Patent ID: 8731666

Claim:
An implantable device for delivering cardiac therapy to a patient, comprising: one or more pulse generators for delivering pacing pulses to one or more ventricular sites; a sensor for measuring a parameter related to cardiac function; a controller for controlling the delivery of pacing pulses to one or more ventricular sites during a cardiac cycle in accordance with a programmed pacing mode; wherein the controller is programmed to deliver pre-excitation pacing which pre-excites a region of the ventricular myocardium so as to mechanically unload that region during systole; and, wherein the controller is further programmed to derive a cardiac function assessment from the measured cardiac function parameter and modulate the amount of pre-excitation pacing in accordance therewith, wherein the controller is programmed to reduce the amount of pre-excitation pacing if the cardiac function assessment is below a specified threshold value.