Transient unexpected improvement of AV conduction: What is the mechanism?

This ECG was recorded from a 93 year old patient with a previously documented third degree AV block and an underlying LBBB. The twelve lead ECG demonstrates sinus bradycardia at a rate of 52 beats per minute, a PR interval of 230 milliseconds, and a left bundle branch block (Figure 1). In figure 2, a rhythm strip of leads V1, II and V5 shows sinus rhythm with AV block. Note that only P waves in the T wave of the paced beat are conducted. The non-conducted P waves are followed by ventricular paced beats at an escape interval of 1200 milliseconds.