Importance

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Abstract

An active can emulator for emulating the electrical and dimensional characteristics of an implantable pulse generator of the type having a hermetically sealed housing configured to operate as an active electrode and a connector block for receiving and connecting with a lead extending to a second active electrode. The emulator comprises a reusable, sterilizable, conductive can conforming to the dimensional characteristics of the hermetically sealed housing of the implantable pulse generator and having a first electrical and mechanical connector and a disposable lead having a second electrical and mechanical connector for mating attachment with the first connector formed as part of a header configured to conform to the dimensional characteristics of the connector block of the emulated pulse generator. In use, the testing of defibrillation thresholds and system performance is conducted by implanting a transvenous lead bearing an electrode disposed in the patient's heart, creating the surgical pocket opening to receive the pulse generator, using the active can emulator to enlarge the surgical pocket while positioning it therein, coupling the transvenous lead and the lead of the active can emulator to an external cardioverter, inducing a tachyarrythmia in the patient's heart, and operating the external cardioverter to deliver one or more cardioverting pulses to the patient's heart through the two electrodes to determine whether or not the patient's heart can be satisfactorily cardioverted. The testing may be repeated with variations in the positioning of the active can emulator to locate a position providing a satisfactory safety factor. After testing is completed, the lead may be disposed of, but the can may be cleaned and resterilized conventionally and reused on other patients.

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First Claim