The Sanger Clinic is one of the nation's leaders in investigating abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and pioneering new treatment options. Arrhythmias are caused by abnormalities of the heart's electrical system. The heartbeat may be too slow or too fast; it may remain steady or become chaotic. Some arrhythmias are dangerous and may cause sudden cardiac death, while others may be bothersome but are not life threatening.

Dr Robert Svenson joined Sanger Clinic after completing his cardiology and electrophysiology fellowship at Duke University. He developed the first clinical electrophysiology laboratory in Charlotte. His interest in research also led to the development of The Laser and Applied Physiology Laboratory at Carolinas Medical Center, then known as Charlotte Memorial Hospital. This research facility led the development of new techniques to identify and cure arrhythmias using various forms of energy for cardiac ablation.

Dr. John Gallagher joined Sanger as director of electrophysiologic laboratories in 1984. While director of clinical electrophysiology at Duke University Medical Center, he developed techniques for the localization of abnormal pathways in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and with Dr Will Sealy, developed surgical techniques for the cure of this syndrome.

In 1986 Dr. Will Sealy retired from his post as Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Duke University and joined the Sanger Clinic. The initial collaboration of these two physicians, established the Sanger Clinic as an international leader in using surgical techniques for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Dr. Mark Stiegel has continued this legacy and now directs the surgical program for ablation of atrial fibrillation.

In 1987 Dr. Richard Smith, Jr. joined Sanger's Pediatric cardiology department with a focus on pediatric electrophysiology and pediatric pacemaker implantation. Dr. Smith has also introduced new forms of catheter ablative techniques for the cure of certain forms of arrhythmias in children.

The adult electrophysiolgy group has also grown with the addition of Drs Sam Zimmern, John Fedor, Paul Colavita and J. Warren Holshouser. This group has continued to contribute to the field of electrophysiolgy by participating in research protocols dealing with ablation techniques, heart failure and prevention of sudden cardiac death as examples.

The first step in treating any arrhythmia is determining the underlying cause of the problem. Then, patients and physicians can discuss treatment options factoring in the circumstances of each individual case. In general, the least invasive method that treats the arrhythmia effectively is considered. Methods include lifestyle changes, medication, devices, ablation procedures and surgery, including the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators.