Implantable cardioverter defibrillator system having independently controllable electrode discharge pathway

摘要

An implantable multichamber cardioversion and defibrillation system is provided with multiple independently controllable and programmable switched electrode discharge pathways. This independently controlled switching arrangement provides for control over the polarity, phase, direction and timing of all cardioversion and defibrillation countershocks, and allows for the varying of subsequent countershocks after an initial countershock. The switching arrangement is, preferably, both programmable prior to implantation of the system and re-programmable after implantation of the system.