Implanted cardiac device for defibrillation

Abstract

An implantable medical device for delivering electrical cardiac therapy includes a first implantable housing containing a battery. There is also a second implantable housing separate from the first implantable housing and containing at least one of: electronic circuitry adapted to evaluate and initiate electrical cardiac therapy, a storage capacitor and an electrode structure comprising a sensing electrode, a pacing electrode and a therapy electrode. There is a method of providing electrical cardiac therapy by implanting a first housing containing a battery into a first implantation site within the body. Then, implant a second housing separate from the first housing into a second implantation site within the body. The second housing contains at least one of: electronic circuitry adapted to evaluate and initiate electrical cardiac therapy; a storage capacitor and an electrode structure comprising a sensing electrode, a pacing electrode and a therapy electrode.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 281,260 filed Nov. 25, 2008, titled “IMPLANTED CARDIAC DEVICE FOR DEFIBRILLATION,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,630,710, which is a national stage application of International Application No. PCT / US2007 / 005515, filed Mar. 1, 2007, titled “IMPLANTED CARDIAC DEVICE FOR DEFIBRILLATION,” now Publication No. WO 2007 / 103262, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 778,118 filed Mar. 1, 2006, titled “IMPLANTED CARDIAC DEVICE FOR DEFIBRILLATION,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). An electrode structure 40 has been passed thought the subclavian vein 11 into the heart 1. Therapy electrodes 42 are used to deliver energy to shock the heart if and when abnormal cardiac activity is detected. Sensing and / or pacing...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an implantable medical device for delivering electrical cardiac therapy with a first and second implantable housing. The second housing contains electronic circuitry, a storage capacitor, and an electrode structure for evaluating and initiating electrical cardiac therapy. The second housing can be implanted at a different location in the body than the first housing, such as subcutaneously, within the vasculature, or within the pericardial space. The second housing can be in direct contact with the epicardium or positioned within a cavity in the body. The method of providing electrical cardiac therapy involves implanting the first housing and then the second housing at different locations in the body. The implantable structure can be adapted and configured for implantation within the pericardial space. The technical effects of the invention include improved delivery of electrical cardiac therapy and increased flexibility in implantation site.

Problems solved by technology

One ongoing challenge is degrading battery performance over time and the eventual need for battery replacement.

One shortcoming of the prior art is that the use of a single housing for both permanent components like capacitors and electronic circuitry with non-permanent components like batteries leads to unnecessary removal of ICD components that could otherwise remain implanted and operational.

The application of ICD shocks to surrounding tissue, nerves and muscle can be painful for patients.

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