U.S. patent application number 14/070079 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-31 for systems and methods to monitor and treat heart failure conditions.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pacesetter, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Pacesetter, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nils Holmstrom, Mihir Naware, Malin Ohlander, Dorin Panescu, Euljoon Park, Ajit Pillai, Shahrooz Shahparnia, Cem Shaquer, Andre Walker, Louis Wong, Weiqun Yang.
Application Number | 20140214110 14/070079 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43837185 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140214110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yang; Weiqun ; et
al. |
July 31, 2014 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO MONITOR AND TREAT HEART FAILURE
CONDITIONS
Abstract
An implantable device monitors and treats heart failure,
pulmonary edema, and hemodynamic conditions and in some cases
applies therapy. In one implementation, the implantable device
applies a high-frequency multi-phasic pulse waveform over
multiple-vectors through tissue. The waveform has a duration less
than the charging time constant of electrode-electrolyte interfaces
in vivo to reduce intrusiveness while increasing sensitivity and
specificity for trending parameters. The waveform can be
multiplexed over multiple vectors and the results cross-correlated
or subjected to probabilistic analysis or thresholding schemata to
stage heart failure or pulmonary edema. In one implementation, a
fractionation morphology of a sensed impedance waveform is used to
trend intracardiac pressure to stage heart failure and to regulate
cardiac resynchronization therapy. The waveform also provides
unintrusive electrode integrity checks and 3-D impedancegrams.
Inventors: |
Yang; Weiqun; (Cupertino,
CA) ; Ohlander; Malin; (Stockholm, SE) ; Wong;
Louis; (Sunnyvale, CA) ; Holmstrom; Nils;
(Jarfalla, SE) ; Shaquer; Cem; (Los Gatos, CA)
; Park; Euljoon; (Valencia, CA) ; Panescu;
Dorin; (San Jose, CA) ; Shahparnia; Shahrooz;
(Campbell, CA) ; Walker; Andre; (Monte Sereno,
CA) ; Pillai; Ajit; (Sunnyvale, CA) ; Naware;
Mihir; (Evanston, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pacesetter, Inc. |
Sunnyvale |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Pacesetter, Inc.
Sunnyvale
CA
|
Family ID: |
43837185 |
Appl. No.: |
14/070079 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11558088 |
Nov 9, 2006 |
8600497 |
|
|
14070079 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/029 20130101;
A61B 5/08 20130101; A61N 1/36521 20130101; A61B 5/0538 20130101;
A61N 1/3627 20130101; A61B 5/0031 20130101; A61B 5/02028 20130101;
A61B 5/4878 20130101; A61N 1/3702 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/28 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/365 20060101
A61N001/365; A61N 1/362 20060101 A61N001/362 |
Claims
1. An implantable device, comprising: a waveform generator to
create a waveform for application along each of multiple vectors
through a bodily tissue of a patient via electrodes, wherein the
duration of each waveform is less than a charging time constant of
an electrode-electrolyte interface between each electrode and the
bodily tissue and wherein at least one of the vectors is confined
to within the patient's heart tissue or pericardium; a multiplexor
to apply and process the waveform over the multiple vectors; an
impedance measurement module to obtain multiple impedance
measurements at least in part via the multiplexor such that one of
the multiple impedance measurements is obtained for each of the
multiple vectors; and an evaluator to interpret the multiple
impedance measurements in order to estimate a bodily parameter of
the patient.
2. The implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the
multiplexor uses time multiplexation to apply and process the
waveform over the multiple vectors.
3. The implantable device as recited in claim 2, wherein the
multiplexor signals the impedance measurement module to sense an
impedance result for each of the vectors in rapid succession,
wherein the speed of the rapid succession emulates simultaneous
measurement across the multiple vectors.
4. The implantable device as recited in claim 3, wherein the
multiplexor sequentially times a measurement of each of the applied
waveforms to occur within a time interval of a physiological
circumstance.
5. The implantable device as recited in claim 3, wherein the
physiological circumstance comprises an intracardiac pressure
state.
6. The implantable device as recited in claim 3, wherein the
multiplexor applies a different frequency of the waveform for each
of the multiple vectors; and wherein the multiplexor senses an
impedance result associated with each of the multiple waveforms by
frequency.
7. The implantable device as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a network selector for determining the multiple vectors.
8. The implantable device as recited in claim 7, wherein the
network selector weights each of the multiple vectors according to
an importance of each vector with respect to the bodily parameter
to be estimated.
9. The implantable device as recited in claim 1, further comprising
an alert module to actuate an alarm or a patient notification in
response to an estimate of the bodily parameter exceeding a
threshold, wherein the alarm or patient notification is delivered
via the implantable device or via a device external to the
patient
10. The implantable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the
implantable device interprets the multiple impedance measurements
to estimate a degree of heart failure or a degree of pulmonary
edema of the patient.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a Divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/558,088 filed Nov. 9, 2006, (Attorney
Docket No. A06P3024-US5), entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO MONITOR
AND TREAT HEART FAILURE CONDITIONS," now pending, which relates to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/787,884 filed Mar. 31,
2006, (Attorney Docket No. A06P3006) entitled "TISSUE
CHARACTERIZATION USING INTRACARDIAC IMPEDANCES WITH AN IMPLANTABLE
LEAD SYSTEM." Each patent application identified above is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to provide
continuity of disclosure.
APPENDIX LISTING
[0002] A listing referred to as Appendix A of electrode
combinations for creating electrical vectors is provided beginning
on a separate sheet, on two sheets of paper and incorporated by
reference into the specification.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] Subject matter presented herein relates generally to
implantable medical devices and more particularly to systems and
methods to monitor and treat heart failure conditions.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Conventional implantable medical devices often obtain a
rough measure of physiological parameters by sensing variation in
voltage or other electrical characteristics along a single
electrical path, field, or vector. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,
such may be used to acquire rough impedance values that allow the
implantable device to track a patient's respirations, since
thoracic impedance varies with breathing. Energy transferred
between a tip electrode and a case electrode typically provides a
general-purpose electrical pathway or vector 100 consisting of
electrons traveling pathways of least resistance or least
impedance. Often, this technique produces some useful data in
relation to the degree that the electrical vector achieved
approximates a relevant vector orientation for measuring the target
parameter. Tracking a physiological parameter is often correlated
to a specific condition, such as respiration rate.
[0005] Congestive heart failure (CHF) or just "heart failure," is a
condition in which a patient's heart works less efficiently than it
should, and in which the heart pumps insufficiently thereby
depriving the body of the oxygen-carrying blood it requires, either
during exercise or at rest. To compensate for this condition and to
maintain cardiac output, the body retains sodium and water such
that there is a build-up of fluid hydrostatic pressure in the
pulmonary blood vessels that drain the lungs. As this hydrostatic
pressure overwhelms oncotic pressure and lymph flow, fluid
transudates from the pulmonary veins into the pulmonary
interstitial spaces, and eventually into the alveolar air spaces.
This complication of CHF is called pulmonary edema (PE), which can
cause hypoxemia, respiratory acidosis, respiratory arrest, and
death.
[0006] Similarly, CHF often involves dangerous decreases in chamber
ejection fractions and enlargement of the ventricles and atria.
Left atrial (LA) enlargement can result in atrial fibrillation.
Left ventricular (LV) enlargement can result in ventricular
tachycardias. Typically, known as ventricular dyssynchrony, the
normal "V-V" delay between right ventricular contraction and left
ventricular contraction is unduly lengthened during heart failure,
further reducing pumping efficiency. Additionally, delays may
appear between the electrical stimulation provided during the QRS
complex of the cardiac cycle and the timing of the mechanical
contraction that results from this electrical stimulation. These
conditions typify the many adverse effects of heart failure that
cause a viscous circle of failure: reduced efficiency begets
attempts by the heart to compensate for the loss, but the
compensation ultimately leads to further loss of efficiency, and so
on. Therapy seeks to intervene before a point of no return is
reached in the viscous circle.
[0007] At times the conventional implantable medical devices
introduced above, in trying to track physiological parameters, can
produce inaccurate data, false positives, and false negatives with
respect to pathophysiological conditions like CHF. A false positive
indicates the presence of a condition that does not really
exist--because the conventional technique measures a parameter that
is partly or entirely different than the target parameter, i.e.,
the specificity of the impedance measurement with regard to the
parameter being measured is low. Conversely, a false negative
indicates the absence of a condition that really is present--again,
because the conventional technique measures a parameter that is
different than that intended, or, because sensitivity to the
parameter being measured is low.
[0008] Often conventional techniques examine a pathway of tissue in
the body that is too limited or too unrelated to the parameter
being measured--the parameters or conditions being measured are
partly beyond the scope of the electrical pathway being utilized.
The pathway may be limited because it is poorly selected with
regard to the parameter sought, or because the same pathway is
always used to measure many different kinds of diverse parameters,
even parameters that are only tangentially related to the pathway.
Using such a single general purpose vector has its limits and can
even return misleading information, as just described.
SUMMARY
[0009] Described are systems and methods to monitor and treat heart
failure conditions. In one implementation, an implantable device
applies a high-frequency multi-phasic pulse waveform over at least
one vector (pathway) through bodily tissue and then measures
resulting impedance effects. The impedance effects correlate to one
or more bodily parameters (i.e., physiological parameters,
including hemodynamic parameters). One or more of these parameters,
in turn, can be trended to track the course of heart failure and/or
to regulate heart failure therapy. The terms "trending" or
"trended" as used herein refer to tracking, following, or just
recording values (or estimates of values) of a parameter over time,
not to controlling the parameter itself by creating a trend in the
parameter (e.g., through therapy). Because the applied waveform is
charge-balanced, voltage-balanced, and has a duration less than the
charging time constant of electrode-electrolyte interfaces in vivo,
the impedance effects resulting from the waveform's application
provide a wealth of probative detail for determining values of the
relevant parameters. For example, various shape (morphology)
characteristics of a sensed impedance waveform can be used to
produce or trend an estimator of an intracardiac pressure
parameter. The estimator or trend is then used to stage heart
failure or to regulate cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
[0010] Because of its features, the applied waveform minimizes the
intrusiveness that is usually associated with applied pulses. That
is, the patient may not perceive application of the waveform, and
its application typically does not alter the parameter being
measured, as is often the case when conventional pulses are
applied.
[0011] Further, the applied waveform can be time-multiplexed or
frequency-multiplexed in its application over multiple vectors
through a bodily tissue. The multiplexing of multiple instances of
the applied waveform over multiple vectors provides unprecedented
selectivity and specificity in tracking and trending parameters
useful for regulating heart failure therapies. Thus, in one
implementation, the implantable device designates, or is hardwired
to create, a multi-vector network that may include at least one
intracardiac vector. Multiple impedances measured over different
vectors of such a multi-vector network are submitted to
multi-vector data processing. This processing can take the form of
cross-correlation or application of a cross co-variance function.
In one instance, cross-correlation aims to find a similarity (or
dissimilarity) of the multiple signals, for example, to find a
value or feature in an unknown or deviant impedance signal by
comparing it to one or more known signals. Or, the multi-vector
data processing may take the form of statistical or probabilistic
decision making. Yet again, the multi-vector data processing may be
submitted to thresholding schemata. These and other data processing
techniques may be leveraged to establish an accurate and reliable
value for a data point of a parameter being estimated or trended.
The multiplexed waveform enables simultaneous, quasi-simultaneous,
and/or sequential impedance measurements over the multiple vectors
to provide the multiple signals for such multi-vector data
processing.
[0012] The system can detect tissue swelling, such as fluid
accumulation or edema--even at early onset--with greater
selectivity as to location of the tissue swelling and greater
specificity that the condition being sensed is really tissue
swelling or fluid accumulation and not some other condition with a
similar impedance effect.
[0013] In an alternative implementation, the implantable device
leverages the waveform to check lead integrity, electrode
integrity, and/or lead-to-device integrity without applying pulses
that are disturbing to the patient.
[0014] In another alternative implementation, the implantable
device leverages the waveform to generate vector-impedancegrams to
locate problems or to visualize tissue differences and even lesions
that can be discernible on a vector-impedancegram.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a conventional general purpose
electrical vector utilized by an implantable device.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram of different impedance measurement
electrode configurations.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary implantable device in
relation to a human heart, including implantable lead system and
multi-vector network.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the exemplary implantable
device of FIG. 3, in greater detail.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary impedance
measurement circuit architecture.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary multi-vector
network engine.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of exemplary components for
time-multiplexing signals over multiple vectors.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a diagram of two time-multiplexed instances of an
exemplary waveform.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a diagram of five time-multiplexed instances of an
exemplary waveform.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a diagram of two time-multiplexed instances of an
exemplary sinc(x) waveform.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of exemplary components for
frequency-multiplexing signals over multiple vectors.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of exemplary components for
generating different frequencies of an exemplary waveform for
frequency-multiplexing signals over multiple vectors.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a diagram of cardiac output versus left
ventricular end diastolic pressure.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a diagram of an exemplary multi-vector
configuration.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a diagram of impedance as related to changes in
left atrial wall velocity during fluid loading.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a diagram of using impedances to calculate a
cardiac heart failure index.
