An implantable medical device includes a housing for the implantable
device that is sized for implantation in a chest region of a patient and
includes a housing electrode. A left ventricular lead port is connectable
to a proximal end of a lead having first and second insulated conductors
that extend from the proximal end of the lead to corresponding first and
second electrodes near a distal end of the lead. An electrical impedance
measurement circuit is electrically connected to the left ventricular
lead port and the housing electrode. The circuit may inject current
between the first lead electrode and the housing electrode, and measure a
voltage potential, created by the current injection, between the second
lead electrode and the housing electrode. The ratio of the measured
voltage to injected current may be used for assessing pulmonary edema.
The lead electrodes may be located in a left ventricular coronary vein.