Timothy J Rapp

US Patent:

52092283, May 11, 1993

Filed:

Oct 26, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/605851

Inventors:

Gerald G. Cano - Pittsburgh PA
Douglas A. Coast - Pittsburgh PA
Mark A. Lubinski - Pittsburgh PA
Frederick W. Moeller - Pittsburgh PA
Timothy E. Rapp - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

Allegheny-Singer Research Institute - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

A61N 137

US Classification:

128419PT

Abstract:

An electronic test instrument for rapid comprehensive verification of correct operation of medical pacers. This portable microprocessor-based test instrument includes a device for measuring and displaying pacer characteristics including pacing rate, pulse duration, pulse amplitude, sensitivity, sensed refractory interval, stimulus refractory interval, atrio-ventricular delay, D. C. leakage, susceptibility to A. C. interference, frequency response and battery drain. The test instrument includes a device for selecting each test and entering associated parameters, a device to convert the analog pacer pulses to digital values for detection and measurement, a device to generate variable amplitude test waveforms and apply them to a medical pacer at a specified rate or at a specified delay from a previous pacer pulse or with a specified delay between two test waveforms and a device for displaying test results. Sensed and stimulus refractory intervals are determined in minimal time using a unique binary search strategy which continually halves the range of possible refractory intervals until the desired interval is determined.