[0031] FIG. 17 is diagram of exemplary detection of the beginning
of pulmonary edema based on trended impedance values obtained over
a multi-vector network.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a diagram of exemplary impedance waveform
detection as related to left atrial pressure in a normal
patient.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a diagram of an exemplary fractionation
characteristic of impedance waveform detection as related to left
atrial pressure during early onset of heart failure.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a diagram of exemplary fractionation
characteristic of impedance waveform detection as related to left
atrial pressure under late heart failure conditions.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a diagram of exemplary ratiometric
characteristics of impedance over a left ventricular (LV) to right
atrial (RA) vector during fluid overload.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a diagram of a dyssynchrony characteristic of
impedance waveform detection over a first vector.
[0037] FIG. 23 is a diagram of a dyssynchrony characteristic of
impedance waveform detection over a second vector.
[0038] FIG. 24 is a diagram of detection of normal versus
compromised electrode integrity using an exemplary waveform over an
LV ring to RV ring vector.
[0039] FIG. 25 is a diagram of detection of sheath abrasion using
an exemplary waveform over an RV coil to RV ring vector.
[0040] FIG. 26 is a diagram of an exemplary test technique for lead
connectivity to a device header.
[0041] FIG. 27 is a diagram of detection of normal versus
compromised lead integrity using an exemplary waveform.
[0042] FIG. 28 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of
measuring a hemodynamic parameter over a multi-vector network.
[0043] FIG. 29 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of trending
an intracardiac pressure based on an impedance waveform
characteristic in order to regulate cardiac therapy.
[0044] FIG. 30 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of using
impedance measurements made over a multi-vector network in order to
determine a level of fluid accumulation.
[0045] FIG. 31 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of applying
an exemplary waveform to check lead integrity.
[0046] FIG. 32 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of applying
an exemplary waveform over a multi-vector network to obtain a 3-D
impedancegram.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0047] This disclosure describes systems and methods to monitor and
treat heart failure conditions. As described below, an exemplary
implantable device applies a high-frequency multi-phasic pulse
waveform over at least one vector through bodily tissue and then
measures resulting impedance effects. The impedance effects
correlate to one or more physiological or hemodynamic parameters.
One or more of these parameters, in turn, can be trended to track
the course of heart failure and/or to regulate heart failure
therapy. Because the applied waveform is charge-balanced,
voltage-balanced, and has a duration less than the charging time
constant of electrode-electrolyte interfaces in vivo, the impedance
effects resulting from the waveform's application provide a wealth
of probative detail for determining values of the relevant
parameters used for monitoring and treating heart failure.
[0048] The implantable device measures impedance effects resulting
from the applied waveform, over one or more vectors through (or at
least related to) the bodily tissue. The impedance effects may
include, for example, various components of a raw sensed impedance
and/or may include features of the shape (morphology) of the sensed
impedance waveform. The measured impedance effects correspond to
the current state of one or more selected bodily parameters that
are related to monitoring or treating heart failure. The relevant
bodily parameters may be physiological parameters such as tissue
swelling, fluid accumulation, edema, etc., or may be hemodynamic
parameters, such as intracardiac pressure, left ventricular
ejection fraction (LVEF), and many others. One or more of these
parameters, in turn, can be trended over time (or can be used
directly as a single data point) to track the course of heart
failure and/or to regulate heart failure therapy (such as CRT).
[0049] Additionally, because of its features, the applied waveform
minimizes intrusiveness that is usually associated with
conventional applied pulses that can be felt by a patient.
Likewise, the applied waveform typically does not alter the value
of the parameter being measured, as is often the case when
conventional pulses are applied.
[0050] Further, the applied waveform can be time-multiplexed or
frequency-multiplexed in its application over multiple vectors
through a bodily tissue. Multiplexing multiple instances of the
applied waveform over multiple vectors provides unprecedented
selectivity and specificity in tracking and trending parameters
useful for regulating heart failure therapies. Thus, in one
implementation, the implantable device designates or is hardwired
to create a multi-vector network that in some instances includes at
least one intracardiac vector. Multiple impedances measured over
different vectors of such a multi-vector network can be
cross-correlated, e.g., by a probability engine, to establish an
accurate and reliable value for a data point of a parameter being
trended. The multiplexed waveform enables simultaneous,
quasi-simultaneous, and/or sequential impedance measurements over
the multiple vectors. In some cases, because the applied waveform
creates rich impedance waveform effects, only one vector need be
employed for many of the types of parameters to be trended.
[0051] When a multi-vector network system is used instead of a
single vector, the multi-vector system can receive information from
multiple simultaneous or sequential impedance vectors to improve
the accuracy of determining heart hemodynamics, predicting heart
failure by detecting changing pressure or ejection fractions, or
structural heart changes, such as left atrial (LA) and/or left
ventricular (LV) enlargement, right ventricular (RV) enlargement,
etc.
[0052] The system can detect tissue swelling, such as fluid
accumulation or edema--even at early onset--with greater
selectivity as to location of the tissue swelling and with greater
specificity that the condition being sensed is really tissue
swelling or fluid accumulation and not some other condition with a
similar impedance effect.
[0053] In one implementation, an exemplary implantable device
senses impedance effects and trends corresponding bodily parameters
over time in order to monitor and treat heart failure. In another
implementation, the exemplary implantable device transfers values
externally, e.g., to an external programmer, so that the trending
can be performed on the external device, which may have more
computing power than the implantable device.
[0054] In an alternative implementation, the implantable device
leverages the waveform to check lead integrity, electrode
integrity, and/or lead-to-device integrity without applying pulses
that are disturbing to the patient. Thus the systems to be
described below use the applied waveform to improve routine
maintenance tasks in and around an implantable device as well as to
optimize cardiac therapies.
[0055] In another alternative implementation, the implantable
device leverages the waveform to generate vector-impedancegrams to
locate problems or to visualize tissue differences and even lesions
within the catchment volume of a multi-vector network.
Exemplary Electrode Configurations
[0056] Conventional implantable lead systems as well as custom lead
systems usually have numerous electrodes that can be selected in
combination to create the multi-vector networks. For example, many
conventional lead systems have at least 9-11 available electrodes,
implemented as tip, coil, ring, and broad surface area electrodes,
that is: [0057] the CASE electrode [0058] Right Ventricular coil
(RV-c) electrode [0059] Superior Vena Cava (SVC) coil electrode
[0060] Right Atrial ring electrode (RA-r) [0061] Right Ventricular
ring electrode (RV-r) [0062] Left Ventricular ring electrode (LV-r)
[0063] Right Atrial tip electrode (RA-t) [0064] Right Ventricular
tip electrode (RV-t) [0065] Left Ventricular tip electrode (LV-t)
[0066] Left Atrial ring electrode (LA-r) [0067] Left Atrial tip
electrode (LA-t).
[0068] These electrodes, discussed more fully below, are typically
included in many implantable lead systems.
[0069] A related feature of the multi-vector network is that
multiple vectors can be selected, rearranged, or unselected by
configuring electrode combinations. Selected vectors are
customizable.
[0070] FIG. 2 shows various electrode configurations for measuring
impedance, e.g., across a pathway of bodily tissue. Any of these
impedance measurement configurations can be used to achieve a given
vector of the multi-vector network. Thus, when measuring impedance,
the measurement itself does not have to be obtained from the same
set of leads as is used for applying the signal (pulses or
waveforms). Bipolar 202 (two node measurement), tripolar 204 (three
node measurement), and quadripolar 206 (four node measurement)
configurations can be used within an exemplary multi-vector
network.
[0071] When the various electrode configurations of FIG. 2 are
applied across various electrode combinations, e.g., combinations
of the eleven electrodes listed above, a selection of 1296
electrode combinations results that can be utilized in a
multi-vector network. That is, the different impedance measurement
electrode configurations can be used for each selected vector of a
given multi-vector network. If even more electrodes are used in a
particular lead system than the conventional electrodes and case
associated with a typical 3-lead implantation, or if combinations
are customized, or if combinations of combinations are used, then
the number of electrode combinations that can be used in an
exemplary multi-vector network increases dramatically.
[0072] The term "multi-vector network" means that a given
measurement is simultaneously, quasi-simultaneously, or
sequentially acquired over multiple electrical pathways, or more
specifically, by multiple different sets of electrodes "aimed" from
different perspectives at the same parameter, structure, or
condition being measured. "Simultaneously acquired" means that
multiple measurements made over multiple vectors are acquired at
the same time in some implementations, or in rapid succession
(quasi-simultaneously) in other implementations such that the speed
of the rapid succession is fast enough that the elapsed time
between each measurement in a single set of vector measurements is
dismissible for purposes of associating the multiple measurements
with the same temporal data point. Depending on probability
processors, filters, and/or logic blocks incorporated into various
implementations, the network of measurements can be combined into
one "high quality" measurement, or, the network of measurements can
be regarded as a set of separate related measurements that give a
far better picture of the state of the parameter, structure, or
condition being sensed or measured.
[0073] In some implementations, the multi-vector network uses
exemplary waveforms to probe bodily conditions. The exemplary
waveforms are designed with many features favorable for probing
tissues and measuring physiological conditions inside the human
body. For example, an exemplary vector may use electrical waveforms
such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/787,884
to Wong et al, entitled, "Tissue Characterization Using
Intracardiac Impedances with an Implantable Lead System," filed
Mar. 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. In various implementations, an implantable device injects
pulses inside the body that have the exemplary electrical waveform
and electrically senses the results. As used herein, "inject" will
be used to mean sending an electrical signal from a circuit of the
implantable device into human tissue, e.g., applying via an
electrode.
Multi-Vector Impedance Measurements
[0074] The exemplary methods and systems described herein acquire
and process multi-vector data, such as impedance data, with the
purpose of improving the specificity and sensitivity of sensing,
diagnosing, and/or trending conditions associated with the early
onset of heart failure. Such conditions include, for example,
subtle hemodynamic changes that typically precede more overt
symptoms such as pulmonary edema, etc. An implantable device using
the exemplary multi-vector network detects the onset of heart
failure earlier than conventional systems.
[0075] The multi-vector systems to be described in more detail
further below can often resolve the following problems and/or offer
the following advantages: [0076] Multiple impedance vectors can be
evaluated and/or weighted according to various schemata in order to
cross-correlate the vectors, thereby reinforcing accuracy and
specificity of measurements and/or providing supplemental
information. [0077] Because of greater availability of vectors and
greater flexibility in their selection and combination, relevant
vectors can be matched more accurately to particular bodily
conditions. [0078] A set of vectors comprising a particular
multi-vector network can be adaptively optimized--"tailored"--by
pruning and grafting vectors. [0079] Redundancy between multiple
vectors can help eliminate measurements that are errant beyond a
threshold. [0080] A 3-dimensional impedance cardiographic view of
tissues or bodily structures can sometimes be achieved by combining
multiple sensing vectors. [0081] Different sets of multiple vectors
can be adaptively applied to the same tissue or bodily structure to
gather the best data. [0082] Data from the multiple vectors of a
given multi-vector network can be gathered simultaneously,
quasi-simultaneously in near real-time, or sequentially.
[0083] The features enumerated above, and other features of
exemplary multi-vector impedance measurement are applied to improve
diagnosis and treatment of many diseases and practical problems
including: [0084] Information from several impedance vectors can be
cross-correlated to improve the accuracy of detecting fluid
build-up in the lungs. [0085] Information from several impedance
vectors can be used to improve the accuracy of predicting worsening
heart hemodynamics, such as increasing pressure, increasing
ventricular dyssynchrony and decreasing ejection fraction, or
structural heart changes, such as LA and/or LV enlargement, RV
enlargement. [0086] The systems can often be implemented in
hardware suitable for long-term implantable devices, because in
many implementations the systems often do not require specialized
sensors. [0087] The methods and systems can be used to monitor the
integrity of the implanted device lead system and detect conditions
outside normal operating ranges. [0088] The systems are likely to
increase a patient's safety, because the systems provide better
information to the practitioner.
[0089] As introduced above, various electrode combinations can be
used to acquire impedance. In one implementation, an implantable
system measures the impedance across multiple implanted electrodes
that are located inside the heart, on the epicardium of the heart,
or within the thorax. Sometimes, possible electrode combinations,
giving rise to one or more electrical vectors, can include logical
and virtual endpoints--or "calculated leads." That is, similarly to
the known concept of vector electrocardiography--which provides a
virtual representation of the electrical activity of the heart,
combination of several physical impedance vectors can describe a
virtual representation of the mechanical activity of the heart.
Exemplary Lead System and Exemplary Implantable Device
[0090] Before further describing exemplary systems and methods to
monitor and treat heart failure conditions, an exemplary lead
system and implantable device are now described to provide an
example environment for hosting the subject matter.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 3, an exemplary implantable medical device
("implantable device" 300), in this case an exemplary implantable
cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), is in electrical communication
with a patient's heart 302 by way of three leads, 304, 306 and 308,
suitable for sensing, delivering multi-chamber stimulation and
shock therapy. Not every configuration has all of the illustrated
electrodes, but a given actual configuration may include some of
the illustrated electrodes and/or even more electrodes than
illustrated.
[0092] To sense atrial cardiac signals and to provide right atrial
chamber stimulation therapy, the implantable device 300 is coupled
to an implantable right atrial lead 306, typically having an atrial
tip electrode 310 and an atrial ring electrode 312, which typically
is implanted in the patient's right atrial appendage. Implantable
device 300 is also known as and referred to as a pacing device, a
pacing apparatus, a cardiac rhythm management device, or an
implantable cardiac stimulation device. Alternatively, the
implantable device 300 could be a defibrillator, or cardioverter,
or have combined pacing and defibrillation/cardioversion
capabilities.
