Research
The Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology has an active research program in place. From several NIH grants to participation in clinical trials, UI Heath and UIC cover the full spectrum of scholarly work and cutting-edge research in heart rhythm disorders.
Dr. Darbar’s Research
Dr. Dawood Darbar is a clinician scientist with national leadership recognition in the genetics and pharmacogenetics of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and its response to therapy. He has used one of the largest AFib clinical registries that he has built over the last 15 years to dissect the genetic basis of AFib, to identify clinical and genetic subtypes, and to thereby lay the groundwork for precision-based approaches to treatment.
Dr. McCauley’s Research
Stroke is the leading cause of death in patients that have AFib. Research in Dr. Mark David McCauley's lab focuses on ways to reduce the burden of strokes in patients who have AFib. In the past, blood thinners were the only way of preventing strokes in these patients. However, blood thinners have many side effects (such as bleeding) that limit their use in some patients. Dr. McCauley’s studies assess new ways to prevent stroke in patients with AFib without the use of blood thinners.
Dr. Avitall's Research
Dr. Boaz Avitall is one of the giants in the field of EP, having helped to establish the foundations of cardiac electrophysiology practice. He continues to be heavily involved in developing cutting edge ablative and mapping technologies which will benefit patients for years to come. He continues to work closely with academics and industry alike to push the forefront of therapeutic technology.
Dr. Johnson's Research
Advances in ablation of complex atrial and ventricular arrhythmia have the potential to dramatically improve quality and quantity of life in patients with a host of cardiac health issues. Dr. Dana Johnson is involved with multicenter studies to pursue the latest advancements in mapping and ablation approaches in these complex rhythm cases.
With the advent of conduction system, physiologic pacing approaches, Dr. Johnson also continues to be involved in cutting edge studies improving the understanding of the impacts and benefits these therapies can have in the long term.
Dr. Ringwala’s Research
Dr. Ringwala continues to push the boundaries of mapping and ablation of supraventricular tachycardia. He continues to develop new and novel mapping approaches to make these procedures safer and more effective. Additionally Dr. Ringwala continues to examine factors that may contribute to dangerous slow heart beats following heart valve procedures and the predictors of those who may benefit from a pacemaker.
Dr. Sanders’s Research
Dr. Sanders continues to be involved in national level multicenter research examining stroke prevention using smart watch technology as part of a study involving leading hospitals in the nation. He also continues to pushe the forefront of digital health in cardiac electrophysiology.
For more information on Cardiac Electrophysiology research, visit UIC’s Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology.
