Methods and apparatus for determining cardiac stimulation sites using hemodynamic data

A method of implanting a stimulation electrode within the heart of a patient, comprising:

• (a) positioning the stimulation electrode at a test location in the heart of a patient;
• (b) delivering electrical energy to the location;
• (c) determining a first acute hemodynamic response in reaction to the electrical energy delivered to the location;
• (d) assessing whether the first acute hemodynamic response is satisfactory;
• (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) until the first acute hemodynamic response at the test location is satisfactory;
• (f) delivering electrical energy to the test location;
• (g) determining a second acute hemodynamic response in reaction to the electrical energy delivered to the test location;
• (h) determining whether the second acute hemodynamic response is satisfactory;
• (i) repeating steps (a) through (h) until the test location that yields a satisfactory second acute hemodynamic response is identified;
• and
• (j) implanting the electrode at the identified site.