[0093] To sense left atrial and ventricular cardiac signals and to
provide left chamber pacing therapy, the implantable device 300 is
coupled to a "coronary sinus" lead 304 designed for placement in
the "coronary sinus region" via the coronary sinus opening for
positioning a distal electrode adjacent to the left ventricle or
additional electrode(s) adjacent to the left atrium. As used
herein, the phrase "coronary sinus region" refers to the
vasculature of the left ventricle, including any portion of the
coronary sinus, great cardiac vein, left marginal vein, left
posterior ventricular vein, middle cardiac vein, and/or small
cardiac vein or any other cardiac vein accessible by the coronary
sinus.
[0094] Accordingly, an exemplary coronary sinus lead 304 is
designed to receive atrial and ventricular cardiac signals and to
deliver left ventricular pacing therapy using a left ventricular
(LV) tip electrode 314 and a LV ring electrode 316. Left atrial
pacing therapy uses, for example, first and second left atrial (LA)
ring electrodes 318 and 320. Shocking therapy can be performed
using at least a left atrial (LA) coil electrode 322. For a
description of an exemplary coronary sinus lead, see U.S. Pre-Grant
Publication No. 20030050681, "A Self-Anchoring Coronary Sinus Lead"
(Pianca et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,254 to Helland, entitled,
"Coronary Sinus Lead with Atrial Sensing Capability," which patent
documents are incorporated herein by reference. Coronary sinus lead
304 may also include a pair of right atrial (RA) ring electrodes
324 and 326, which may be used to provide right atrial chamber
pacing therapy.
[0095] The implantable device 300 is also shown in electrical
communication with the patient's heart 302 by way of an implantable
right ventricular lead 308, typically having an right ventricular
(RV) tip electrode 328, an RV ring electrode 330, an RV coil
electrode 332, and a superior vena cave (SVC) coil electrode 334
(also known as a right atrial (RA) coil electrode). Typically, the
right ventricular lead 308 is transvenously inserted into the heart
302 so as to place the right ventricular tip electrode 328 in the
right ventricular apex so that the RV coil electrode 332 will be
positioned in the right ventricle and the SVC coil electrode 334
will be positioned in the superior vena cava. Accordingly, the
right ventricular lead 308 is capable of receiving cardiac signals,
and delivering stimulation in the form of pacing and shock therapy
to the right ventricle.
[0096] A multi-vector network 350 can obtain impedance measurements
over multiple vectors simultaneously, quasi-simultaneously, or
sequentially using any of the electrodes illustrated in FIG. 3,
either in pairs or in combinations of three or more electrodes. For
the sake of illustration, an exemplary multi-vector network 350 is
shown in FIG. 3. Although the illustrated multi-vector network 350
includes three vectors, other exemplary multi-vector networks 350
may include more (or less) than three vectors. The illustrated
multi-vector network 350 includes three intracardiac vectors: a
vector between the left ventricle (LV) and the right atrium (RA), a
vector between the LV and the right ventricle (RV), and a vector
between two electrodes in the right ventricle (RV).
[0097] The term "multi-vector network 350" will be used herein to
refer to any multi-vector network with two or more vectors between
physical, logical, and or virtual electrodes, such as between the
physical electrodes illustrated in FIG. 3. In the description
below, "multi-vector network 350" sometimes includes at least one
intracardiac vector--a vector confined to within cardiac tissue, or
within the pericardial sac.
[0098] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary block diagram depicting various
components of the exemplary implantable device 300. The components
are typically contained in a case 400, which is often referred to
as the "can", "housing", "encasing", or "case electrode", and may
be programmably selected to act as the return electrode for
unipolar operational modes. The case 400 may further be used as a
return electrode alone or in combination with one or more of the
coil electrodes 322, 332, 334 for stimulating purposes. The case
400 further includes a connector (not shown) having a plurality of
terminals (402, 404, 406, 408, 409, 410, 412, 414, 416, 417, 418,
419, and 420--shown schematically with the names of the electrodes
to which they are connected shown next to the terminals),
including: [0099] a left ventricular tip terminal (LV TIP) 402 for
left ventricular tip electrode 314; [0100] a left ventricular ring
terminal (LV RING) 404 for left ventricular ring electrode 316;
[0101] a left atrial shocking terminal (LA COIL) 406 for left
atrial coil electrode 322; [0102] a left atrial ring terminal (LA
RING) 408 for left atrial ring electrode 318; [0103] a left atrial
ring terminal (LA RING) 409 for left atrial ring electrode 320;
[0104] a right ventricular tip terminal (RV TIP) 410 for right
ventricular tip electrode 328; [0105] a right ventricular ring
terminal (RV RING) 412 for right ventricular ring electrode 330;
[0106] a right ventricular shocking terminal (RV COIL) 414 for RV
coil electrode 332; [0107] a right atrial ring terminal (RA RING)
416 for atrial ring electrode 324; [0108] a right atrial ring
terminal (RA RING) 417 for right atrial ring electrode 326; [0109]
a right atrial tip terminal (RA TIP) 418 for atrial tip electrode
310; [0110] a right atrial ring terminal (RA RING) 419 for atrial
ring electrode 312; and [0111] a SVC shocking terminal (SVC COIL)
420 for right atrial SVC coil electrode 334.
[0112] An exemplary implantable device 300 may include a
programmable microcontroller 421 that controls various operations
of the implantable device 300, including cardiovascular monitoring,
hemodynamic monitoring, and cardiovascular stimulation therapy.
Microcontroller 421 includes a microprocessor (or equivalent
control circuitry), RAM and/or ROM memory, logic and timing
circuitry, state machine circuitry, and I/O circuitry.
[0113] The exemplary implantable device 300 may further include an
atrial pulse generator 422 and a ventricular pulse generator 424
that generate pacing stimulation pulses for delivery by the right
atrial lead 306, the coronary sinus lead 304, and/or the right
ventricular lead 308 via an electrode configuration switch 426. The
electrode configuration switch 426 may include multiple switches
for connecting the desired electrodes to the appropriate I/O
circuits, thereby providing complete electrode programmability.
Accordingly, switch 426, in response to a control signal 427 from
the microcontroller 421, determines the polarity of the stimulation
pulses (e.g., unipolar, bipolar, etc.) by selectively closing the
appropriate combination of switches.
[0114] To provide stimulation therapy in each of the four chambers
of the heart, the atrial and ventricular pulse generators 422 and
424 may include dedicated, independent pulse generators,
multiplexed pulse generators, or shared pulse generators. The pulse
generators 422 and 424 are controlled by the microcontroller 421
via appropriate control signals 428 and 430, respectively, to
trigger or inhibit the stimulation pulses.
[0115] Microcontroller 421 is illustrated as including timing
control circuitry 432 to control the timing of the stimulation
pulses (e.g., pacing rate, atrioventricular (AV) delay, atrial
interconduction (A-A) delay, or ventricular interconduction (V-V)
delay, native atrial event to native or stimulated ventricular
event (PV) delay, (AV/PV) delay, etc.). The timing control
circuitry may also be used for the timing of refractory periods,
blanking intervals, noise detection windows, evoked response
windows, alert intervals, marker channel timing, and so on.
[0116] Microcontroller 421 may also implement an arrhythmia
detector 434, a morphology detector 436, a multi-vector network
engine 438, and an impedance processing module 440. The
microcontroller 421 may process input from physiological sensors
470, such as accelerometers of an activity/position module 472, and
a minute ventilation module 474, etc.,
[0117] The components 434, 436, 438, and 440 may be implemented in
hardware as part of the microcontroller 421, or as
software/firmware instructions programmed into an implementation of
the implantable device 300 and executed on the microcontroller 421
during certain modes of operation. Although not shown, the
microcontroller 421 may further include other dedicated circuitry
and/or firmware/software components that assist in monitoring
various conditions of the patient's heart and managing pacing
therapies.
[0118] Atrial sensing circuits 444 and ventricular sensing circuits
446 may also be selectively coupled to the right atrial lead 306,
coronary sinus lead 304, and the right ventricular lead 308,
through the switch 426 to detect the presence of cardiac activity
in each of the four chambers of the heart. The sensing circuits 444
and 446 may include dedicated sense amplifiers, multiplexed
amplifiers, or shared amplifiers. Switch 426 determines the
"sensing polarity" of the cardiac signal by selectively closing the
appropriate switches. In this way, the clinician may program the
sensing polarity independent of the stimulation polarity.
[0119] Each sensing circuit 444 and 446 may employ one or more low
power precision amplifiers with programmable gain and/or automatic
gain control, bandpass filtering, and a threshold detection circuit
to selectively sense the cardiac signal of interest. The automatic
gain control enables the exemplary implantable device 300 to sense
low amplitude signal characteristics of atrial or ventricular
fibrillation.
[0120] The outputs of the atrial and ventricular sensing circuits
444 and 446 are connected to the microcontroller 421 which, in
turn, is able to trigger or inhibit the atrial and ventricular
pulse generators 422 and 424 in a demand fashion in response to the
absence or presence of cardiac activity in the appropriate chambers
of the heart. The sensing circuits 444 and 446 receive control
signals from the microcontroller 421 over signal lines 448 and 450
to control, for example, the gain and the timing of blocking
circuitry (not shown) optionally coupled to the inputs of the
sensing circuits 444, 446.
[0121] Cardiac signals, including signals involved in impedance
measurements, are supplied to an analog-to-digital (ND) data
acquisition system 452, which is configured to acquire these
signals, convert the raw analog data into a digital signal, and
store the digital signals for later processing and/or telemetric
transmission to an external device 454. The data acquisition system
452 is coupled to the right atrial lead 306, the coronary sinus
lead 304, and the right ventricular lead 308 through the switch 426
to process signals across any pair of desired electrodes.
[0122] The data acquisition system 452 is coupled to the
microcontroller 421, or other detection circuitry, to assist in
detecting an evoked response from the heart 302 in response to an
applied stimulus, which is often referred to as detecting
"capture". Capture occurs when an electrical stimulus applied to
the heart is of sufficient energy to depolarize the cardiac tissue,
thereby causing the heart muscle to contract. The microcontroller
421 detects a depolarization signal during a window following a
stimulation pulse, the presence of which indicates that capture has
occurred. The microcontroller 421 enables capture detection by
triggering the ventricular pulse generator 424 to generate a
stimulation pulse, starting a capture detection window using the
timing control circuitry 432 within the microcontroller 421, and
enabling the data acquisition system 452 via control signal 456 to
sample the cardiac signal that falls in the capture detection
window and, based on the amplitude, determines if capture has
occurred.
[0123] The microcontroller 421 is further coupled to a memory 460
by a suitable data/address bus 462. The programmable operating
parameters used by the microcontroller 421 are stored in memory 460
and used to customize the operation of the exemplary implantable
device 300 to suit the needs of a particular patient. Such
operating parameters define, for example, pacing pulse amplitude,
pulse duration, electrode polarity, rate, sensitivity, automatic
features, arrhythmia detection criteria, and the amplitude, wave
shape and vector of each shocking pulse to be delivered to the
patient's heart 302 within each respective tier of therapy.
[0124] The operating parameters of the exemplary implantable device
300 may be non-invasively programmed into the memory 460 through a
telemetry circuit 464 in telemetric communication via communication
link 466 with the external device 454, such as a programmer, local
transceiver, or a diagnostic system analyzer. The microcontroller
421 can activate the telemetry circuit 464 with a control signal
468. The telemetry circuit 464 allows intracardiac electrograms and
status information relating to the operation of the exemplary
implantable device 300 (as contained in the microcontroller 421 or
memory 460) to be sent to the external device 454 through an
established communication link 466.
[0125] The physiological sensors 470 referred to above can further
include, for example, "rate-responsive" sensors that adjust pacing
stimulation rates according to the exercise state of the patient.
Accordingly, the microcontroller 421 responds by adjusting the
various pacing parameters (such as rate, etc.) at which the atrial
and ventricular pulse generators 422 and 424 generate stimulation
pulses.
[0126] The physiological sensors 470 may include mechanisms and
sensors to detect bodily movement (472), minute ventilation 474,
changes in blood pressure, changes in cardiac output, changes in
the physiological condition of the heart, diurnal changes in
activity (e.g., detecting sleep and wake states), G-force
acceleration of the ICD case 400, length of the cardiac QT
interval, blood oxygen saturation, blood pH, changes in
temperature, respiration rate, and QRS wave duration. While shown
as being included within the exemplary implantable device 300, the
physiological sensor(s) 470 may also be external to the exemplary
implantable device 300, yet still be implanted within or carried by
the patient, e.g., a blood pressure probe. Examples of
physiological sensors external to the case 400 that may be deployed
by implantable device 300 include sensors that, for example, sense
respiration activities, O.sub.2 saturation, evoked response, pH of
blood, and so forth.
[0127] The illustrated physiological sensors 470 include one or
more activity/position sensors 472 (e.g., 1D or 3D accelerometers,
movement sensors, etc.) to detect changes in the patient's
position. The activity/position sensors 472 can be used to assist
detection of orthostatic hypotension caused by transition from a
less upright posture to a comparatively more upright posture. One
example postural change leading to orthostatic hypotension in
susceptible individuals is a movement from a supine position in a
rest state (e.g., sleeping in bed) to an upright position in a
non-rest state (e.g., sitting or standing up).
[0128] In one configuration, accelerometer output signal is
bandpass-filtered, rectified, and integrated at regular timed
intervals. A processed accelerometer signal can be used as a raw
activity signal. The device derives an activity measurement based
on the raw activity signal at intervals timed according to the
cardiac cycle. The activity signal alone can be used to indicate
whether a patient is active or resting. The activity measurement
can further be used to determine an activity variance parameter. A
large activity variance signal is indicative of a prolonged
exercise state. Low activity and activity variance signals are
indicative of a prolonged resting or inactivity state.
