Patent ID: 7200442

Claim:
An implantable cardiac device having an impedance monitoring control comprising: an impedance monitor comprising a pulse generator that applies a current between a pair of implanted electrodes and an impedance measuring circuit that measures impedance across a pair of implanted electrodes and provides an impedance signal; a processor that processes the impedance signal to provide impedance monitoring characteristic results; a comparator that compares the impedance monitoring characteristic results to preset standards; and a control circuit that varies operating parameters of the impedance monitor responsive to the comparison of the impedance monitoring characteristic results to the present standards; wherein the processor includes a differentiator that differentiates the impedance signal and provides an impedance signal differential amplitude absolute value; wherein the comparator compares the impedance signal differential amplitude absolute value to a preset impedance signal differential amplitude threshold; and wherein the processor provides a maximum impedance signal differential swing amplitude and wherein the comparator, if the impedance signal differential amplitude absolute value is greater than the preset impedance signal differential amplitude threshold, compares the maximum impedance signal differential swing amplitude to a second present impedance signal differential amplitude threshold.