Techniques are provided for use by implantable medical devices for controlling ventricular pacing using a multi-pole left ventricular (LV) lead. In one example, a single “V sense” test is performed to determine intrinsic interventricular conduction time delays (Δn) between the RV electrode and each of the LV electrodes of the multi-pole lead. Likewise, a single “RV pace” test is performed to determine paced interventricular conduction time delays (IVCD_RLn) between the RV electrode and each of the LV electrodes. A set of “LV pace” tests is then performed to determine paced interventricular conduction time delays (IVCD_LRn) between individual LV electrodes and the RV electrode. Optimal or preferred interventricular pacing delays are determined using the intrinsic interventricular conduction delay (Δn) values and a set of interventricular correction terms (εn) determined from the results of the RV pace test and the set of LV pace tests. With these techniques, overall test time can be reduced.
