Responsive pacemaker with time domain reflectometer and method of use

摘要

Responsive heart stimulating device and method for operating the device which includes a heart stimulating waveform generator for transmitting a waveform to an electrode. A time domain reflectometer (TDR) is also connectable to the electrode for generating TDR signals. A logic and control unit processes TDR readings from the electrode, and is adapted to alter the heart stimulating waveform in response to the TDR readings. The TDR may be connected to a pacemaker pacing electrode to detect changes in heart stroke volume or cardiac output, or to one or more probes capable of detecting motion of the patient, and the logic and control unit may adjust the pacing rate accordingly.