摘要 |
Apparatus for processing waveform signals of physiological origin. The apparatus includes circuitry for developing a signal representative of the peak-to-peak amplitude between each waveform signal peak and the next successive waveform signal peak as well as circuitry for developing a signal representative of the slew rate of the waveform signal between successive waveform signal peaks. In a preferred embodiment, developed signals are stored in resettable memories, the memories being reset on the occurrence of a sign or polarity change in the slope of the waveform signal. Sampling circuitry is provided for establishing a maximum peak-to-peak amplitude within the waveform signal as well as its associated slew rate. Within the context of an ECG, the maximum peak-to-peak amplitude and associated slew rate represent the QRS complex and the apparatus of the present invention may be employed within a pacemaker as a sense amplifier. Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention may be employed to determine whether or not a pacing lead is properly placed and the pacemaker is suitable for application to the patient. |