Dr. Abben studies advanced methods for diagnosing and treating heart issues, particularly conditions that can lead to life-threatening heart rhythms or blockages. He has conducted extensive research on devices like the Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (EV ICD), which can manage dangerous heart rhythms without the usual surgical risks. Additionally, he looks into new imaging techniques and patient management strategies to optimize care for those suffering from heart failure and coronary artery disease.
Key findings
In a study on the Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (EV ICD), 98.7% of patients had successful corrections of abnormal heart rhythms during the procedure, and 92.6% were free from major complications six months later.
For the performance of the EV ICD after three years, 91.9% of patients did not experience major complications, and treatment was successful for 77.1% of unsafe heart rhythms.
The new imaging method improved the accurate diagnosis of coronary artery disease from 88% to 96%, particularly for patients with multi-vessel disease, whose detection rates improved from 93% to 99%.
Percutaneous coronary atherectomy showed promise in lowering the chances of artery narrowing again after treatment, particularly for complex blockages.
In a study on diagnostic catheterization, measuring pressure gradients identified patients likely to benefit from treatments with a strong correlation to chest pain symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Abben study heart failure?
Yes, Dr. Abben has researched methods to optimize treatments for patients with heart failure, including the use of the ECG Belt system.
What devices has Dr. Abben researched?
He has focused on devices like the Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (EV ICD), which is used to manage dangerous heart rhythms.
Is Dr. Abben's work relevant to patients with coronary artery disease?
Absolutely. His research involves new imaging techniques and treatments that can improve care for patients with coronary artery disease.
What are some outcomes of Dr. Abben's studies?
His studies have shown high success rates for new heart devices, with 98.7% of patients having their heart rhythms corrected and significant improvements in diagnostic accuracy for heart disease.
How does Dr. Abben help in diagnosing heart conditions?
He studies new diagnostic methods, such as improved imaging techniques that help accurately identify coronary artery disease, allowing for better treatment decisions.
Publications in plain English
Performance and Safety of the Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Through Long-Term Follow-Up: Final Results From the Pivotal Study.
2025
Circulation
Friedman P, Murgatroyd F, Boersma LVA, Manlucu J, Knight BP +23 more
Plain English This study looked at the Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (EV ICD), which is a heart device placed in the chest without connecting to veins, to see how well it works and its safety over three years. Researchers found that 91.9% of patients experienced no major complications within the first year, and 77.1% of fast, unsafe heart rhythms were treated successfully with pacing. This is significant because it shows that the EV ICD is a reliable option for patients needing defibrillation without some of the risks of traditional devices.
Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest by providing a safer and effective treatment option.
Electrocardiogram Belt guidance for left ventricular lead placement and biventricular pacing optimization.
2023
Heart rhythm
Rickard J, Jackson K, Gold M, Biffi M, Ziacchi M +12 more
Plain English This study looked at a new method called the ECG Belt system (EBS) to help place devices for heart therapy in patients with specific heart conditions that generally respond poorly to treatment. Researchers tracked 408 patients and found that while everyone improved their heart measurements, there was no significant difference between those using the EBS and those who did not. This matters because it suggests that the new EBS method doesn't offer additional benefits for managing heart failure in these patients.
Who this helps: This helps doctors treating patients with heart failure.
Efficacy and Safety of an Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator.
2022
The New England journal of medicine
Friedman P, Murgatroyd F, Boersma LVA, Manlucu J, O'Donnell D +23 more
Plain English This study looked at a new type of heart device called an extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) that is placed under the skin to help manage life-threatening heart rhythm problems. The results showed that 98.7% of patients successfully had their abnormal heart rhythm corrected during the implantation procedure, and 92.6% were free from major complications six months later. This is important because it shows that this newer device works well and is safe for patients who need heart rhythm management.
Who this helps: Patients at risk of serious heart rhythm disorders benefit from this technology.
Functional cardiac imaging in coronary disease: increased sensitivity of first-pass radionuclide angiography utilizing sequential regional left ventricular early diastolic filling rate images.
1990
Cardiologia (Rome, Italy)
Murray GL, Schad N, Ladd W, Stagg J, Abben R +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how well a new imaging technique, which focuses on the early filling of the heart's left ventricle, detects coronary artery disease (CAD) in 127 patients. The findings showed that this new method improved the ability to correctly identify CAD cases from 88% to 96%, particularly enhancing detection rates for those with single-vessel disease from 77% to 90% and multi-vessel disease from 93% to 99%. This is important because it means doctors can more accurately diagnose heart problems, leading to better treatment decisions for patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with heart disease and their doctors.
The Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society : official organ of the Louisiana State Medical Society
Abben R, Walker CM
Plain English This study looks at a new heart treatment method called percutaneous coronary atherectomy (PCA), which uses a special tool to remove plaque from arteries without major surgery. Researchers are finding that PCA may lower the chances of arteries narrowing again after treatment and can tackle tougher blockages compared to standard methods, helping patients with more complex cases. This matters because it could improve long-term outcomes for people with heart disease.
Who this helps: Patients with severe coronary artery disease.
Usefulness of transstenotic coronary pressure gradient measurements during diagnostic catheterization.
1985
The American journal of cardiology
Ganz P, Abben R, Friedman PL, Garnic JD, Barry WH +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how measuring blood pressure changes in narrowed coronary arteries helps doctors decide whether patients need more invasive treatments, like angioplasty or bypass surgery. It involved 15 patients with moderate artery blockages and 17 patients with severe blockages. The research found that pressure gradients above 10 mm Hg at rest or 20 mm Hg during stress were linked to heart-related chest pain, indicating these patients would likely benefit from treatment.
Who this helps: This research helps patients with moderate coronary artery blockages and their doctors make better treatment decisions.
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with an over-the-wire system.
1985
Radiology
Levin DC, Ganz P, Friedman P, Abben R, Garnic JD +1 more
Plain English This research focused on a newer method for treating blocked arteries called percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), which uses an advanced system where a small guide wire helps place a balloon catheter more precisely. The study found that 78 out of the first 100 procedures were successful, a success rate of 78%, which is higher than the average of 62% reported for other techniques. This matters because better success rates can lead to fewer complications and better outcomes for patients needing this procedure.
Who this helps: This helps patients with heart issues who require treatment for blocked arteries.
Evaluation of criteria for diagnosis of myocardial infarction: study of 256 patients with intermittent left bundle branch block.
1979
Chest
Abben R, Denes P, Rosen KM
Plain English Researchers studied how well certain unusual heart readings (called atypical findings during left bundle branch block, or LBBB) predict heart attacks (myocardial infarction, or MI) in 256 patients. They found that these atypical findings were only somewhat accurate: they correctly identified heart attacks 41% of the time (sensitivity) and were right about 64% of the time when predicting no heart attack (specificity). Overall, they concluded that these atypical findings don't help much in spotting heart attacks.
Who this helps: This helps doctors better understand how to interpret ECGs in patients with LBBB.