[0129] The minute ventilation (MV) sensor 474 may also be included
in the physiological sensors 470 in order to sense rate and depth
of breathing. Minute ventilation can be measured as the total
volume of air that moves in and out of a patient's lungs in a
minute. The MV sensor 474 may use impedance measuring and
processing circuits 478 to sense air movement by measuring
impedance across the chest cavity.
[0130] The impedance measuring and processing circuits 478
communicate with the microcontroller 421, e.g., via control signals
480 and can be used for obtaining many types of bodily and
intracardiac impedances, including a network of single- or
multi-vector impedance measurements. Such impedance measurements
can be used for trending many kinds of physiological variables, and
can also be used for detection of air movement in and out of the
lungs, blockage of airways, lead impedance surveillance during
acute and chronic phases for proper lead positioning or
dislodgement; lead integrity by detecting insulation abrasion,
operable electrodes, and automatically switching to an operable
pair if dislodgement occurs; measuring respiration or minute
ventilation; measuring thoracic impedance for determining shock
thresholds; detecting when the device has been implanted; measuring
cardiac stroke volume; detecting the opening of heart valves; and
so forth. The impedance measuring circuit 478 may be coupled to the
switch 426 so that any desired electrode may be used, and networks
of vectors can be selected by the multi-vector network engine
438.
[0131] The exemplary implantable device 300 additionally includes a
battery 476 that provides operating power to all of the components
shown in FIG. 4. The battery 476 is capable of operating at low
current drains for long periods of time (e.g., less than 10 .mu.A),
and is capable of providing high-current pulses (for capacitor
charging) when the patient requires a shock pulse (e.g., in excess
of 10 A, at voltages above 500 V, for periods of 2-20
microseconds). The battery 476 also desirably has predictable
discharge characteristics so that elective replacement time can be
detected. As one example, the exemplary implantable device 300
employs lithium/silver vanadium oxide batteries.
[0132] The exemplary implantable device 300 can further include
magnet detection circuitry (not shown), coupled to the
microcontroller 421, to detect when a magnet is placed over the
exemplary implantable device 300. A magnet may be used by a
clinician to perform various test functions of the exemplary
implantable device 300 and/or to signal the microcontroller 421
that an external programmer (e.g., 454) is in place to receive or
transmit data to the microcontroller 421 through the telemetry
circuits 464.
[0133] The microcontroller 421 further controls a shocking circuit
482 via a control signal 484. The shocking circuit 482 generates
shocking pulses of low (e.g., up to 0.5 joules), moderate (e.g.,
0.5-10 joules), or high energy (e.g., 11-40 joules), as selected by
the microcontroller 421. Such shocking pulses are applied to the
patient's heart 302 through at least two shocking electrodes
selected, for example, from the left atrial coil electrode 322, the
RV coil electrode 332, and/or the SVC coil electrode 334. As noted
above, the case 400 may act as an active electrode in combination
with the RV coil electrode 332, or as part of a split electrical
vector using the SVC coil electrode 334 or the left atrial coil
electrode 322 (i.e., using the RV coil electrode 332 as a common
electrode).
[0134] Cardioversion shocks are generally considered to be of low
to moderate energy level (so as to minimize pain felt by the
patient), and/or synchronized with an R-wave and pertain to the
treatment of tachycardia. Defibrillation shocks are generally of
moderate to high energy level (i.e., corresponding to thresholds in
the range of, e.g., 5-40 joules), delivered asynchronously (since
R-waves may be too disorganized), and pertain exclusively to the
treatment of fibrillation. Accordingly, the microcontroller 421 is
capable of controlling the synchronous or asynchronous delivery of
the shocking pulses.
[0135] More generally, the exemplary implantable device 300 can be
programmed to stimulate different sets of vascular and cardiac
muscles through the same lead/electrode system. The exemplary
implantable device 300 can be programmed to vary the output voltage
of various pulses to effectively stimulate different muscles of the
heart and blood vessels, even though the physical placement of
leads and electrodes does not change.
Exemplary Waveform Generating and Impedance Measuring
Architecture
[0136] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary impedance measurement circuit
architecture 500, including filter components to obtain raw,
cardiac, and respiratory impedances. The illustrated architecture
500 is just one example configuration, other configurations are
also possible. In one implementation, the exemplary impedance
measurement architecture 500 includes a pulse generator 502 for
generating an exemplary pulse waveform, in this case a current
waveform 503, for application to the bodily tissue of a patient 504
and a sensed signal processor 506 for processing resulting
waveforms detected in the tissue, in this case voltage waveforms
507. An injection (e.g.; current pulse) mutliplexor 508 implements
the single- or multi-vector aspect of signal application by
determining a first set of electrodes for injecting the exemplary
waveform 503. The selection of electrodes may be determined by the
network specifier 602 of the multi-vector network engine 438.
Likewise, a sensing (voltage measurement) multiplexer 510
implements signal sensing by determining a second set of electrodes
for sensing the resulting voltage waveforms 507. The set of sensing
electrodes may also be determined by the network specifier 602 of
the multi-vector network engine 438. Both the injection multiplexor
508 and the sensing multiplexor 510 may be implemented in an
implantable device 300 in the electrode configuration switch
426.
Exemplary Probative Waveform
[0137] A waveform 503 for application to bodily tissue that is
generated by the exemplary impedance measurement circuit
architecture 500 possesses many special waveform features and
electrical characteristics that are well suited for probing and
measuring many types of physiological parameters in the body using
current modulated or voltage modulated pulses. Such waveforms are
described, as introduced above, in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
60/787,884 to Wong et al, entitled "Tissue Characterization Using
Intracardiac Impedances with an Implantable Lead System," filed
Mar. 31, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. Exemplary waveforms 503 are multi-phasic, with negative
phases (pulse segments below baseline) that balance positive phases
(pulse segments above baseline). The illustrated waveform 503 is
tri-phasic. Other versions of the waveform 503 may have more than
three phases, may be synchronous or asynchronous, may be
rectangular or sinusoidal, etc. One version of the waveform 503
uses the sinc(x) sampling waveform. In one variation, the exemplary
impedance measurement architecture applies the waveform 503 as a
voltage waveform instead of a current waveform and senses the
results as electrical current instead of voltage.
[0138] Properties of the exemplary waveforms 503 include superior
penetration of some tissues than conventionally injected signals;
better differential penetration of tissues than conventionally
injected signals for improved differentiation and characterization
of tissues; broader frequency spectrum content than conventionally
injected signals in order to characterize tissue; greater
neutrality in the body than conventionally injected signals, i.e.,
the exemplary waveforms do not change the parameter they are trying
to measure, and moreover, do not create ionic imbalances or
imbalances of charge, voltage, etc., in the tissues or at
tissue-electrode interfaces.
[0139] Each waveform 503 has a total duration less than the
charging time constant of the electrode-electrolyte interfaces used
to inject and sense the signals. These time constants are typically
in the range of a few milliseconds. In one implementation, the
duration of waveform 503 is less than 1 millisecond. This waveform
feature is helpful for minimizing polarization effects at these
electrode-electrolyte interfaces. Other features of the exemplary
waveforms 503 include symmetric or asymmetric phase duration,
decreasing phase amplitudes, and alternating phase signs. Each
waveform 503 typically has null durations in between phases to
provide time to allow complete processing of information caused by
one phase before the next phase of the waveform 503 begins.
Implementations of the waveform 503 that have near perfect square
wave pulses (or rectangular wave pulses) contain a great deal of
high-frequency content. Near-sinusoidal implementations of the
waveform 503 may contain less high frequency content than the
rectangular wave versions.
[0140] The features of exemplary waveforms 503 just enumerated
provide numerous advantages, including: eliminating the need for
fast digital sampling, minimizing artifacts introduced in the
measurement process, increased tolerance of small phase delays
between injected and sensed signals. The exemplary waveforms 503
also lend themselves to CMOS realization using low-value switched
capacitor solutions. Further, the wide frequency spectrum of the
injected signal can be used to implement algorithms that
differentiate tissues based on their frequency response, and/or
phase delay. The very low duty-cycle of the exemplary waveforms 503
make them safer for patients. The reduced duty-cycle brings the
injected charge and the root-mean-square value of the injected
signal well below levels that could be perceived by the patient or
that could induce adverse events.
[0141] It is important to note that the net-zero voltage feature,
also referred to as the voltage-balanced feature, refers to the
voltage formed on blocking capacitors that appear in series with
the load. The flow of current through these capacitors builds up
voltage across them. Since these capacitors, such as capacitor 540
in FIG. 5, also appear in circuits that are responsible for sensing
cardiac activity, it is important that the net voltage built up on
them be zero. As a result of the net-zero voltage feature, the
influence of an exemplary waveform 503 on the circuits that sense
cardiac activity is minimal.
[0142] Other features of the exemplary waveforms 503 derive from
the above-mentioned null segments--intra-waveform segments
containing no signal--that serve several purposes. First, the null
segments allow the electronics in processing circuits to settle
during measurement of phases and second, they allow multiple
instances of the waveform 503 to exist in the patient's tissue
simultaneously, being staggered by time multiplexing such that a
phase of one waveform can be measured during the time that there is
no signal between phases of another waveform.
[0143] In one implementation, the exemplary waveform 503 is used to
derive physiological measurements based on intracardiac impedances.
Based on such cardiogenic impedance measurements, many
physiological variables can be trended to detect changes in a
patient's condition, such as congestive heart failure (CHF) index,
pulmonary edema, systolic slope, contraction (e.g., dZ/dt(max)),
diastolic slope, relaxation (e.g., dZ/dt(min)), pre-ejection period
(in low resolution), ejection time, left ventricular ejection
fraction (LVEF), diastolic heart failure index (DHFI), cardiac
index, etc.
[0144] The exemplary waveform 503 provides an elegant and reliable
vehicle for measuring bodily impedances in a manner that gives
reliably reproducible results. Instead of a conventional technique
of trying to sense an instantaneous "snapshot" measurement of a
conventionally injected signal, the impedance measurement circuit
architecture 500 derives an impedance measurement by dividing the
area under the sensed voltage curve (waveform 507) by the area of
the injected current waveform 503. An exemplary implantable device
300 can perform this exemplary method by "integrating the curve" of
an absolute value of waveforms 503 or 507. Sometimes the exemplary
implantable device can closely approximate this integration without
having to perform an integration operation by directly measuring
and summing the area "under" the curve (e.g., under the rectangular
wave) of the waveform 503, that is, the area composed of the
absolute value of the three areas of the three phases of an
exemplary tri-phasic waveform 503.
[0145] Likewise, the exemplary implantable device can integrate, or
closely approximate the integration, by measuring and summing the
area "under" the curve (e.g., the rectangular wave) of the waveform
507, that is, the area composed of the absolute value of the three
areas of the three phases. In one implementation, the area of the
sensed voltage, waveform 507, is measured at the output of an
integrator circuit. The area of the injected current, waveform 503,
is computed by, or preset by, the microcontroller driving the
implantable device. An implantable device 300 may thus use this
area-based ("areal") approach to deriving a network of impedance
measurements over a multi-vector network 350.
Exemplary Sensing Circuitry Architecture
[0146] Returning to description of the impedance measurement
circuit architecture 500 itself, the sensed signal processor 506
typically consists of pre-amplification circuitry, switched
capacitor filters, and an analog to digital converter 512. In one
implementation, the voltage signal from the voltage measurement
multiplexer 510 is processed by several voltage measurement lines
or paths. The illustrated sensed signal processor 506 is able to
obtain at least the three different impedance signals introduced
above with respect to FIG. 5, that is, low frequency raw impedance
Z.sub.o 513, respiration impedance Z.sub.r 515, and cardiac
impedance Z.sub.c 517. Each measurement can be activated separately
or simultaneously.
[0147] A digital form of raw impedance Z.sub.o 513 may be obtained.
First, the sensed signal, i.e., the tri-phasic voltage waveform 507
from the voltage measurement multiplexer 510, is sent to a
preamplifier 514. The next stage is embodied in a sign conversion
and integration module 516. At this stage, the signal is converted
into an absolute value and then integrated over time. Using the
integration process instead of conventional instantaneous
"snapshot" measurements of impedance components such as pure
resistance produces results that are more noise-free and more
accurate than the conventional techniques.
[0148] The signal is then applied to a discrete-to-continuous
signal conversion module 518. At this point in the architecture
500, the signals for low frequency impedance Z.sub.o 513,
respiration impedance Z.sub.r 515, and cardiac impedance Z.sub.c
517 are extracted separately by different filter paths, as
summarized in FIG. 5. To obtain the low frequency impedance Z.sub.o
513, the signal is sent to a level shift and low pass filter module
520, and then to the analog to digital converter 512.
[0149] A digital form of the respiration impedance Z.sub.r 515 may
be obtained by tapping the analog signal from the input of the
level shift and low pass filter module 520, and feeding the signal
to a line consisting of bandpass filters 522 and 524 and a low pass
filter 526. The signal is then fed to the analog to digital
converter 512 to obtain digital Z.sub.r 515.
[0150] A digital form of the cardiac impedance Z.sub.c 517 may
likewise be obtained by tapping the analog signal from the input of
the level shift and low pass filter module 520, and feeding the
signal to a line consisting of high pass filters 528 and 530 and a
low pass filter 532. The signal is then fed to the analog to
digital converter 512 to obtain digital Z.sub.c 517.
