Properties and performance of rate detection algorithms in three implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

Three detection algorithms used in implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are described and compared. Synthetic and prerecorded human tachyarrhythmias were applied to algorithm simulations. As rhythm variability increased, the consistency of the result near detection zone boundaries fell and had different trends for each algorithm. For 456 prerecorded rhythms and fixed zones, VT-VF sensitivities were 96-97% and specificities were 83-85%.<>