Automated reapplication of atrial pacing therapies

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of atrial pacing therapies to treat atrial tachycardia (AT). When an AT episode is detected, an implantable medical device applies an ATP therapy. If the AT episode persists, the ATP therapy may be automatically reapplied at a later time during the course of the same AT episode. In particular, previously used ATP therapies are reapplied when episodic conditions, such as cycle length or cycle regularity, change. Although a particular ATP therapy initially may be unsuccessful in terminating the AT, it may prove successful when the cycle length or regularity of the atrial rhythm changes. As the rhythm slows down, the AT may be more responsive to ATP therapies that were previously unsuccessful. As a result, potentially efficacious ATP therapies can be reapplied to terminate AT episodes, and reduce the number of episodes that require more aggressive termination by painful, atrial shocks.