Application of fuzzy logic to pacemaker control

A family of efficient fuzzy logic-based control algorithms for rate-adaptive cardiac pacemakers has been developed. They use one or two input signals. The algorithm with one input signal consists of a set of fuzzy rules. For two input signals single signal responses are combined using constant weights. This algorithm offers good adaptation of the pacing rate to the physiological needs of the patient and easy personalization. However, its usefulness depends on the details of practical implementation such as the necessary hardware resources, programmability, accuracy and power consumption. Several hardware implementations were studied, including software emulaton on general purpose low power microprocessors as well as dedicated digital and mixed-mode ASICs, confirming feasibility of practical implementation of the models.