摘要:
An implantable system (10) for the cardioversion of the heart of a patient in need of such treatment comprises a plurality of primary electrodes (not shown), a power supply (76, 78), and a control circuit (74). Preferably, at least one auxiliary electrode (not shown) is also included. The plurality of primary electrodes (not shown) are configured for delivering a cardiversion pulse along a predetermined current pathway in a first portion of the heart, the current pathway defining a weak field area in a second portion of the heart.
摘要:
A method for predicting the outcome of arrhythmia therapy in a subject in need thereof comprises the steps of: (a) detecting an arrhythmia in the heart of a subject; (b) delivering a first arrhythmia therapy pulse to the heart of the subject; and then (c) determining the presence or absence of overlapping cycles in the heart of the subject, the presence of overlapping cycles indicating that the first arrythmia therapy pulse did not successfully treat the arrythmia. Overlapping cycles are preferably determined through the calculation of an overlapping cycles index (OCI). Apparatus (12) for carrying out the method is also disclosed.