Abstract: A pacemaker which operates in an atrial synchronized modality when the sensed atrial rate is within a physiologic range and which paces at a sensor determined rate when the atrial rate is above or below the physiologic range.

Abstract: A self-adapting demand pacemaker that recognizes the tachycardia from the intrinsic signals and initiates treatment in the following manner: First, the escape interval of the demand pacemaker is shortened to be identical to the cycle length of the tachycardia, then to overdrive the tachycardia the pacemaker escape interval is continuously shortened with each subsequent beat, for a predetermined number of beats, by a small programmable decrement. Thereafter, the escape interval is restored to its original value and protects against a potential bradycardia. It has to be emphasized that the pacemaker remains in demand mode all of the time; thus stimulation in a vulnerable zone is prevented and some of the hazards that accompany overdrive pacing are reduced.

Abstract: Treatment of re-entry tachycardias through the use of a pacemaker which includes sequentially timed oscillators for delivering stimulating pulses to an atrium and ventricle, preferably on a demand basis, and a circuit for detecting a tachycardia condition and switching to an asynchronous mode of operation. The detector does not respond to a single extraneous or premature beat, but after a predetermined number of beats occurring above a predetermined normal beat rate the detector switches the pacemaker to an asynchronous mode. Relative variation in the phase of the asynchronous pacing and the tachycardia beats results within a short time in occurrence of a pulse in the critical time period to stop the tachycardia. The use of sequential stimulation in both chambers overcomes some of the problems in selecting the proper site for stimulation.