Patent ID: 7418293
Filing Date: 2008-08-26
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of delivering a subcutaneous defibrillation therapy, comprising: selecting at least a pair of subcutaneous non-intrathoracic electrodes from a plurality of subcutaneous non-intrathoracic electrodes, the pair selected to provide an increased cardiac signal-to-noise ratio relative to other pairs of the plurality of subcutaneous non-intrathoracic electrodes; sensing a fibrillation event using the selected pair of subcutaneous non-intrathoracic electrodes of the plurality of subcutaneous non-intrathoracic electrodes; determining a fibrillation cycle length associated with the fibrillation event; and delivering, using one or more combinations of electrodes of the plurality of subcutaneous non-intrathoracic electrodes, a plurality of defibrillation pulses to treat the fibrillation event, wherein the electrodes of each electrode combination are structurally supported in a fixed relationship such that the electrodes of each respective electrode combination are located extra-thoracically at opposing sides of the heart, and delivery of a latter pulse of the defibrillation pulses subsequent to a former pulse of the defibrillation pulses is separated in time by a first delay associated with the fibrillation cycle length.