Patent ID: 7970469

Claim:
A method of delivering therapy by an implantable stimulation device, the method comprising: programming an implantable device with a first set of a plurality of operational parameters that define characteristics, including timing characteristics, of therapy to be delivered and conditions under which the therapy is delivered; designating at least one indicator of cardiac performance; monitoring a patient's physiologic activity by the implantable device; evaluating the patient's physiologic activity by the implantable device; generating and delivering therapeutic stimulation by the implantable device as a function of the monitored physiologic activity; at least periodically evaluating the at least one indicator of cardiac performance by the implantable device under therapy provided according to the first set of operational parameters as compared to a predetermined eucontractile performance for the patient, wherein the predetermined eucontractile performance is determined based on assessment of a plurality of patients each exhibiting similar physiology to the patient; which indicates desired healthy activity at rest and at elevated metabolic levels for the patient; and reprogramming the first set of operational parameters to a second set of the plurality operational parameters by the implantable device upon indications that delivery of the therapeutic stimulation can be improved as compared to the predetermined eucontractile performance for the patient.