Comparative analysis in terms of computational cost for different discrimination algorithms in implantable defibriilators

Implantable defibrillators (ICDs) use very low computational cost criteria (rate, stability and onset) offering good sensitivity for arrhythmia detection. Although, the specificity of these combined criteria decreases in difficult arrhythmia discrimination as in case of discrimination between ventricular tachycardia (VT) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Several morphological published algorithms enhance arrhythmia discrimination but most algorithms are developed in personal computers and cannot be used in ICDs because of computational cost requirements compared with limited ICD capabilities. A general method to determine the possibility of ICD implementation for a discrimination algorithm has been proposed.