An implantable medical device includes two or more pacing output channels
coupled to a single unipolar electrode or bipolar electrode pair. The
implantable medical device can control each pacing output channel to
deliver pacing pulses via the single electrode or electrode pair at
different times and with different amplitudes. In some embodiments, the
implantable medical device is used to deliver extra-systolic stimulation
therapy. In such embodiments, a first pacing output channel can be
controlled to deliver pacing pulses via the electrode or electrode pair
with an amplitude sufficient to depolarize a chamber of the heart. A
second pacing output channel is controlled to deliver extra-systolic
pulses, which can have a lower amplitude than the pacing pulses, via the
electrode or electrode pair an extra-systolic interval after sensed or
paced depolarizations of the chamber. In some embodiments, the
implantable medical device delivers ESS therapy and cardiac
resynchronization therapy (CRT).