SAN FRANCISCO – Experts from the Penn Medicine Cardiovascular Institute and the Cardiac Arrhythmia Program will present new research and participate in expert panel discussions at the 35th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) May 7-10, 2014 in San Francisco.

“As one of the largest electrophysiology programs in the U.S., our researchers are constantly striving to improve patient care and further refine cutting edge treatment options for heart arrhythmias,” said Francis Marchlinski, MD, professor of Medicine and director of Electrophysiology at Penn. “The depth and breadth of our presentations at the HRS meeting shows our commitment to advancing cardiovascular care and allows us the opportunity to collaborate with other leaders in the field.”

In one of the studies being presented at the meeting, Penn Medicine researchers have identified effective techniques for reducing pain and improving patient satisfaction after electrophysiology procedures (Abstract # PO04-30, Nancy Cash, DNP, CRNP). Other research highlights gender differences in triggers for atrial fibrillation (Abstract # PO03-97, Erica Zado, PA-C) and how a patient’s age might affect a doctor’s ability to accurately interpret the results of an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) (Abstract # PO03-128, Shingo Maeda, MD).

Other significant research findings from Penn Medicine cardiovascular experts include a new method to map a critical nerve and avoid injury during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), a treatment for atrial fibrillation (Abstract # PO04-103, Greg Supple, MD) and long-term outcomes for treating patients who have arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a form of heart disease that usually appears in adulthood and can lead to an abnormal heartbeat, with cardiac ablation (Abstract # PO04-123, Pasquale Santangeli, MD, PhD).

To arrange interviews with any of these presenters or other Penn physicians who will be in attendance and can provide outside comment on other sessions, please call 215-796-4829, or email [email protected]. All research results are embargoed until the time they are presented during the conference. All times listed are Pacific Standard Time (PST).

Thursday, May 8

3:30 PM

Abstract # PO03-97 - Gender differences in prevalence and distribution of provocable, non- pulmonary vein triggers found during atrial fibrillationErica Zado, PA-C

Abstract # PO03-128 - Age-dependent changes in left ventricular outflow tractShingo Maeda, MD

Friday, May 9

9:30 AM

Abstract # PO04-123 - Long-term outcome with VT Ablation in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathyPasquale Santangeli, MD, PhD

Abstract # PO04-103 - High Output pacing to Map the Right Phrenic Nerve & Avoid Injury During Antral Isolation of Right Pulmonary VeinsGreg Supple, MD

Abstract # PO04-30 - Improving post EP Procedure PainNancy Cash, DNP, CRNP

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Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $4.3 billion enterprise.The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 17 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $392 million awarded in the 2013 fiscal year.The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania -- recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; Chester County Hospital; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Chestnut Hill Hospital and Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine.Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2013, Penn Medicine provided $814 million to benefit our community.