초록 ▼

A series of test signals are generated by a microprocessor of a pacemaker to determine whether a bipolar or unipolar lead is attached to an implanted cardiac pacemaker restricting programming of said pacemaker to only an unipolar pacing mode unless the presence of an operational bipolar lead is dete

A series of test signals are generated by a microprocessor of a pacemaker to determine whether a bipolar or unipolar lead is attached to an implanted cardiac pacemaker restricting programming of said pacemaker to only an unipolar pacing mode unless the presence of an operational bipolar lead is detected. Detection is accomplished by generating a series of low frequency high impedance pulses, applying them to lead contacts and sensing a return signal. If a return signal is detected, then that indicates either a unipolar lead is connected to the pacemaker or that the ring conductor of a bipolar lead is open and bipolar pacing must be inhibited.

대표청구항 ▼

A circuit for recognizing a functional bipolar lead attached to an implantable cardiac pacemaker capable of bipolar and unipolar operation, the pacemaker comprising a pulse generator, an indifferent electrode, an anode lead connector and a cathode lead connector, the circuit comprising: means for ge

A circuit for recognizing a functional bipolar lead attached to an implantable cardiac pacemaker capable of bipolar and unipolar operation, the pacemaker comprising a pulse generator, an indifferent electrode, an anode lead connector and a cathode lead connector, the circuit comprising: means for generating a test signal; impedance means connecting said signal generating means and said anode lead connector; means for providing a low impedance path connecting the anode lead connector to the ground potential through said functional bipolar lead if said functional bipolar lead is connected to said cardiac pacemaker, the path passing through a portion of a patient\s body; means for sensing a level of the test signal at the anode lead connector; and means for disabling bipolar pacing of the pacemaker if the test signal at the anode lead connector exceeds a predetermined value.