Patent ID: 8442635

Claim:
A system comprising: an external remote server, including a population data storage for maintaining a set of population data, the server configured to be communicatively coupled to a set of implantable cardiac function management devices for obtaining impedance measurements from electrode combinations used by respective devices within the set of devices, the server comprising: a data storage, the data storage including individual data records for electrode combination impedance measurements for the set of implantable cardiac function management devices; and a processor, configured to: use the impedance measurements to detect a failed or failing electrode combination being used by at least one of the devices, select a backup electrode combination for the failed or failing electrode combination using impedance measurements for candidate backup electrode combinations; communicate the backup electrode combination to the at least one of the devices with the failed or failing electrode combination; and use the set of population data information to determine at least one of: (1) whether an electrode combination being used by at least one of the devices is failing or failed, and (2) a suitable backup electrode combination selected from the candidate backup electrode combinations.