Patent ID: 6694188
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
In an implantable medical device for implant within a patient, a system comprising:means for receiving signals representative of the heart rate of the patient; means for determining a degree of randomness in the heart rate; means for comparing the degree of randomness in the heart rate with a threshold value; means for determining a likely onset of a tachyarrhythmia if the degree of randomness falls below the threshold value; and means for controlling an overdrive pacing when the degree of randomness falls below the threshold value, the overdrive pacing increasing the degree of randomness in the heart to decrease the likelihood of tachyarrhythmia; wherein the threshold value is a lower threshold value and the overdrive pacing is a standard overdrive pacing; and an upper threshold value and an aggressive overdrive pacing; wherein no overdrive pacing is performed when the degree of randomness exceeds the upper threshold value; wherein the standard overdrive pacing is initiated when the degree of randomness is between the upper threshold value and the lower threshold value; and wherein aggressive overdrive pacing is initiated when the degree of randomness is below the lower threshold value.