Patent ID: 7945324

Claim:
An implantable defibrillator system comprising: an implantable pulse generator component adapted for subcutaneous implantation in a subject; and an endocardial lead comprising: an elongate lead body having a distal portion adapted for implantation within a heart chamber and a proximal portion adapted to be connected to the implantable pulse generator component, the elongate lead body having a length that extends from a chamber of a subject's heart to a subcutaneous region of the subject; an elongate electrical conductor extending, within the lead body, from the lead body distal portion and to the lead body proximal portion; a pressure transmission catheter comprising a lumen extending, within the lead body, from a distal pressure sensing portion positioned at the lead body distal portion and to the lead body proximal portion, the pressure transmission catheter lumen being filled with a pressure transmitting substance; wherein the implantable pulse generator component is adapted to monitor, using the pressure transmission catheter, a pressure signal present at the distal pressure sensing portion, is adapted to evaluate the monitored the pressure signal, and is adapted to avoid application of an unnecessary defibrillating shock if the monitored pressure signal is pulsating in a manner that indicates an absence of a ventricular fibrillation condition.