A microcomputer-based tachycardia termination system--a preliminary report

A microprocessor-based system is described which employs the autodecremental mode of atrial pacing. Preliminary experience suggests that this modality of pacing retains the advantages of rapid asynchronous atrial pacing but reduces the risk of provoking resistant atrial tachyarrhythmias. If the technique continues to prove successful it is suitable for incorportation into a fully implantable pacemaker.