Patent ID: 6823215
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
An implantable heart stimulator comprising:a pulse generator which generates stimulation pulses; an electrode lead connected to said pulse generator having an electrode with an electrode surface, and being adapted for insertion into a heart with said electrode surface adapted for contact with tissue in said heart; a control and detection circuit connected to said pulse generator and to said electrode lead for controlling generation of said stimulation pulses by said pulse generator and for, via said electrode lead, detecting capture; and said control and detection circuit conducting a microinstability test during which said control and detection circuit causes said pulse generator to emit a predetermined number of stimulation pulses having identical stimulation energy, and wherein said control and detection circuit determines a microinstability test value, representing a measure of said contact between said electrode surface and said tissue, as a ratio between a number of said predetermined number of stimulation pulses for which capture is detected, and said predetermined number.