Patent ID: 8768461

Claim:
A method for use with an implantable cardiac stimulation device equipped to deliver paired post-extrasystolic (PESP) pacing within a patient having an intact ventricle and a weakened ventricle, the method comprising: determining a first interpulse interval for use with paired PESP pacing of the intact ventricle sufficient to achieve only relatively minimal potentiation within the intact ventricle; determining a second interpulse interval for use with paired PESP pacing of the weakened ventricle sufficient to achieve relatively more significant potentiation within the weakened ventricle, wherein the determining comprises delivering test pulses at varying intervals, assessing the degree of potentiation achieved with each interval, and selecting the interval corresponding to a maximum potentiation; and delivering paired PESP pacing to the intact ventricle using the first interpulse interval while delivering paired PESP to the weakened ventricle using the second interpulse interval to reduce contractility disequilibrium within the heart caused by the weakened ventricle.