Multi-stage testing of electrodes of implantable medical device, system and method

A system for delivering therapeutic stimulation to a patient, comprising:

• an implantable medical device having a plurality of electrodes;
• and
• a controller, comprising:
• a control module operatively coupled to said plurality of electrodes;
• and
• said control module being operable to conduct a plurality of measurements of impedance values creating a plurality of measured impedance values for a plurality of selected sets of individual ones of said plurality of electrodes based on a plurality of active parameters;
• and
• said control module conducting said plurality of measurements of impedance values in a plurality of stages in which at least one of said plurality of active parameters is varied between individual ones of said plurality of stages.

A method for delivering therapeutic stimulation to a patient using an implantable medical device having a plurality of electrodes, comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a first plurality of measurements of impedance values for a plurality of selected sets of individual ones of said plurality of electrodes using a plurality of active parameters;
• comparing said measurements of impedance with a predetermined range;
• and
• automatically obtaining a subsequent plurality of measurements of impedance values for a plurality of selected sets of individual ones of said plurality of electrodes using a second plurality of active parameters.