초록 ▼

A DC-to-DC converter circuit is disclosed for use in a pacemaker. The DC-to-DC converter circuit is capable of producing a pulse burst and boosting the voltage of the pulse burst up to an effective pacing amplitude, thereby eliminating the need for the multiple pump capacitors and the output capacit

A DC-to-DC converter circuit is disclosed for use in a pacemaker. The DC-to-DC converter circuit is capable of producing a pulse burst and boosting the voltage of the pulse burst up to an effective pacing amplitude, thereby eliminating the need for the multiple pump capacitors and the output capacitor. The DC-to-DC converter circuit uses a transformer to amplify the battery voltage to the required pacing amplitude. By using a transformer, DC leakage current is eliminated without the use of a decoupling capacitor, thereby achieving lower pacing thresholds. Also, each patient may be individually tested to determine their response to high frequency pulse bursts and a "customized" pacing waveshape can be produced by varying the duty cycle, polarity or pulse burst of each stimulation signal. The DC-to-DC converter circuit also reduces the polarization effect of the tissue around the electrodes.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An implantable stimulation device having a pacing circuit for providing a stimulation signal to a heart, comprising:a battery which provides a DC voltage signal;a switching stage which receives the DC voltage signal and generates a pulse burst having a first voltage, the

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An implantable stimulation device having a pacing circuit for providing a stimulation signal to a heart, comprising:a battery which provides a DC voltage signal;a switching stage which receives the DC voltage signal and generates a pulse burst having a first voltage, the pulse burst being defined as a rapid sequence of pulses used to cause a single contraction event; anda transformer which boosts the first voltage of the pulse burst to generate the stimulation signal having a second voltage suitable for capturing the heart.