초록 ▼

An apparatus for treating an infection which may occur in the biofilm which surrounds an implanted cardiac stimulation device, e.g., a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker. Such infections are relatively untreatable by conventional antibiotics treatments. Thus, explanting of the implanted d

An apparatus for treating an infection which may occur in the biofilm which surrounds an implanted cardiac stimulation device, e.g., a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker. Such infections are relatively untreatable by conventional antibiotics treatments. Thus, explanting of the implanted devices may be required. Accordingly, the present apparatus provides an electrical treatment that enables a biocide, i.e., an antibiotic, to successfully treat the infection within the biofilm and thus avoid the necessity to explant the device. Furthermore, the present invention provides this electrical treatment in a manner to not interfere with the stimulation pulses of the cardiac stimulation device by alternatively delivering current pulses during atrial and ventricular refractory periods or a high frequency square wave at a frequency that exceeds the frequency response of the heart muscle.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An infection control apparatus for use in coordination with an implantable cardiac stimulation device, such device adapted to provide electrical stimulation to a patient's heart, the infection control apparatus comprising:at least one electrical current generator for ge

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An infection control apparatus for use in coordination with an implantable cardiac stimulation device, such device adapted to provide electrical stimulation to a patient's heart, the infection control apparatus comprising:at least one electrical current generator for generating an infection control current;detection apparatus for determining a refractory period following stimulation of the patient's heart;a controller for periodically causing the electrical current generator to generate the infection control current;a housing for encasing the cardiac stimulation device, the electrical current generator, the detection apparatus and the controller, the housing being electrically conductive and being capable of being coupled to the electrical current generator;at least one electrode adapted to be implanted proximate to the patient's heart and electrically connected to the electrical current generator for receiving the infection control current, wherein the electrical current generator applies the the infection control current between the at least one electrode and the conductive housing to treat infections surrounding the housing; and whereinthe generation of infection control current is limited to occur during the refractory period.