Patent ID: 8412316
Filing Date: 2013-04-02
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An implantable device, comprising: at least one lead comprising an atrial electrode configured for sensing and pacing an atrium of a heart; a pulse generator coupled to the at least one lead; a detector coupled to the at least one lead and configured to detect elevated atrial interval rates indicative of atrial arrhythmia based on atrial events occurring within a post-ventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP) during an atrial arrhythmia; memory configured to define a detection window having a length and a satisfaction criterion; and a controller coupled to the pulse generator, the detector and the memory, respectively, the controller configured to inhibit the pulse generator from delivering pacing signals to the atrium and from delivering atrial arrhythmia therapy in response to detecting the elevated atrial interval rates, and wherein the detector detects atrial intervals while delivery of the pacing signals to the atrium and the atrial arrhythmia therapy are inhibited, the controller further configured to classify the atrial intervals in the detection window and declare an atrial episode in response to satisfying the detection window by evaluating the atrial intervals in the detection window with respect to the satisfaction criterion.