[0151] In one implementation, the pulse generator 502 consists of
two timing-controlled current generators 534 and 536 with
programmable magnitude. The first current generator 534 sources
current, the other current generator 536 sinks the current. As part
of the charge and voltage balancing process, the switch
SW.sub.Balance 538 is used to discharge the external capacitor
Cap_impulse 540 after each generated impulse. The pulse rate is
programmable.
[0152] Components of the impedance measurement architecture 500 may
be distributed across the impedance measuring & processing
circuits 478 (FIG. 4) and the impedance processing module 440 (FIG.
4), the distribution of components depending on implementation.
That is, the exemplary impedance measurement architecture 500 may
be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. For
example, the exemplary impedance measurement architecture 500 may
be implemented in hardware as part of the microcontroller 421
and/or as hardware integrated into the fabric of the exemplary
implantable device 300; or as software/firmware instructions
programmed into an implementation of the implantable device 300 and
executed on the microcontroller 421 during certain modes of
operation.
[0153] In one implementation, the preamplifier 514 is included in
the impedance measuring & processing circuits 478. The pulse
generator 502 can be implemented in the impedance processing module
440 as may some of the other components of the sensed signal
processor 506.
[0154] Although the illustrated version of the impedance
measurement circuit architecture 500 applies a current pulse
waveform 503 and senses a voltage pulse waveform 507, other
implementations can inject a voltage waveform and sense a current
waveform.
[0155] The "raw" impedance measurement, Z.sub.o 513, can be useful
for determining extra- or intra-cardiac impedances and examining
conditions such as pulmonary edema. The respiration component of
impedance, Z.sub.r 515, can be useful for tracking respiration rate
and depth, sleep apnea, and other related CHF conditions. Likewise,
the cardiac component of impedance, Z.sub.c517, can be separated
out for tracking various hemodynamic parameters.
Exemplary Multi-Vector Network Engine
[0156] FIG. 6 shows the exemplary multi-vector network engine 438
of FIG. 4 in greater detail. The illustrated configuration of the
exemplary multi-vector network engine 438 is meant to provide one
example configuration for the sake of overview. Many other
configurations of the illustrated components, or similar
components, are possible within the scope of the subject matter.
Such a multi-vector network engine 438 can be executed in hardware,
software, or combinations of hardware, software, firmware, etc. In
some implementations, the multi-vector network engine 438 is
integrated with the impedance measurement circuit architecture 500,
while in other versions the multi-vector network engine 438
comprises mostly software that communicates with the impedance
measurement circuit architecture 500.
[0157] In one implementation, as illustrated, the exemplary
multi-vector network engine 438 includes a network specifier 602, a
waveform application engine 604, an electrical characteristics
evaluator, such as the illustrated impedance evaluator 606, a
physiological parameter evaluator 608, and a cardiography engine
610. Not all implementations will include all these components, or,
these components may be combined differently or have subcomponents
that are grouped differently.
[0158] The network specifier 602 may further include a vector
selector 612 to select which available vectors are to be included
in a given multi-vector network 350 configuration, a vector
combinations database 614 to store predefined multi-vector
configurations, a vector weighting engine 616 to assign an
importance to each vector that is used in a given multi-vector
configuration, and an electrode combination engine 618 to assign
physical electrodes to theoretical multi-vector combinations.
[0159] The network specifier 602, may choose certain electrodes
over others for a given multi-vector configuration in order to
select a geometric shape for the vectors to describe through a
tissue. That is, by selectively including electrodes in a given
multi-vector network configuration, the network specifier 602 may
select the shape of a volume of tissue through which vectors pass,
thereby adding specificity of location to the sensed impedance
effects. This ability to select a "shape" described by the
electrical pathways of a multi-vector network is useful when the
implanted device is to confine the sensing of impedance effects to
one specific section of tissue, for example, to one chamber or to
one half of the heart. The network specifier 602 selects electrodes
that create vectors across the section of interest.
[0160] The waveform application engine 604 may further include a
waveforms specifier 620 to request (or in some implementations to
generate) waveforms at particular frequencies or timing sequences
for the vectors of a given multi-vector configuration; an interface
622 (in some implementations) to communicate with the pulse
generator 502; a timing multiplexor 624 (in some implementations)
to control the timing that is used to apply the multiple waveforms
in sequence over the multiple vectors; and in some implementations,
a frequency multiplexor 626 instead of the timing multiplexor 624
in order to apply the multiple waveforms over the multiple vectors
at different frequencies, one frequency per vector.
[0161] An electrical characteristics evaluator, such as the
illustrated impedance evaluator 606, may include a multi-wave
reader 628, a probability engine 630, and a vector cross-correlator
632. The multi-wave reader 628 may include a counterpart of the
timing multiplexor 624, referred to as a synchronizer ("synch")
634, that controls timing for sensing multiple waveforms applied in
sequence by the timing multiplexor 624. The multi-wave reader 628
may also include frequency filters 636 to delineate waveforms of
different frequency that exist simultaneously in the patient's
tissue, having been applied one frequency per vector by the
waveform application engine 604.
[0162] The probability engine 630 processes the measured electrical
characteristic (such as impedance) of each vector in a multi-vector
configuration and may apply statistical analysis to decide how to
interpret the data. For example, if the impedances of a majority
set of vectors in a multi-vector network 350 trend in the same
manner, but the impedance of one vector in the minority deviates
notably from the majority, then the probability engine 630 may
discard the deviant vector as erroneous. The probability engine 630
may also determine that a trend, such as a trend indicative of a
degree of heart failure, is accelerating.
[0163] The vector cross-correlator 632 works closely with the
probability engine 630 and with the physiological parameter
evaluator 608 to interpret electrical results in terms of a
patient's physical conditions. For example, the vector
cross-correlator 632 may compare the data returned from the
multiple vectors either as raw impedance data or as hemodynamic
data. In other words, the same data can have more than one level of
meaning, and statistical and/or cross-correlative techniques can be
applied to the data in terms of these different levels--the same
data can be viewed as an impedance, or as a measurement of a
hemodynamic parameter, or as an indicator of a cardiac condition,
such as heart failure. In one implementation, the hemodynamic
trender 638 views a progression of impedance data points over time
as an indicator of a cardiac condition. That is, the data points
represent impedance or represent a hemodynamic parameter, while the
trend itself represents an aspect of cardiac health.
[0164] In some cases, the values returned from the multiple vectors
may cross-correlate to reinforce each other, serving to
"double-check" the correctness of values for the parameter being
measured. In other cases, some of the multiple values may give rise
to additional values, that is, some of the multiple vectors may
return unique information that is additive or complementary. In
some cases, the vector cross-correlator 632 may subject such values
to a cross-correlation algorithm based on a physiological
parameter. For example, one vector may be relevant for measuring a
structural change in a heart chamber, while another vector may be
relevant for measuring a change in a related chamber pressure. A
sample algorithm might calculate and conclude that if the change in
the structure exceeds a first threshold the change in chamber
pressure exceeds a second threshold, then cardiac condition "X"
must be present.
[0165] Obtaining and cross-correlating data from multiple vectors
at once can provide added reliability when the results of multiple
vectors agree with each other, and can provide extra safeguards
when the results of the multiple vectors disagree. In addition,
such simultaneous or quasi-simultaneous measurements can be used to
filter out noise and the presence of non-target physiological
phenomena that may be affecting the target phenomena.
[0166] The diagnosis and therapy module 640 receives evaluation of
the cross-correlated vectors and may make an automatic diagnosis
based on the evaluation, e.g., by comparing the received values
with stored thresholds. Likewise, if an implantable device
diagnoses a reportable condition, then the diagnosis and therapy
module 640 may signal the patient or the practitioner, depending on
urgency.
[0167] Some implementations of the multi-vector network engine 438,
such as that illustrated, may include a lead integrity engine 642
as well as a cardiography engine 610, which may further include a
3-D impedancegram engine 644.
[0168] It is important to note that the engines and evaluators
described above could reside inside the implanted device, in an
external processing unit, such as a programmer, a house-call device
or a bedside monitor, or distributed between the implanted device
and one or more of these external devices.
Multiplexing Measurements Over Multiple Vectors
[0169] FIG. 7 shows a general schematic of exemplary components for
applying time multiplexing. In one implementation, the timing
multiplexor 624 of the waveform application engine 604 is a timing
block communicatively coupled with an impedance processor block,
such as impedance measuring and processing circuits 478, which may
also include the pulse generator 502 and the sensed signal
processor 506. The timing multiplexor 624 is coupled in turn with
the microcontroller 421, which may also include elements of the
pulse generator 502 and the sensed signal processor 506. Finally,
the timing multiplexor 624 is coupled with the electrode
configuration switch 426 or, coupled with mux 508 and mux 510.
[0170] In one implementation, the multi-vector network engine 438
residing in the microcontroller 421, programs specific timing
sequences into the timing multiplexor 624. The timing sequence
associates a group of electrodes that implement a given vector with
the same timing point on the sequence, that is, the timing
multiplexor 624 associates each vector with a point on the timing
sequence 702. The electrodes associated with each vector are
brought into play at the timing point of their respective
vector.
[0171] FIG. 8 shows the time multiplexing of two exemplary
waveforms 802 and 804 by the components of FIG. 7. The first
waveform 802 is used to implement a first vector V.sub.1 while the
second waveform 804 is used to implement a second vector V.sub.2.
The phases of each waveform exist in the bodily tissue at different
times. Hence, for example, in the illustrated simple two vector
system, at time period T.sub.1 the sensed signal processor 506 can
sense the first phase of the first waveform 802 for vector V.sub.1
without receiving interference from the second waveform 804. At
time period T.sub.2 the sensed signal processor 506 can sense the
first phase of the second waveform 804 for vector V.sub.2, without
receiving interference from the first waveform 802.
[0172] As shown in FIG. 9, multiple instances 900 of the exemplary
waveforms, such as waveform 503, can be time-multiplexed for
multiple vectors. In one implementation, the multiple instances of
the multiple waveforms exist in the patient's tissue
simultaneously. To use multiple instances of waveform 503, the
phases of each waveform can be made of shorter duration, and the
null spaces between phases can be lengthened to accommodate phases
of multiple simultaneous instances of the waveform 503.
[0173] FIG. 10 shows a sinc waveform 1002, that is, sinc(x) or
sin(x)/(x), used as the exemplary waveforms for determining an
impedance of a bodily tissue over multiple vectors. The sinc
waveform 1002 can be time-multiplexed by the arrangement of
components in FIG. 7 in a like manner as the rectangular waveform
503. Instead of making measurements during the null periods of the
rectangular waveforms 503, a version of the sensed signal processor
506 centers a measurement for one instance of the sinc waveform
1002 with the zero-crossing point 1004 of a second instance of the
sinc(x) waveform 1006, as shown. The number of instances that can
be multiplexed is determined by the configuration of the sinc
waveform 1002.
[0174] FIG. 11 shows a general schematic of exemplary components
for applying frequency multiplexing, an alternative to
time-multiplexing multiple waveforms 503 over the multiple vectors
of a multi-vector network 350. In one implementation, the frequency
multiplexor 626 of the waveform application engine 604 is a part of
or communicatively coupled with an impedance processor block, such
as impedance measuring and processing circuits 478. Depending on
implementation, the frequency multiplexor 626 may be coupled with
components of the network specifier 602 or directly with switch
426.
[0175] In one implementation, the frequency multiplexor 626
generates or channels multiple frequencies of the waveform 503, one
frequency for each vector of a given multi-vector network 350. The
multiple waveforms 503 of different frequency exist simultaneously
in the patient's bodily tissue.
[0176] FIG. 12 shows exemplary frequency-multiplexing components in
greater detail. In one implementation, the frequency multiplexor
626 is implemented in the microcontroller 421 and initiates
generation of multiple frequencies of the waveform 503, one
frequency for each vector. The network specifier 602 applies each
of the multiple frequencies to the electrodes associated with each
vector and then senses an electrical result at each of the
different frequencies to determine an impedance of each vector from
the electrical result sensed at the frequency associated with that
vector. Because the waveforms are at different frequencies, the
waveforms can exist in the bodily tissue simultaneously without
interfering with each other's electrical measurement. In this
manner, a hemodynamic parameter can be measured simultaneously over
multiple vectors of a multi-vector network 350.
Using Intracardiac Impedances to Trend Hemodynamic Parameters
Related to Heart Failure
[0177] As shown in FIG. 13, normally healthy hearts 1302 display a
monotonically increasing relation between left ventricular end
diastolic (LVED) pressure 1304 and cardiac output 1306. However, in
heart failure patients, this relation is compromised. As shown in
FIG. 13, the cardiac output curve for a patient in heart failure
1306 varies little over a wide range of values for LVED pressure
1304.
[0178] Accordingly, the impedance evaluator 606 determines an
impedance value that correlates with an intracardiac pressure, such
as the LVED pressure 1304 or the left atrial pressure (LAP), over
at least one relevant vector, typically including an intracardiac
vector. With the reliable sensing providing by an implantable
device 300 that includes components of the exemplary multi-vector
network engine 438, it is possible to make a strong correlation
between the impedances sensed over at least one selected vector(s)
of a given multi-vector network 350 and target hemodynamic
parameters.
