Overcharged final countershock for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and method

摘要

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) device in operated in an overcharged final countershock condition so as to provide greater efficacy and broader treatment modality for the device. Instead of delivering a repeated series of up to five countershocks at the maximum rated charging voltage in response to a persistent ventricular arrhythmia as is done in existing ICD systems, an overcharged final countershock is delivered for which the electrolytic capacitor charge storage system of the ICD system is charged at a voltage that exceeds a maximum voltage specification. By delivering an overcharged final countershock, the present invention increases the chances of reversing a persistent ventricular arrhythmia which has become increasingly resistant to electrical therapy the longer the arrhythmia persists. As there is little to no risk in overcharging electrolytic capacitors for delivering the overcharged final countershock, and in fact the added electrical energy may overcome the increasing resistance to electrical countershock therapy, the present invention can deliver a more efficacious programmed therapy regimen than is available on existing ICD systems.