Douglas L. Packer, M.D.

The focus of our investigative efforts is to understand the relationship between the electrical activation of the heart during atrial fibrillation and the specific gross and microstructures of the left atrium. With a better understanding of these relationships, we seek to design better interventions for the ablation of atrial arrhythmias. Four- and five-dimensional virtual reality mapping approaches using highly sophisticated computer mapping systems in conjunction with intracardiac ultrasound and CT imaging modalities form the basis for these studies.

We also seek to understand the molecular mechanisms of pulmonary vein stenosis, a complication of focal atrial fibrillation ablation. Additional studies examine impulse propagation and its modulation in both one-dimensional models and the intact failing heart. This information is used to better guide antiarrhythmic and ablative therapies for serious ventricular arrhythmias.