[0179] The physiological parameter evaluator 608 determines a value
or a rough "status" of the LAP or LVED pressure from the impedance
value provided by the impedance evaluator 606. The hemodynamic
trender 638 may trend multiple values of the LVED or LAP pressure
over time. The diagnosis and therapy module 640 tracks the value or
the trend and aims to control the selected intracardiac pressure
(rather than cardiac output 1306) by appropriately adjusting
biventricular pacing therapy (e.g., via timing control 432), such
as the pacing therapy that is typically available in cardiac
resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices.
[0180] CRT devices typically pace both ventricles of the heart
based on predetermined timing sequences. Typically, the right
atrium is paced first. Then, after a set A-V delay, the CRT device
paces the left ventricle. To allow for the delayed LV contraction
caused by heart failure, the right ventricle is paced last, after a
set V-V delay. The diagnosis and therapy module 640 signals the
timing control 432 to adjust either or both the A-V and V-V delays
such that the LAP or the LVED pressure 1304 are brought into normal
ranges.
[0181] The premise supporting this approach is based on a knowledge
that lower intracardiac pressures promote heart remodeling that, in
time, reduce (reverse) the enlargement of ventricles and atria. As
heart dimensions trend back to normal values, the strength of the
cardiac muscle increases, resulting in increased cardiac output
1306. Rather than using pressure as the direct control feedback
parameter for regulating therapy, the exemplary device 300,
including the multi-vector network engine 438, uses impedance to
regulate therapy with the goal of reducing intracardiac blood
pressure levels.
Gathering Impedance Results in the Heart with an Intracardiac
Vector
[0182] The multi-vector network engine 438 selects one or more
vectors to measure a hemodynamic parameter, and when the
hemodynamic parameter is an intracardiac parameter, then at least
one of the vector(s) is selected that has a high sensitivity to the
parameter being measured, of course. For example, a preferred left
ventricle (LV) to right atrium (RA) intracardiac vector has
increased sensitivity to hemodynamic parameters indicative of
pulmonary edema. Sometimes, if it is not certain which single
vector has the increased sensitivity to a given parameter, there is
benefit to the network specifier 602 positing and selecting
multiple vectors to measure the parameter. A majority consensus may
arise among the vectors and the trended values they provide over
time may provide further assurance of consensus among the multiple
vectors.
[0183] On the other hand, if a sensitive single vector is known
beforehand, it can still be beneficial to measure a parameter with
multiple vectors in order to determine an extent of the parameter's
change. If vectors that are least sensitive to changes in the
parameter register a change, then the extent of parameter change is
likely greater than if only the most sensitive vector is affected.
However, for many of the parameters discussed herein, a single
vector may suffice for sensing an impedance effect that correlates
with the parameter, sufficient for purposes of monitoring heart
failure and controlling therapy. On the other hand, when the
exemplary waveform 503 is used over a selected multi-vector network
350, impedance data often more accurately predicts hemodynamic
changes caused, for example, by heart failure. The combination of
the exemplary waveform 503 and the helpful redundance of multiple
vectors of a multi-vector network 350 often greatly improves
reliability over just using a single impedance vector as with many
conventional measurement means.
[0184] Additionally, the inclusion of one or more intracardiac
vectors in a multi-vector network 350 improves specificity and
sensitivity in detecting cardiac conditions, thereby allowing an
earlier detection of the onset of heart failure than conventional
techniques, which typically sense general thoracic impedance. For
example, to more precisely detect an early worsening of left
ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) trends, the multi-vector
network engine 438 can measure cardiac impedance over a
multi-vector network 350 that includes intracardiac vectors.
[0185] For many heart failure conditions, the efficacy of the
exemplary multi-vector network engine 438 becomes apparent in its
ability to apply the exemplary waveform 503 over one or more of
these intracardiac vectors. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, as
the left ventricle (LV) becomes weaker and enlarges due to heart
failure, a decreasing impedance over a vector 1402 between the
coronary-sinus-ring (CSr) electrode 318 and the
right-ventricular-ring (RVr) electrode 330 is expected. However, if
this were the only vector acquired, the data would not be specific
enough because enlargement of the left atrium (LA) or the right
ventricle (RV) could also contribute to a decreasing impedance in
the above vector 1402. If, however, a vector 1404 between the
coronary-sinus-ring (CSr) electrode 318 and the right-atrial-ring
(RAr) electrode 324 and/or a vector 1406 between the
right-ventricular-coil (RVc) electrode 332 and the
right-ventricular-ring (RVr) electrode 330 point to a stable local
trend, then the vector cross-correlator 632, in evaluating all
three vectors, can more specifically interpret the impedance trend
over the vector 1402 between the coronary-sinus-ring (CSr)
electrode 318 and the right-ventricular-ring (RVr) electrode 330 as
indicating changes primarily in the left ventricle (LV). In other
words, the multi-vector network engine 438 can localize or pinpoint
problems and structures originating hemodynamic parameters.
[0186] Other vector combinations can be used on the multi-vector
network 350 to improve specificity in determining left atrial (LA)
or right ventricular (RV) enlargements or changes. More reliable
therapy or real-time control can be initiated based on these
results. In one implementation, the diagnosis and therapy module
640 initiates or adjusts a cardiac therapy in real-time, based on
results from the physiological parameter evaluator 608.
[0187] The exemplary multi-vector network 350, especially as
enhanced by using one of the exemplary waveforms 503, can utilize a
network of impedance measurements over multiple vectors to detect
changes in numerous hemodynamic parameters (not just those
associated with enlargement of a heart chamber, described above). A
sample list of other parameters that can be trended by the
exemplary multi-vector network engine 438 include:
[0188] SS--systolic slope, dZ/dt(max)-contraction
[0189] DS--diastolic slope, dZ/dt(min)-relaxation
[0190] PEP--pre-ejection period (low resolution)
[0191] ET--ejection time
[0192] LVEF--left ventricular ejection fraction (.about.PEP/ET)
[0193] DHFI--"diastolic heart failure index"
[0194] CI--cardiac index,
[0195] etc.
Using Cardiogenic Impedance to Trend Intracardiac Pressure to
Monitor and Treat Heart Failure
[0196] FIG. 15 continues describing the principle introduced above
with respect to FIG. 13, that is, sensing impedance effects to
track and control an intracardiac pressure instead of tracking
cardiac output or instead of tracking a cardiac pressure via
echocardiography. Cardiogenic impedance can be a good predictor of
changes in the trends of left-atrial (LA) mechanical parameters,
such as the left atrial (LA) wall velocity 1502 (as verified by
also determining wall velocity 1502 by echocardiography). Changes
in cardiogenic impedance and changes in heart chamber volumes
correlate. Thus, the increase in left-atrial wall velocity 1502
documented in the velocity graph of FIG. 15 is reflected in a
relative increase in the magnitude of the notches seen in the
cardiogenic impedance waveform during the P and the T waves of the
cardiac cycle (that is, a first peak-to-peak variation 1504
increases in magnitude to a second peak-to-peak variation
1506).
[0197] Likewise, as shown in FIG. 16, a multi-vector network 350
can reliably sense intracardiac impedances to measure hemodynamic
parameters that translate relatively directly into practical
diagnostic tools. In patients with a degree of heart failure but
preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function, an exemplary
multi-vector network engine 438 can calculate a congestive heart
failure index that can gauge, for example, exercise intolerance in
such patients, which will now be described.
[0198] In normal patients who do not have a heart failure
condition, the impedance over a left ventricular (LV) intracardiac
vector changes between a rest state and an exercise state by
different amounts, due to differences in the left ventricular (LV)
end-diastolic volume during each state. Thus, (as shown in FIG. 16)
the ratiometric CHF index can be represented by a ratio of an
impedance Z.sub.1 1602 representing the impedance difference
between the two states at the LV end-diastolic volume, divided by
the magnitude of an impedance Z.sub.2 1604 that represents the rest
state LV end-diastolic volume (as compared with baseline volume).
The normal value of this CHF index ratio is around 0.2. For
patients with diastolic heart failure, however, the CHF index ratio
is zero, because of exercise intolerance: in such patients, Z.sub.1
1602' is zero because the LV end-diastolic volume does not adapt
during an increased exercise load. The network specifier 602 of the
multi-vector network engine 438 can designate a combination of
vectors that can associate these results specifically with the left
ventricle (LV) to reliably determine a patient's CHF index.
Using Impedance Effects Sensed Over a Multi-Vector Network to Trend
Pulmonary Edema Related to Heart Failure
[0199] An exemplary multi-vector network 350 uses information from
several impedance vectors to improve the accuracy of detecting
tissue swelling and fluid build-up, such as fluid build-up in the
lungs secondary to onset of heart failure. The fluid build-up
characteristic of pulmonary edema (PE) is a relatively late symptom
of heart failure compared with earlier intracardiac symptoms, such
as changes in left atrial pressure (LAP), volume, and chamber
enlargement, by which the multi-vector network engine 438 can often
make an earlier prediction of heart failure than conventional
techniques. Nonetheless, trending pulmonary edema is described
herein for its practical value and its illustrative value in
pointing up features of the multi-vector network engine 438.
[0200] Fluid build-up in the lungs decreases impedance measured
across a vector between a right ventricular (RV) coil electrode
332, for instance, and a case electrode 600. However, the variation
in impedance over this vector can be of a small absolute magnitude,
given that the baseline value is in the 50-80 ohm range (i.e., a
relatively small baseline value). Noise or limitations of
conventional instrumentation affect the accuracy of such
measurements. In turn, the reliability of trends computed from this
single vector alone may have a low specificity and sensitivity to
fluid build-up in the lungs: that is, conventionally established
trends may be incorrect.
[0201] In addition to the above-described vector, the multi-vector
network engine 438 can simultaneously measure impedances across
additional vectors, such as a vector between the coronary sinus
(CS) ring electrode 318 and the case electrode 600, and/or a vector
between the coronary sinus (CS) ring electrode 318 and the right
atrial (RA) ring electrode 324. Other combinations of vectors can
also be used. The vector cross-correlator 632 can correlate trends
from these multiple vectors, thereby providing improved overall
prediction rates of pulmonary edema.
[0202] With regard to correlating the trending values obtained from
multiple vectors, as shown in FIG. 17 the impedances measured by
the multi-vector network engine 438 over a majority set 1702 of
vectors may trend together (a consensus, or at least an agreement
between two or more vectors) adding reliability to a pulmonary
edema prediction, especially as compared with impedance of a few,
non-trending vectors 1704.
[0203] In one implementation, when the trending impedance (e.g., of
the majority set of vectors 1702) decreases by more than 20%, the
diagnosis and therapy module 640 decides that pulmonary edema has
commenced 1706.
Using impedance Waveform Morphology to Monitor and Treat Heart
Failure [0204] Using a Fractionation Characteristic of the
Impedance Waveform to Trend Intracardiac Pressure For Monitoring
and Treating Heart Failure
[0205] FIGS. 18, 19, and 20 show intracardiac impedance and its
relationship to left atrial pressure (LAP) during a patient's
cardiac cycle. LAP is known to be a reliable predictor of heart
failure progression. Increasing LAP levels are known to be
indicative of worsening heart failure conditions. The intracardiac
impedance is sensed over a vector, e.g., between the left ventricle
(LV) and the right atrium (RA). (Other vectors can be used). FIG.
18 shows intracardiac impedance under normal conditions. FIG. 19
shows the intracardiac impedance at the early onset of heart
failure. FIG. 20 shows the intracardiac impedance during late heart
failure conditions.
[0206] In FIG. 18, for a normal patient free of heart failure, the
characteristic morphology of the intracardiac impedance trace 1802
shows relatively smooth waves that follow the cardiac cycle, with
relatively little raggedness (i.e., "fractionation") at the crest
1804 of each impedance trace peak (or trough). In FIG. 19, during
early onset of heart failure, the intracardiac impedance trace 1902
develops a characteristic morphology of notches 1904 in or near the
crests--i.e., a moderate degree of fractionation--that may be
diagnostic of this stage of heart failure. In FIG. 20, during late
heart failure conditions, the intracardiac impedance trace 2002
develops a characteristic morphology of high volatility and
fractionation, where the magnitude of the notches 2004 increases
significantly and their frequency of occurrence is high.
[0207] For example, in FIG. 20, features labeled f#1 are seen
mostly around the P wave of the cardiac cycle. Features #2 and #3
are separated by a notch that occurs near the T wave of the cardiac
cycle. Feature #2 precedes the notch, whereas feature #3 follows
it. These features are not seen in a normal LV-RA cardiogenic
impedance waveform, such as that shown in FIG. 18. The frequency of
occurrence of these features (e.g., notches indicative of a
fractionated waveform) increases as the average LAP increases from
normal (FIG. 18), to elevated (FIG. 19), to very high late heart
failure levels (FIG. 20). Thus, the morphology of the intracardiac
impedance waveform obtained by the multi-vector network engine 438
can accurately stage heart failure, and notably can predict or
determine the early onset of heart failure.
[0208] With therapy, as the LV-RA cardiogenic impedance resolves
back from the fractionated morphology in FIG. 20 to the normal
morphology in FIG. 18, the resolution indicates that the LA and/or
LVED pressures decrease towards normal values. The multi-vector
network engine 438 residing in the exemplary implantable device 300
adjusts the A-V or V-V timing delay such that the morphology of the
LV-RA vector impedance trends back from that shown in FIG. 20 to
that in FIG. 18. This can be achieved using one of many different
techniques. For example, the peaks or troughs seen in the impedance
morphology of FIG. 20 can be counted by the physiological parameter
evaluator 608 or simply by another counter inside microcontroller
421 in FIG. 4. When the frequency of occurrence of these peaks and
troughs is high, the A-V or V-V timing is adjusted from a set value
(determined, for example, at implant time) to lower or higher
values, with the goal of decreasing the frequency of the feature's
occurrence.
