Research Areas

This is a prospective randomized IDE study funded by the NIH and approved by the FDA. Patients are randomized into Experimental and Control groups with the control group allowed to cross over into the Experimental group after obtaining the primary endpoint.

The Chen Lab tested a hypothesis in canine models and discovered that subcutaneous nerve stimulation (ScNS) can remodel the stellate ganglion and control atrial fibrillation (AF). Compared to other neuromodulation methods, ScNS stimulates the skin without directly accessing the internal organs, making it potentially more clinically feasible than other neuromodulation methods. The purpose of the present study is to translate these findings to humans. We will implant externalized electrodes under the skin on the chest wall to perform ScNS in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF. The results will be used to test the hypothesis that ScNS can reduce the AF burden in patients with paroxysmal AF.

This is a pilot dose-finding study designed to test the hypothesis that mirabegron increases systolic blood pressure (BP), prevents syncope/presyncope and improves the quality of life (QOL), functional capacity, chest pain and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) who have a documented history of hypotension inadequately responsive to conventional treatments. The study is funded by the American Heart Association.

This study aims to test the hypothesis that the skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) recorded by electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes is associated with the spontaneous development of cardiac arrhythmias, chest pain, heart failure, hypertension, hypotension and other cardiovascular diseases and symptoms. The study includes various arms and utilizes SKNA data collection tools such as the Bittium Faros 180 and 360 ambulatory monitors.

This study will examine a heart potassium ion channel that opens in the presence of calcium. We have performed other studies that indicate that this ion channel becomes more prevalent in heart failure. We believe this ion channel plays a critical role in the heart rhythm disorders. The studies outlined in this protocol aim to understand further how this ion channel works. Successful studies may lead to methods to treat patients with heart rhythm disorders.