Method and device for electronically controlling the beating of a heart using venous electrical stimulation of nerve fibers

Abstract

An electro-stimulation device includes a pair of electrodes for connection to at least one location in the body that affects or regulates the heartbeat. The electro-stimulation device both electrically arrests the heartbeat and stimulates the heartbeat. A pair of electrodes are provided for connection to at least one location in the body that affects or regulates the heartbeat. The pair of electrodes may be connected to an intravenous catheter for transvenous stimulation of the appropriate nerve. A first switch is connected between a power supply and the electrodes for selectively supplying current from the power supply to the electrodes to augment any natural stimuli to the heart and thereby stop the heart from beating. A second switch is connected between the power supply and the electrodes for selectively supplying current from the power supply to the electrodes to provide an artificial stimulus to initiate heartbeating. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for arresting the beat of a heart in a living body comprising the steps of connecting the pair of electrodes to at least one location in the body that affects or regulates the heartbeat and supplying an electrical current to the electrodes of sufficient amplitude and duration to arrest the heartbeat. The device may also serve to still the lungs by input to a respirator or by stimulation of the phrenic nerve during surgical procedures.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates to methods and devices for controlling the operation of the human heart or other organs by means of electrical stimulation, and more particularly, to devices for electronically slowing or stopping the heart.2. Description of the Related ArtIn some surgical procedures, such as coronary bypass surgery, it is necessary to stop the heart from beating so that the surgeon can perform necessary techniques. The use of a cardioplegia solution to stop the heart from beating without rerouting the blood would permit the surgeon to accomplish the required task without interference from heart movement. However, this is not a viable approach, since the body needs a constant supply of oxygen. Thus, there exists a need to temporarily slow down or stop heart movement during minimally invasive CABG or other surgical procedures to permit the surgeon to accomplish the required task. In the context of treatment of the heart by mea...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this is not a viable approach, since the body needs a constant supply of oxygen.

These types of electrodes can potentially cause irreversible nerve damage due to swelling or direct mechanical damage of the nerve.

The placement of these electrodes either around the nerve bundle or into the neural perineum also poses a significant risk.

The electrode placement is usually perfomred through very invasive surgery which in and of itself produces a high risk to nerve damage, and would be self-defeating when performing minimally invasive surgery.

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