Patent ID: 7379771
Filing Date: 2008-05-27
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method of using an implantable medical device (IMD) comprising: monitoring an electrogram signal providing a voltage versus time representation of a ventricular depolarization voltage amplitude in a heart of a patient, the electrogram obtained using an implantable electrode disposed on or near the heart; determining, using the IMD during and for a particular tachyarrhythmia episode, a signal baseline value of the electrogram signal specific to that particular tachyarrhythmia episode and an effective amplitude band around the signal baseline value; detecting a ventricular tachycardia (VT) heart rhythm using the electrical signal; measuring an amount of time an amplitude of the electrogram signal is one of inside or outside of the effective amplitude band; classifying, using the measured amount of time, whether the VT heart rhythm is anti-tachyarrhythmia pacing (ATP) terminable or whether the VT heart rhythm instead requires a defibrillation shock; and providing ATP therapy if the tachycardia is deemed an ATP terminable rhythm, otherwise treating the tachycardia with a defibrillation shock.