| 摘要 |
An implantable device for the treatment of malfunctions of a patient's heart is disclosed. The device employs defibrillation patch electrodes positioned on the outer surface of the heart generally outwardly of the left and right ventricles of the heart, in conjunction with a non-polarizing sub-threshold constant current or constant voltage signal and appropriate electronic signal sensing and processing circuitry, to determine changes in variations of the transcardiac impedance of a patient's heart, such changes being representative of corresponding changes in the level of haemodynamic compromise of the heart. Bradycardia support pacing therapy, antitachycardia pacing therapy, cardioversion therapy and defibrillation therapy, or no therapy, are selectively initiated by the device, depending on the level of haemodynamic compromise determined to be extent by the device. Conventional electrical function sensing may be employed in conjunction with the sensed changes in variations of the transcardiac impedance to control the device. Corresponding methods of treating malfunctions of a patient's heart are also disclosed.
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