An electro-stimulation device includes a pair of electrodes for connection to
at least one location in the body that affects or regulates the heartbeat. The
electro-stimulation device both electrically arrests the heartbeat and stimulates
the heartbeat. A pair of electrodes are provided for connection to at least one
location in the body that affects or regulates the heartbeat. The pair of electrodes
may be connected to an intravenous catheter for transvenous stimulation of the
appropriate nerve. A first switch is connected between a power supply and the electrodes
for selectively supplying current from the power supply to the electrodes to augment
any natural stimuli to the heart and thereby stop the heart from beating. A second
switch is connected between the power supply and the electrodes for selectively
supplying current from the power supply to the electrodes to provide an artificial
stimulus to initiate heartbeating. In another aspect, the invention is directed
to a method for arresting the beat of a heart in a living body comprising the steps
of connecting the pair of electrodes to at least one location in the body that
affects or regulates the heartbeat and supplying an electrical current to the electrodes
of sufficient amplitude and duration to arrest the heartbeat. The device may also
serve to still the lungs by input to a respirator or by stimulation of the phrenic
nerve during surgical procedures.