[0209] In one implementation, the diagnosis and therapy module 640
first makes a timing adjustment in one direction, for example from
original AV or V-V timing delays to higher values. If this
adjustment results in a decreased frequency of occurrence for the
peaks and troughs shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, then the adjustment is
continued in this direction until the LV-RA impedance waveform
trends close to normal morphologies, as shown in FIG. 18.
Otherwise, the direction of the timing delay adjustment is reversed
and values are decremented from initial settings to lower numbers.
Alternatively, other impedance characteristics (as will be
described below), or other vectors from the multi-vector network
that correlate with LA and LVED pressures, such as peak-to-peak
amplitudes, can be used to adjust the A-V and V-V timing. [0210]
Using Ratiometric Data and Peak-to-Peak Amplitude Characteristics
of the Sensed Impedance Waveform to Trend Intracardiac Pressure For
Monitoring and Treating Heart Failure
[0211] FIG. 21 illustrates some impedance tracing properties during
early heart failure that give rise to impedance ratiometric data
that can be trended to detect or predict cardiac conditions or
pulmonary edema, etc. During volume overload of pulmonary edema
secondary to early heart failure, the intracardiac impedance, for
example the impedance over the vector between the left ventricular
(LV) ring electrode 316 and the right atrial (RA) ring electrode
324, develops a notched characteristic that has diagnostic
morphological features that can be measured by the exemplary
multi-vector network engine 438. For example, .DELTA.A represents a
peak corresponding to the atrial "kick" of contraction while
.DELTA.V represents a peak corresponding to the ventricular
contraction kick. The term .DELTA.PP represents the peak-to-peak
impedance amplitude. In one implementation, to track early heart
failure trends, the multi-vector network engine 438 can follow
several ratio trends. First, an increasing trend in the ratio
.DELTA.A/.DELTA.V indicates an increasing LV/RV volume trend
indicative of early heart failure. Second, a decreasing trend in
the ratio .DELTA.V/.DELTA.PP follows a decreasing trend in the left
ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Also, .DELTA.A/.DELTA.V tends
to increase with increasing average left atrial pressure (LAP). As
shown in FIG. 20, an impedance vector from the left ventricle (LV)
to the right atrium (RA) becomes more notched 2004 or fractionated
as left atrial pressure (LAP) increases.
[0212] Table (1) below shows ratiometric data that the hemodynamic
trender 638 of the multi-vector network engine 438 may use to
establish thresholds for diagnosing the early onset of pulmonary
edema. The diagnosis and therapy module 640 can use these
thresholds to modify a cardiac therapy in a real-time response to
changing trends in the parameters monitoring the heart failure.
Typical values for the ratios are shown for three intracardiac
vectors in Table (1):
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE (1) Vector LVr-RAr LVr-RVr RVc-RVr
.DELTA.a/.DELTA.v .DELTA.v/.DELTA.pp .DELTA.a/.DELTA.v
.DELTA.v/.DELTA.pp .DELTA.a/.DELTA.v .DELTA.v/.DELTA.pp Before
fluid 0.5 n/a 0.36 0.58 0.33 0.38 overload After fluid 1.1 n/a 0.43
0.52 0.85 0.23 overload
[0213] After the multi-vector network engine 438 creates a
multi-vector network 350 that includes one or more of the above
tabled intracardiac vectors, the diagnosis and therapy module 640
can then use such a table to establish thresholds between a normal
state and a fluid overload state. If a fluid overload state is
occurring, the diagnosis and therapy module 640 can signal an alarm
or apply a therapy or modification in a real-time response to early
detection of the fluid overload or increasing pressure. [0214]
Using Impedance to Trend Cardiac Dyssynchrony As A Surrogate for
Intracardiac Pressure For Monitoring and Treating Heart Failure
[0215] FIGS. 22 and 23 show intracardiac impedances obtained over
two vectors: an RV-ring-to-RV-tip vector in FIG. 22 and a
RV-ring-to-LV-ring vector in FIG. 23. In each figure, a top panel
shows the intracardiac impedances obtained in a normal heart (2202
and 2302) and a bottom panel shows the intracardiac impedances
obtained in a heart afflicted with heart failure (2204 and 2304). A
bipolar electrogram (EGM) of the corresponding cardiac cycle is
imposed on the waveform strip.
[0216] In the diseased hearts, 2204 and 2304, the first notch in
both cardiogenic impedance waveforms corresponds to the QRS complex
in the bipolar EGM. The second notch (2206 and 2306) occurs within
the time interval of the T wave.
[0217] In the normal hearts (2202 and 2302), as an indication of
synchronous ventricular contraction, both cardiogenic impedance
waveforms display a single notch that corresponds to the QRS and a
single `peak` that occurs after the QRS.
[0218] In heart failure (2204 and 2304), both cardiogenic impedance
waveforms display fractionation with distinct peaks during the T
wave. These peaks are caused by ventricular dyssynchrony.
Additionally, the corresponding T waves display one main notch,
rather than being round-shaped as are the normal T waves.
[0219] A Dyssynchrony Index can be calculated as:
DYS.IND=.DELTA.T.sub.RV-.DELTA.T.sub.LV, where the .DELTA.T for
each ventricle represents the time delay of the notch in the T wave
with respect to the second notch of the cardiogenic impedance
waveform. This delay is representative of the electromechanical
delay of the respective ventricle. Additionally, the time delay
2308 between the occurrence of the QRS complex (available to the
exemplary implantable device 300) and the occurrence of a
corresponding peak in the impedance waveform can be indicative of
worsening association between the electrical and mechanical
activities of the corresponding ventricle. Since the delay in the
impedance peak reflects the electromechanical delay, the
dyssynchrony or more specifically the Dyssynchrony Index defined
above can be trended for purposes of monitoring and treating heart
failure.
[0220] In normal hearts (2202 and 2302) the DYS.IND is typically
less than 30 msecs. In heart failure (2204 and 2304) the DYS.IND
typically increases to 60-80 msecs, or higher. Thus, the DYS.IND
value can be used to optimize V-V intervals for Bi-V pacing. In one
implementation, the diagnosis and therapy module 640 applies a V-V
delay (by stimulating the left ventricle first, then the right
ventricle) that is approximately equal to the value of the DYS.IND
determined above. Adjustment of the V-V delay being applied by the
therapy module 640 is made in real time.
[0221] In one implementation, the split aspect of the T wave, seen
in electrograms, is also predictive of ventricular dyssynchrony and
heart failure. Thus, characteristics of the split-T-wave morphology
can also be used to control CRT therapy in implantable devices 300.
[0222] Using Exemplary Impedance Measurements to Check Lead,
Electrode, and Device Integrity
[0223] Conventionally, electrode integrity assessment in an
implantable device is performed either during delivery of pacing
pulses or with low voltage discharges. If the integrity assessment
mode depends on delivery of pacing pulses, then in the case of
patients in which pacing is turned off or inhibited by the
patient's intrinsic rhythm, but the low voltage electrodes are
still being used for sensing, electrode integrity cannot be
assessed unless pacing pulses are delivered. If the integrity
assessment mode depends on low voltage discharges, then performing
low voltage discharge measurements on certain sensitive patients in
the absence of tachyarrhythmia episodes can produce an
uncomfortable sensation. Further, due to the nature of the
measurement, this technique restricts the assessment to "in-clinic"
follow-up only Additionally, each of these conventional assessment
modes provide only limited assessment of the electrode sensing
performance.
[0224] In an exemplary integrity assessment technique, the lead
integrity engine 642 of the multi-vector network engine 438 uses
the applied waveform 503 in FIG. 5 and one or more of the vectors
in an exemplary multi-vector network, e.g., as illustrated in FIG.
3. In the case of high voltage electrodes, this exemplary technique
has the added advantage of being able to assess integrity more
frequently (e.g., as often as once per hour or even more often)
without having to deliver a voltage discharge that might be felt by
the patient. The results of this integrity assessment can be
displayed real-time on the external programmer 454, during implant
or follow-up sessions, or can be stored in the implantable device
300 for trending over time, e.g., in order to notify the patient
(using the patient notifier) or the physician (through the
programmer or a house-call system). The exemplary assessment
technique provides the added benefits of "out-of-clinic"
surveillance of lead status and increased patient safety.
[0225] The lead integrity engine 642 applying an exemplary
assessment technique can be used to confirm the integrity of
individual electrodes by applying sub-threshold current pulses via
the waveform 503 between that electrode and the device case 400.
Alternatively, to minimize the number of applications of current,
the physician may opt to check any combination of two electrodes by
applying the sub-threshold current waveform pulses between the pair
electrodes. Additionally, the exemplary assessment technique can
also check the condition of the lead-device system, such as: [0226]
faulty insulation in the device header; [0227] abrasion between
lead jacket and device case; [0228] faulty feedthrough; [0229] lead
pin misconnection in header ports; [0230] faulty lead electrode or
wire including sub-clavian crush; and [0231] abrasion of wire
insulation inside leads.
[0232] Conditions such as stable, open, or short-circuited
electrodes can be observed either on a real-time external display
or by retrieving the trend data from the implantable device 300.
Examples of detectable conditions are provided below. Although
representative of actual data and situations, the examples below
are only for illustrating the concept. In some implementations, the
exemplary assessment technique uses additional current drawn from
the battery. However, this supply current need not have a material
impact on the battery life. To minimize the impact on the battery
even further, the exemplary assessment techniques can be conducted
with combinations of two electrodes at a time, rather than using
single electrodes.
[0233] FIG. 24, top panel, illustrates an example of sensed
impedance in which the electrode pair LV ring and RV ring display a
stable trend 2402 over time. This implies that both electrodes will
perform well when used in regular pacing or bi-ventricular
pacing.
[0234] FIG. 24, bottom panel, illustrates an example of sensed
impedance using the same electrode pair as above: LV ring and RV
ring. In this example, one of the electrodes in the pair displays
degrading electrical contact 2404 over time. The degrading trend
2404 can be caused by compromised: electrode-wire welding, lead
position, header connection, etc. In such case, the practitioner
may opt to perform a more detailed integrity check of header
connectivity and lead placement at follow-up, possibly entailing
lead repositioning or replacement, should one of the electrodes
display an open circuit.
[0235] FIG. 25 shows an example of sensed impedance showing an
abrasion trend 2502, i.e., abrasion of the insulation between the
wires for the RV coil and the RV ring electrodes. The impedance
between these two electrodes presents a gradual decrease in the
abrasion trend 2502. Another possible cause for such the abrasion
trend 2502 might be abrasion of the lead jacket that causes
increased current leakage to the device case 400.
[0236] FIG. 26 shows that the lead integrity engine 642 may apply
an exemplary assessment technique in-clinic at implant or follow-up
time, to check whether the connectivity of leads at the header is
correct. For example, in FIG. 26, the practitioner can recognize
that the LV lead and RA lead IS-1 connector pins are inadvertently
swapped by the impedance value. E.g., if the real-time value of the
impedance between the LV ring and the RV ring electrodes reads
approximately 150 ohms, a value that is low, the placement is
incorrect. Due to the intraventricular septum, the normal value for
the impedance between these two electrodes should be in the range
of approximately 500 ohms. Thus, when the LV ring is incorrectly
connected to the RA port, the blood present on the right side
shunts the impedance measured between these two electrodes. So, the
exemplary assessment technique displays a low real-time value. The
practitioner can use this low reading correct the connectivity of
leads in the header ports.
[0237] FIG. 27, top panel, shows a real-time impedance graph of a
lead in which the sensing performance of either the RV ring or the
RV tip electrodes is acceptable. The variation seen in the
impedance waveform 2702 is caused by the heart pumping. The
waveform is representative of the variation in cardiogenic
impedance between the RV ring and RV tip electrodes.
[0238] FIG. 27, bottom panel, shows by comparison noisy behavior
2704 of the same electrode pair as in the real-time graph of the
top panel. This indicates that the sensing performance of at least
one of these two electrodes is compromised. Example causes for this
behavior are abrasion of the wire insulation inside the lead, poor
lead pin connection at the header port, or suboptimal lead
position. In one implementation, the lead integrity engine 642
applies this assessment feature only in-clinic, at implant time, or
during follow-up. In such circumstances, either at implant or
during follow-up time, the practitioner may opt to further check or
reposition the RV lead, check the connectivity at the header port,
or replace the lead with a new one.
Multi-Vector Impedance Networks for Cardiography: 3-D
Impedancegrams
[0239] A multi-vector network 350 can provide a relatively
selectable volumetric approach to determining physiological
parameters, similar in concept with vectorcardiograms, at least as
compared with conventional single vector "linear" approaches. That
is, given an array of physical or even virtual (e.g., added
together) electrodes coupled in a network, multiple electrodes can
apply a signal into tissue and the same or different multiple
electrodes can then sense the injected signal, providing in some
applications, a rough or a refined "gram" that contains
3-dimensional (3-D) information or a rotational impedance vector,
sometimes amounting to a 3-D view that is associated with the 3-D
mechanical activity of the heart. The 3-D view may be crude or may
be quite refined, amounting to a rough visualization of location or
a visible image depending on implementation. When the applied
signal is the exemplary waveform 503, for example, the multi-vector
network engine 438 can triangulate or cross-correlate vectors to
determine variations in the mechanical activity of the heart
through a volume of tissue with a shape that has been selected by
the multi-vector network engine 438.
