Devices and methods for accelerometer-based characterization of cardiac synchrony and dyssynchrony

Abstract

Systems and methods according to the invention employ an acceleration sensor to characterize the synchrony or dyssynchrony of the left ventricle. Patterns of acceleration related to myocardial contraction can be used to assess synchrony or dyssynchrony. Time-frequency transforms and coherence are derived from the acceleration. Information and numerical indices determined from the acceleration time frequency transforms and coherence can be used to find the optimal pacing location for cardiac resynchronization therapy. Similarly, the information can be used to optimize timing intervals including V to V and A to V timing.

Description

REFERENCE TO CONTINUING APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 794,632, filed Apr. 24, 2006, entitled “Devices and Methods For Accelerometer-Based Characterization of Cardiac Synchrony and Dyssychrony.” This application also claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 835,171, filed Aug. 1, 2006, entitled “Devices and Methods For Accelerometer-Based Characterization of Cardiac Synchrony and Dyssychrony,” and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 839,494, filed Aug. 22, 2006, entitled “Devices and Methods For Accelerometer-Based Characterization of Cardiac Synchrony and Dyssychrony.” All of the prior applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND [0002] The human heart delivers oxygenated blood to the organs of the body to sustain metabolism. The human heart has four chambers, two atria and two ventricles. The atria assist with filli...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0043] The system uses an acceleration sensor to characterize the frequency dynamics of the isovolumic contraction phase as it relates to contractility and ventricular function. In addition the system measures pathologic heart vibrations such as mitral regurgitation and the third/fourth heart sounds and the effect of therapy on these signals. The sensor is placed into the ventricular chambers, onto the ventricular epicardium (e.g. LV), into the ventricular veins (

Problems solved by technology

These disclosures do not provide a means for separating out the displacement and vibrational components of LV motion, which occur at the same time, through different frequency sensing or filtering and analysis.

Prior disclosures do not provide devices or methods for identifying the optimal myocardial pacing zone or region in the left or right ventricle for CRT, such as measuring the onset of motion relative to the onset of the QRS or isovolumic contraction or mitral valve closure.

Prior disclosures do not provide a method for multiple catheter repositionings in the LV or coronary sinus or great cardiac vein to map the motion of the LV for identifying the optimal pacing region.

Prior disclosures also do not disclose measuring cardiac pathologies such as mitral regurgitation, which may be sensed as vibration motion at frequencies greater than about 150 Hz.

Prior disclosures do not disclose a means for optimizing complete cardiomyopathy therapy, includin

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