Patent ID: 6714818
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A method for making an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) comprising:selecting capacitances for capacitors of a shocking circuit for use within the ICD; determining optimal time periods for three steps of a defibrillation pulse to be generated by the shocking circuit, each step having a distinct voltage peak and with the time durations determined so as to maximize a final myocardial voltage within myocardial tissue receiving a pulse waveform from the shocking circuit based on initial capacitor voltages; fabricating an ICD having a shocking circuit employing capacitors having the selected capacitances; and configuring the shocking circuit to be capable of selectively discharging the capacitors so as to generate a defibrillation pulse waveform having a first phase with three distinct voltage peaks and having step durations equal to the optimal time periods such that maximum myocardial voltage can be achieved within myocardial tissue connected to the ICD.