[0240] In one implementation that employs numerous vectors, the
multi-vector network engine 438 creates a 3-D impedancegram.
Increased detail in an impedancegram or a visualization of tissue
is usually easier to achieve when more electrodes are available in
a particular implantation for creating more vectors. For example, a
patch electrode bearing numerous individual electrodes can be
implanted near the heart or even subcutaneously to provide a large
variable arrays of electrodes, which can be used to increase detail
and selectivity in a vector-impedancegram and the resulting
visualization.
[0241] In one implementation, a multi-vector network 350 uses
multiple vectors between sets of electrodes, each set consisting
of, e.g., two physical electrodes. This provides vectors that
constitute relatively linear electrical paths between vector
endpoints. Such relatively linear vectors can be deployed in
parallel or intersecting paths depending on application, to
localize hemodymamic parameter values to specific areas of tissue
or structure where the two vectors "intersect."
[0242] It should be noted that an actual electrical path between
two point electrodes depends a great deal on the tissue between the
electrodes. Because an applied signal follows the path of least
resistance or least impedance, sometimes most of the applied signal
does not follow a perfectly straight line between the two
electrodes. Typically, there is a volume of tissue between the two
electrodes that becomes the electrical path, instead of a straight
line. Transfer of current is typically not homogenous throughout
such a volume. If voltage is applied and electrical current
measured, then the potential across different parts of such a
volume is typically nonuniform.
[0243] In another implementation, the multi-vector geometry engine
selects a multi-vector combination that provides a set of vector
planes between the vector endpoints. This allows for a
configuration of vectors in which parallel planes of the
multi-vector network 350 "slice" a tissue of bodily structure, or
where intersecting planes monitor a line of tissue that is common
to the planes.
[0244] In yet another implementation, electrode combinations create
a multi-vector network 350 that consists of one or more vectors
describing volumetric paths between vector endpoints. Each endpoint
of such vectors may consist of a planar array of physical
electrodes, such that a single vector has an electrical path that
is more broadly volumetric than a typical volume of tissue that
conducts current between two point electrodes. Such a volumetric
vector may encompass a tissue or bodily region, an organ, or an
entire bodily structure. If sufficient electrodes are available,
multiple volumetric vectors can be combined in parallel or
intersecting configurations, e.g., with an intersecting single
linear vector.
[0245] In some implementations, electrical paths of various
different geometries can be realized among the various vectors of a
multi-vector network 350. Such an implementation may include a
combination of linear, planar, and volumetric vectors. This is not
to say that a typical implementation with a conventional 3-lead
implantation would have enough combined vectors for detailed
imaging--to create a visualization of structure that could be
recognized as a "picture" by a human observer (although such is not
ruled out in some implementations that have sufficient electrodes).
But a combination of different impedance vectors for making a
measurement does mean that the same tissue is being sensed or
"looked at" from different angles, and a group of such data
processed by the vector cross-correlator 632 is likely to be able
to locate a tissue, a structure, or an originating point of a
hemodynamic value.
Exemplary Methods
[0246] FIG. 28 shows an exemplary method 2800 of measuring a
hemodynamic parameter over a multi-vector network. The exemplary
method 2800 may be implemented in connection with many suitably
configured implantable devices, although it will be described as
being executed by the exemplary multi-vector network engine 438
and/or the exemplary impedance measurement circuit architecture
500. In the flow diagram of FIG. 28, the operations are summarized
in individual blocks. Some operations may be performed in hardware
and/or as machine-readable instructions (software or firmware) that
can be executed by a processor, such as microcontroller 421.
[0247] At block 2802, a hemodynamic parameter of a patient is
measured with respect to each of multiple electrical vectors
through a bodily tissue of the patient. At least one of the vectors
is typically confined to within the patient's heart tissue or
pericardium. An implantable device 300 performs the measuring and
evaluates the multiple measurements of the hemodynamic parameter to
establish a value for the hemodynamic parameter.
[0248] The method 2800 may further include evaluating an onset of
heart failure based on the value of the hemodynamic parameter
obtained. To accomplish this, measuring at each of the multiple
vectors can include, in one implementation, measuring an impedance
of the bodily tissue over each of the vectors.
[0249] Measuring impedances in this manner can be accomplished by a
special waveform 503 applied over each of the vectors. The waveform
503 has a duration that is less than a charging time constant of
electrode-electrolyte interfaces in the implantable system.
[0250] To achieve simultaneity or near-simultaneity of measurement,
signals to be applied one per vector, can be injected into bodily
tissue out of phase with each other, e.g., in a rapid succession.
Thus, signals applied over the multiple vectors may exist
simultaneously in bodily tissue. Measurement of these co-existing
signals may be carried out by time-multiplexing. Alternatively,
impedance measurements across multiple vectors can be taken
sequentially.
[0251] Multiplexing co-existing waveforms can also be carried out
via frequency multiplexing, in which the signal or waveform for
each vector is assigned a different frequency. Filters on the
measuring side separate the component frequencies.
[0252] At block 2804, the multiple measurements of the hemodynamic
parameter are evaluated to obtain a single value or a set of
interrelated values for the hemodynamic parameter being measured.
The evaluation of the multiple measurements can include
cross-correlating the vector impedances; applying statistical
models, e.g., to find a majority set of vectors that are trending
together; subjecting the measurements to probabilistic models, etc.
Typically, the method 2800 aims to produce trendable data points
indicative of a heart failure condition. Thus, the measurements
made over multiple vectors are first calculated as impedance, which
on a higher level are correlated with a hemodynamic parameter, and
the trended values for these hemodynamic values are interpreted as
indicative of a heart failure condition. When a trend changes
enough, the practitioner is alerted or the implantable device 300
makes a rear-time adjustment to ongoing therapy.
[0253] FIG. 29 shows an exemplary method 2900 of trending an
intracardiac pressure based on an impedance waveform characteristic
in order to regulate cardiac therapy. The exemplary method 2900 may
be implemented in connection with many suitably configured
implantable devices, although it will be described as being
executed by the exemplary multi-vector network engine 438 and/or
the exemplary impedance measurement circuit architecture 500. In
the flow diagram of FIG. 29, the operations are summarized in
individual blocks. Some operations may be performed in hardware
and/or as machine-readable instructions (software or firmware) that
can be executed by a processor, such as microcontroller 421.
[0254] At block 2902, an intracardiac impedance is measured. The
exemplary waveform 503 is leveraged to provide increased
sensitivity and specificity in measuring the impedance. An
intracardiac vector is selected for measuring the intracardiac
impedance, when needed for a particular implementation.
[0255] At block 2904, a waveform shape--morphology--is derived from
the intracardiac impedance.
[0256] At block 2906, a characteristic of the waveform shape is
derived, that correlates with an intracardiac pressure or other
hemodynamic parameter that can be used to monitor heart failure or
regulate its treatment. The characteristic may be an amount of
fractionation in the waveform, various ratiometric data associated
with the waveform, peak-to-peak amplitudes associated with the
waveform, dyssynchrony of the waveform with the patient's native
QRS complex or between vectors, etc.
[0257] At block 2908, intracardiac pressure values are trended from
the derived characteristics of the waveform.
[0258] At block 2910, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is
regulated according to the trend.
[0259] FIG. 30 shows an exemplary method 3000 of using impedance
measurements made over a multi-vector network in order to determine
a level of fluid accumulation. The exemplary method 3000 may be
implemented in connection with many suitably configured implantable
devices, although it will be described as being executed by the
exemplary multi-vector network engine 438 and/or the exemplary
impedance measurement circuit architecture 500. In the flow diagram
of FIG. 30, the operations are summarized in individual blocks.
Some operations may be performed in hardware and/or as
machine-readable instructions (software or firmware) that can be
executed by a processor, such as microcontroller 421.
[0260] At block 3002, an impedance is measure over each of multiple
vectors, including if needed, one vector confined to the heart's
own tissue or at least confined within the pericardial sac.
[0261] At block 3004, the impedances thus measured at block 3002
are cross-correlated to determine a level of tissue swelling, such
as fluid accumulation in a tissue of the patient. In one
implementation, the exemplary waveform 503 is leveraged across the
multiple vectors in order to obtain impedance values that are more
accurate and more specific to tissue swelling and/or fluid
accumulation in tissue. Although cross-correlation is provided here
as an example of multi-vector data processing, other methods, such
as probabilistic decision, thresholding, etc., can be employed as
efficiently by the skilled in the art.
[0262] FIG. 31 shows an exemplary method 3100 of applying an
exemplary waveform to check lead integrity. The exemplary method
3100 may be implemented in connection with many suitably configured
implantable devices, although it will be described as being
executed by the exemplary multi-vector network engine 438 and/or
the exemplary impedance measurement circuit architecture 500. In
the flow diagram of FIG. 31, the operations are summarized in
individual blocks. Some operations may be performed in hardware
and/or as machine-readable instructions (software or firmware) that
can be executed by a processor, such as microcontroller 421.
[0263] At block 3102, an exemplary waveform 503 is applied across
two electrodes implanted in a patient. The exemplary waveform 503
is charge- and voltage balanced and has a duration less than a
charging time constant of the interfaces between the two electrodes
and the bodily tissue in contact with the two electrodes.
[0264] At block 3104, an impedance that results from the injection
of the applied waveform 503 is used to determine the integrity of
one or both of the electrodes. The exemplary waveform 503 generally
cannot be felt by the patient, rendering the lead integrity check
sub-threshold, thereby increasing patient safety.
[0265] FIG. 32 shows an exemplary method 3200 of applying an
exemplary waveform over a multi-vector network to obtain a 3-D
impedancegram. The exemplary method 3200 may be implemented in
connection with many suitably configured implantable devices,
although it will be described as being executed by the exemplary
multi-vector network engine 438 and/or the exemplary impedance
measurement circuit architecture 500. In the flow diagram of FIG.
32, the operations are summarized in individual blocks. Some
operations may be performed in hardware and/or as machine-readable
instructions (software or firmware) that can be executed by a
processor, such as microcontroller 421.
[0266] At block 3202, an exemplary waveform 503 is applied across
multiple vectors within a patient. The exemplary waveform 503 has a
duration less than a charging time constant of the
electrode-electrolyte interface between the electrodes of the
multi-vector network and the bodily tissue providing the
electrolyte.
[0267] At block 3204, an impedance is measured and/or calculated
for each of the multiple vectors.
[0268] At block 3206, the impedances are cross-correlated to form a
3-D impedancegram. The multi-vector network can be selected such
that the multiple vectors are positioned for visualizing an area or
a volume of tissue or for discerning a rotational vector effect,
etc.
CONCLUSION
[0269] Although exemplary systems and methods have been described
in language specific to structural features and/or methodological
acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the
appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features
or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are
disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed methods,
devices, systems, etc.
APPENDIX A
[0270] The suggested combinations that will cover the usage of a
fully-featured CRT device are: [0271] 1. RV coil to Case. This
electrode combination represents one of the defibrillation vectors.
[0272] 2. SVC coil to Case. This electrode combination represents
one of the defibrillation vectors. [0273] 3. RV coil to SVC coil:
This electrode combination may be part of some defibrillation
vectors. Additionally, it could also check connectivity at the
device header, or abrasion inside the lead, [0274] 4. RA ring
electrode to Case. This electrode combination could be used for
unipolar pacing. [0275] 5. RA tip electrode to Case. This electrode
combination could be used for unipolar pacing. [0276] 6. RV ring
electrode to Case. This electrode combination could be used for
unipolar pacing. [0277] 7. RV tip electrode to Case. This electrode
combination could be used for unipolar pacing. [0278] 8. LV ring
electrode to Case. This electrode combination could be used for
unipolar pacing. [0279] 9. LV tip electrode to Case. This electrode
combination could be used for unipolar pacing. [0280] 10. RA ring
electrode to RV ring electrode. The pair is involved in A-BiV
pacing. Additionally, lead jacket abrasion and header
misconnections could be resolved. [0281] 11. RA tip electrode to RV
tip electrode. The pair is involved in A-BiV pacing. Additionally,
lead jacket abrasion and header misconnections could be resolved.
[0282] 12. RA ring electrode to LV ring electrode. The pair is
involved in A-BiV pacing. Additionally, lead jacket abrasion and
header misconnections could be resolved. [0283] 13. RA tip
electrode to LV tip electrode. The pair is involved in A-BiV
pacing. Additionally, lead jacket abrasion and header
misconnections could be resolved. [0284] 14. RV ring electrode to
LV ring electrode. The pair is involved in A-BiV pacing.
Additionally, lead jacket abrasion and header misconnections could
be resolved. [0285] 15. RV tip electrode to LV tip electrode. The
pair is involved in A-BiV pacing. Additionally, lead jacket
abrasion and header misconnections could be resolved. [0286] 16. RA
ring electrode to RA tip electrode. The pair is involved in bipolar
pacing. Additionally, insulation abrasion inside the lead could be
resolved. [0287] 17. RV ring electrode to RV tip electrode. The
pair is involved in bipolar pacing. Additionally, insulation
abrasion inside the lead could be resolved. [0288] 18. LV ring
electrode to LV tip electrode. The pair is involved in bipolar
pacing. Additionally, insulation abrasion inside the lead could be
resolved. [0289] 19. RV coil electrode to RV tip electrode.
Insulation abrasion inside the lead could be resolved. [0290] 20.
RV coil electrode to RV ring electrode. Insulation abrasion inside
the lead could be resolved.
* * * * *