Electrophysiology Research

A person’s heart rate plays a key role in determining the amount of oxygenated blood that flows to the body’s vital organs. The heart has its own electrical conduction system that facilitates all cardiac motion. Any disturbance to this conduction system can lead to altered heart rhythms and rates and subsequent serious health risks.

Electrophysiology is the study of the heart’s conduction system. Through electrophysiology studies (EP studies) specialized physicians can identify the cause of rhythm disturbances and provide an array of treatment interventions to correct the conduction issue.

There is a growing amount of knowledge being obtained as we further investigate the complexity of the heart’s conduction system. Through research new and improved ways to treat these significant rhythm disturbances is occurring. Some current areas of research include studies involving heart failure and new pacing techniques.

Current Research Studies:

• Promise 
• LIFE 
• MAD-IT CTR: Resynchronization in Class I and II CHF 
• Reflex: New Lead 
• TRENDS: ICD Data Collection 
• XL-ECG 
• SAVE PACe Study: Search AV Extension for Promoting Atrioventricular Conduction 
• DAVID II Trial: Dual Chamber and VVI Implantable Defibrillator 

Research Studies that are closed to new patients/follow-up only:

• DETECT SVT 
• BLOCK HF 

Click here to view a list of archived Electrophysiology Research

• Adrian K. Almquist, MD, FACC 
• Durand E. Burns, MD, FACC 
• Charles C. Gornick, MD, FACC 
• Chuen Tang, MD, FACC 

• Karen S. Meyer, RN, CCRC

For more information about the electrophysiology research program at the Minneapolis Heart Institute and Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, please contact Karen Meyer at 612.863.5855.