Implantable cardiac stimulation device with warning system

摘要

A cardiac simulation system including a patient warning apparatus. The cardiac stimulator is an implantable pacemaker or defibrillator or combination which can be programmed to automatically alter the voltage of its output stimulus, in particular, to increase the voltage of the output stimulus whenever a condition exists requiring patient notification or warning. A specialized auxiliary lead with a shunt circuit can be connected to a standard socket of a cardiac stimulator header and a standard lead, such as a cardiac pacemaker lead, can then be connected to the auxiliary lead. The auxiliary lead allows a stimulation electrode to be implanted near excitable tissue in a secure fashion to assure stimulation of tissue. The auxiliary lead includes an apparatus for shunting electrical current from the standard stimulation electrode implanted in or near the patient's heart to the auxiliary electrode in the presence of a stimulation pulse with a voltage at or above a preselected level.