The invention is directed towards measuring current of injury (COI) during lead fixation. A baseline waveform is sensed from a lead while the lead is in a pre-fixation position. The baseline waveform represents an interface between the lead and tissue proximate a lead prior to active fixation. Cardiac signals are then sensed when the lead is in a post-fixation position. The post-fixation waveform represents an interface between the lead and the tissue once the lead is actively attached to the tissue. A COI is calculated based on an automatic comparison of the baseline and post-fixation waveforms. A COI feature of interest is identified in the baseline and post-fixation waveforms and a COI index, a COI area, a COI differential and/or a COI ratio is calculated based on the COI feature of interest in the baseline and post-fixation waveforms.
