| abstract |
An implantable device for temporarily maintaining cardiac output through the use of electrical forcing fields in the event of an atrial defibrillation shock causing ventricular fibrillation. The device includes an atrial defibrillator. In the event that an atrial defibrillation shock causes a ventricular fibrillation the apparatus and method then delivers a continuous train of modest voltage pulses to force partial cardiac contractions to maintain life and consciousness until the patient can receive external defibrillation. |