Method and apparatus for selecting an optimal electrode configuration of a medical electrical lead having a multiple electrode array

An implantable electrical lead, comprising:

• an elongated lead body extending between a proximal lead end and distal lead end;
• a plurality of electrodes located along the distal lead end;
• an insulating material positioned between each of the plurality of electrodes to electrically isolate each of the plurality of electrodes;
• a plurality of insulated electrical conductors each connected to a respective electrode of the plurality of electrodes;
• and
• a microprocessor performing a threshold search corresponding to combinations of one or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes to determine an optimal threshold, and selecting the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes corresponding to the optimal threshold.