Method and apparatus for inhibiting or minimizing calcification of aortic valves

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for minimizing calcification of a heart valve wherein electric energy is supplied to the heart in the region of the aortic valve during the refractory period of the heart.

1 . An implantable apparatus for inhibiting the build-up of calcified deposits on an aortic valve comprising an implantable pulse generator; a sensor for sensing depolarizations of the heart; 
 an electrode for applying electric energy generated by the implantable pulse generator, to the heart, and    a controller for controlling the delivery of the electric energy to the heart in dependance on the detected depolarizations;    wherein said controller is adapted to cause electrical energy to be applied to the heart in the region of the aortic valve during refractory periods of the heart.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said electrode for applying electric energy comprises a bipolar electrode.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said bipolar electrode is adapted to be located, in use, in the high right atrium of the patient's heart.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  or  claim 2  or  claim 3  wherein said controller comprises a microprocessor.  
     
     
         5 . An implantable pacemaker for inhibiting the build-up of calcified deposits on an aortic valve comprising 
 a hermetically sealed housing; an implantable pulse generator;    a sensor for sensing depolarizations of the heart;    an electrode for applying electric energy generated by the implantable pulse generator, to the heart, and    a controller for controlling the delivery of the electric energy to the heart in dependance on the detected depolarizations;    wherein said controller is adapted to cause electrical energy to be applied to the heart in the region of the aortic valve during refractory periods of the heart.    
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  or  claim 2  or  claim 3  or  claim 4  or  claim 5 , further comprising a telemetry system for exchanging information between the implantable device and an external device.  
     
     
         7 . An implantable apparatus for inhibiting the build-up of calcified deposits on an aortic valve comprising an implantable pulse generator; a sensor for sensing depolarizations of the heart; 
 an electrode for applying electric energy generated by the implantable pulse generator, to the heart, and    a controller for controlling the delivery of the electric energy to the heart in dependance on the detected depolarizations;    wherein said controller is adapted to cause electrical energy to be applied to the heart in the region of the aortic valve during refractory periods of the heart; and wherein 
 the apparatus also comprises a detector to detect the actual degree of calcification and a regulator to adjust the parameters of the electrical energy delivered in accordance with the degree of calcification detected.  
   
     
     
         8 . An implantable pacemaker for inhibiting the build-up of calcified deposits on an aortic valve comprising 
 a hermetically sealed housing; an implantable pulse generator;    a sensor for sensing depolarizations of the heart;    an electrode for applying electric energy generated by the implantable pulse generator, to the heart, and    a controller for controlling the delivery of the electric energy to the heart in dependance on the detected depolarizations;    wherein said controller is adapted to cause electrical energy to be applied to the heart in the region of the aortic valve during refractory periods of the heart and wherein 
 the apparatus also comprises a detector to detect the actual degree of calcification and a regulator to adjust the parameters of the electrical energy delivered in accordance with the degree of calcification detected.  
   
     
     
         9 . A method of inhibiting the build-up of calcified deposits on an aortic valve, comprising applying electrical energy to the heart in the region of the valve, during the refractory period of the heart.  
     
     
         10 . A method of inhibiting the build-up of calcified deposits on an aortic valve, comprising detecting the actual level of calcification of the valve; 
 comparing the detected level to a predetermined threshold level and determining, from the results of the comparison, whether a stimulation is required; if stimulation is required, to inhibit calcification, monitoring the cardiac activity of the patient and determining the refractory period; and applying a pulse of electrical energy during the determined refractory period.    
     
     
         11 . A method of operating an apparatus for inhibiting or minimizing calcification of the aortic valves, comprising monitoring the cardiac activity of a patient and detecting the refractory period of the heart; applying electrical energy to the heart in a region of the aortic valve, during the detected refractory period.  
     
     
         12 . A method of operating an apparatus for inhibiting the build-up of calcified deposits on an aortic valve, comprising applying electrical energy to the heart in the region of the valve, during the refractory period of the heart.