Patent ID: 6223081
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A pacemaker system having a pacemaker for delivering pacing pulses and a standard pacing lead for transmitting electrical signals between said pacemaker and a patient's heart, said lead having a distal end adapted to be placed in the patient's heart, a proximal end, and a lumen throughout its length suitable for transmitting pressure variations caused by heart activity, said lumen having a proximal opening at its proximal end, whereby pressure variations caused by said heart activity arise within said lumen and are transmitted to said proximal opening, said pacemaker comprising:a connector portion for receiving the proximal end of said lead;a pressure sensor which produces signals corresponding to said transmitted pressure variations;coupling means for coupling pressure variations between said lumen proximal opening and said pressure sensor, said coupling means having a cavity positioned to receive said pressure variations directly from said opening,mounting means for mounting said sensor in said cavity, andcontrol means operatively connected to said pressure sensor for controlling pacemaker operation as a function of said transmitted pressure variations.