac pumping performnance, the hemodynamic sensor including;two measuring electrodes spaced apart and adapted to be located outside of the heart and one of in a blood vessel and in electrical contact with a blood vessel, for measuring the blood impedance dependent on the blood vessel throughput;a signal generator that generates an AC voltage in a range below 10 kHz for generating a test signal for impedance measurement, the generator being coupled to the two measuring electrodes for generating an electrical field between the two measuring electrodes;an electrical measuring device having an input side connected to the two measuring electrodes for determining the blood vessel throughput as a function of a measured electrical signal from the two measuring electrodes; anda blood vessel throughput signal-analysis unit having an input side connected to the electrical measuring device and having an output side connected to the control unit for recognizing an arrhythmic cardiac function disturbance using the measured throughput quantity.