摘要 |
An ICD system and method for its use which will detect the presence of sensing artifacts caused by lead conductor fracture, lead insulation failure or connector port fluid penetration. When such a failure results in an incorrect detection of a tachyarrhythmia, the presence of sensing artifacts or noise is noted and charging of high voltage capacitors and/or delivery of high voltage therapy is avoided. The system of the invention includes at least two pairs of sensing electrodes which provide two distinct electrogram signals to the sensing and analysis circuitry of a pulse generator. Each signal is analyzed for heart rate. The rates are compared and if the rates detected are significantly different therapy is not delivered to the patient. The sensing electrode pairs may include four independent electrodes or there may be one electrode in common with each sensing pair. In an alternative embodiment, the two signals are compared by performing a correlation analysis.
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