It has been determined that certain dual-chambered cardiac stimulators may
operate in a region in which an atrial pacing event may obscure the
detection of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia Various exemplary techniques
may be used to improve the ability of dual-chamber cardiac stimulators to
detect such ventricular events. In accordance with one technique, it is
determined whether a ventricular event should be classified as a
ventricular tachyarrhythmia. If not, the VA interval is restarted as
usual. However, if the ventricular event may be classified as a
ventricular tachyarrhythmia, it is determined whether the ventricular
event falls within the region in which an atrial pacing event may obscure
its detection. If not, then the VA interval is restarted as usual.
However, if the ventricular event falls within this region, the VA
interval is restarted with the VT rate detection boundary. This has the
effect of lengthening the VA interval and the AA interval in this region
so that atrial pacing events will not obscure the sensing and treatment of
ventricular tachyarrhythmias in the region.