title: Tachycardia detection in implantable antitachycardia devices.
abstract: We have developed a microcomputer algorithm for tachycardia identification suitable for use in an implanted antitachycardia pacemaker. The algorithm distinguishes atrial, ventricular, and AV reentrant tachycardia, while ignoring high rates due to sinus tachycardia. A new method whereby the pacemaker delivers an atrial extrastimulus has been developed for distinguishing paroxysmal 1:1 tachycardia from sinus tachycardia, and has undergone preliminary testing in the electrophysiology laboratory. Preliminary results indicate sinus tachycardia can be reliably distinguished from paroxysmal 1:1 tachycardia by a properly timed extrastimulus delivered to the right atrium.
mesh_terms: D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006801:Humans; D008838:Microcomputers; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D012984:Software; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013614:Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / Q000175:diagnosis