Implantable medical device having a tri-polar pacing and sensing lead

An implantable medical device having a tri-polar pacing and sensing lead is disclosed. The implantable medical device includes a lead capable of insertion into a heart of a patient. The lead further includes a tip electrode, a first ring electrode positioned proximal from the tip electrode, and a second ring electrode positioned proximal from the first ring electrode. A first electrical signal is sensed from the heart via the tip and first ring electrodes. A second electrical signal for pacing the heart is provided to the heart via the tip and second ring electrodes. A digital signal processor is electrically coupled to the tip and first ring electrode. The digital signal processor converts the first set of electrical signals into a digital signal. Pacing electrical circuitry is electrically coupled to the tip and second ring electrodes and coupled to the digital signal processor. The pacing electrical circuitry provides electrical pulses to the heart via the tip and second ring electrodes to pace the heart.