Method and apparatus for treating supraventricular tachyarrhythmias

A method for treating a heart, comprising the step of:

• detecting an atrial fibrillation;
• applying a plurality of pacing pulses to a patient having a diastolic threshold, wherein the plurality of pacing pulses have a pacing rate of between approximately 80 to 200 beats per minute, are delivered over a time of between approximately 10 to 60 seconds, and have an energy level between approximately 5 to 20 times the diastolic threshold at a first atrial pacing location to convert the atrial fibrillation to a non-fibrillation atrial arrhythmia;
• sensing ventricular intervals while the plurality of electrical pacing pulses are being applied to the first atrial pacing location;
• determining when the ventricular intervals are stable;
• and
• delivering a first level atrial shock to the heart during a period when the ventricular intervals are stable.

A system, comprising:

• a first atrial electrode;
• a first ventricular electrode;
• a first defibrillation electrode;
• and
• electronic control circuitry connected to the first atrial electrode, the first ventricular electrode, and the first defibrillation electrode, where the electronic control circuitry receives cardiac signals sensed through the first atrial electrode and the first ventricular electrode, the electronic control circuitry adapted for delivery of a plurality of pacing pulses capable of converting an atrial fibrillation to a non-fibrillation atrial arrhythmia upon detection of an atrial fibrillation, adapted for analysis of ventricular intervals for stability while the plurality of pacing pulses are being delivered and adapted for delivery of a first level atrial shock during a period of stable ventricular intervals.