Accelerometer-based monitoring of the frequency dynamics of the isovolumic contraction phase and pathologic cardiac vibrations

Abstract

Methods and systems are disclosed that characterize cardiac function using an acceleration sensor to acquire and analyze the frequency dynamics associated with the isovolumic contraction phase (“ICP”). This information can be used to characterize heart function; optimize therapy for cardiomyopathy, including CRT therapy (including pacing intervals and required pharmacologic therapy); and to optimize CCM therapy. In addition, this information can be used to identify target pacing regions for CRT lead placement. Further, analyzing the frequency dynamics can be used to characterize pathologic heart vibrational motion, such as mitral regurgitation and the third or fourth heart sound, and the response of this motion to therapy for cardiomyopathy.

Description

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 347,623, filed Feb. 3, 2006, entitled “Accelerometer-Based Monitoring Of The Frequency Dynamics Of The Isovolumic Contraction Phase And Pathologic Cardiac Vibrations,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 650,532, filed Feb. 7, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 655,038, filed Feb. 22, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 656,307, filed Feb. 25, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 657,766, filed Mar. 1, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 659,658, filed Mar. 8, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 663,788, filed Mar. 21, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 669,324, filed Apr. 7, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 677,569, filed May 4, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 680,673, filed May 13, 2005. Each of the prior US Provisional Patent Applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a system that uses an acceleration sensor to monitor changes in the frequency of the vibrational component of the heart's contraction phase to assess cardiac function. This approach is more accurate and practical than measuring amplitude changes, as it is less sensitive to external factors like gravity and motion. The sensor can be placed in various locations within the heart, such as the ventricular chambers or veins, and can be integrated into a lead for cardiac therapy or a catheter system for identifying target pacing regions. The sensor can also be wireless and implantable for long-term monitoring of cardiac function. Overall, the system provides a non-invasive and accurate way to characterize heart function and optimize therapy for cardiomyopathy."

Problems solved by technology

Such an approach would reduce the sensitivity of the acceleration signal measurement and the interpretation of this measurement to the effects of gravity, sensor axis orientation, relative motion of the sensing device to which the sensor is affixed, and translational motion of the heart.

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