Implantable systems and methods for monitoring myocardial electrical stability by detecting PVC induced T-wave alternans reversals

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention relate to implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for assessing a patients' myocardial electrical stability. Implanted electrodes are used to obtain an electrogram (EGM) signal, which is used to identify periods when the patient experiences T-wave alternans. Additionally, the EGM signal is used to determine whether premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) cause phase reversals of the T-wave alternans. The patient's myocardial electrical stability is assessed based on whether, and in a specific embodiment the extent to which, PVCs cause phase reversals of the T-wave alternans. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.

主权项

1. In an implantable system, a method for assessing a patients' myocardial electrical stability, comprising:
(a) obtaining an electrogram (EGM) signal using implanted electrodes; (b) identifying, based on the EGM, periods when the patient experiences T-wave alternans; (c) determining, based on the EGM, whether premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) cause phase reversals of the T-wave alternans; (d) assessing the patient's myocardial electrical stability based on an extent to which PVCs cause phase reversals of the T-wave alternans; and (e) triggering a response based on the results of step (d), wherein the response involves delivering anti-arrhythmia therapy, wherein the response, if a PVC causes a phase reversal of the T-wave alternans, further includes charging a capacitor, in case the patient goes into ventricular fibrillation and needs therapy.