In the fields of cardiac pacing, clinical cardiac electrophysiology and implantable cardioversion-defibrillation, the role of practitioners, developers and researchers has been fundamental in the evolution of patient treatment, invention of devices and development of techniques. Because of the relative youth of these fields, many of the notable people who played significant roles in the early years, listed here alphabetically, are available to share their memories.
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The Heart Rhythm Foundation's History Project has concentrated its efforts for the past several years on recording the personal stories of those people who shaped the fields and currently has conducted more than 300 audio and video interviews with these fascinating pioneers. This collection of informative and interesting interviews is now being transferred to the Electricity and the Heart website to allow access by visitors to the site.
We hope that reading about and listening to the people who have participated in the interview process will stimulate your own thoughts, perceptions and memories concerning the history of these fields. We encourage you to participate by submitting your own thoughts and experiences to us. Once received, these submissions will be placed back on the site so they may be shared with other visitors. Please e-mail your ideas to us.
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— A —
Charles Antzelevitch, Ph.D. (1951 – )
Dr. Charles Antzelevitch has made significant biomedical research contributions in the realm of experimental cardiology particularly with the electrical function of the heart and factors that contribute to the development of abnormal rhythms of the heart including sudden cardiac death.
Charles Antzelevich full biography »
— B —
Earl Bakken, MD Hon C, Hon D Sc (1924 – )
Earl Bakken co-founded Medtronic and developed the first wearable battery powered artificial pacemaker. Medtronic is credited for being the first company to manufacture and patent implantable pacemakers.
Earl Bakken full biography »
Claude S. Beck, MD (1894 – 1971)
Dr. Claude Beck proposed a specific series of steps for the management of cardiac arrest in the operating room, indicating that that the maintenance of cardiac circulation by manual massage, followed by electrical defibrillation, would restore a normal heartbeat.
Claude S. Beck full biography »
Barouh V. Berkovits, MSEE (1926 –)
Barouh Berkovits had involvement in industrial research and development (American Optical and Medtronic) placing him among the driving forces in cardiology where he patented thirty-six cardiac pacing techniques.
Barouh Berkovits full biography »
Wilfred Gordon (Bill) Bigelow, MD (1913 – 2005)
Dr. Bill Bigelow is well-known for his studies with the effects of hypothermia on body and heart metabolism. He was instrumental in designing a circuit that provided electrical stimulation and a catheter electrode to stimulate the sino-atrial node and allow electrical control of the cardiac rate for the first time.
Wilfred "Bill" Bigelow full biography »
Michael Bilitch, MD (1932 – 1987)
Dr. Michael Bilitch, one of the founding members of the Heart Rhythm Society (then known as NASPE), entered the world of medical writing with the publication of the first documented and unequivocal case of ventricular fibrillation from competitive pacing. He later organized a national pacemaker registry known as The Bilitch Report.
Michael Bilitch full biography »
Yves Bouvrain, MD (1910 – 2002)
Professor Yves Bouvrain achieved great success in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias during a time when the field was poorly understood. He helped established the first cardiac intensive care unit and was instrumental in the creation of the French Emergency Medical System.
Yves Bouvrain full biography »
Brian Barratt-Boyes, MD (1924 – 2006)
Dr. Brian Barratt-Boyes pioneered the development of cardiopulmonary bypass in New Zealand and brought the technique of profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest into the limelight as a practical method for dealing with major corrective surgery in neonates with congenital heart disease. He also co-authored and published the authoritative text Cardiac Surgery that quickly became the standard reference for the sub-specialty.
Brian Barratt-Boyes full biography »
George Edward Burch, Jr., MD (1910 –1986)
Dr. George Burch made significant breakthroughs proving that the veins were not passive carriers, but actively pumped blood back to the heart and that the heart works harder in hot, humid climates. Among his numerous accomplishments, he oversaw implantation of one of the earliest nuclear pacemakers.
George Edward Burch, Jr. full biography »
Howard B. Burchell, MD (1907 – 2009)
Dr. Howard Burchell’s interests range from writing and teaching about science and the field to changes in the form of the beating mammalian heart to treatment of preexcitation syndromes. He set the stage for the ablation of accessory AV connections, and ultimately led to the current era of interventional cardiac electrophysiology.
Howard B. Burchell full biography »
— C —
John C. Callaghan, MD (1923 – 2004)
Dr. John Callaghan actively researched heart valves, extracorporeal circulation, myocardial preservation and coronary bypass conduits. He was able to increase or decrease heart rate using a transvenous electrode connected to an "artificial pacemaker."
John Callaghan full biography »
Ronald W. F. Campbell, MD (1946 – 1998)
Dr. Ronald Campbell dedicated himself to researching and publishing pieces regarding ventricular arrhythmias and the effect of anti-arrhythmic medications, atrial fibrillation, and its association with accessory pathways.
Ronald W. F. Campbell full biography »
Philippe Coumel, MD (1935 – 2004)
Dr. Philippe Coumel instituted the technique of programmed electrical stimulation to study the mechanism of arrhythmias in the clinical laboratory based on methods used in the experimental laboratory.
Philippe Coumel full biography »
— D —
Anthony N. Damato, MD (1930 – 2001)
Dr. Anthony Damato was among the first to recognize the development of modern cardiac electrophysiology, and arrhythmia investigation and management. He served as Chief of the Cardiovascular Program at the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Staten Island, NY.
Anthony Damato full biography »
Leonard Dreifus, MD (1924 – )
Dr. Leonard Dreifus is the author and co-author of over 200 original scientific reports and nearly 100 reviews and chapters. He is a recognized expert in the field of cardiac electrophysiology and cardiac arrhythmia and has made significant contributions to the field.
Leonard S. Dreifus full biography »
Alejandro Dussaut, MD (1928 – 2002)
Dr. Alejandro Dussaut was the “pioneer of cardiac pacing” in Argentina. He founded the Latin American Society of Cardiac Pacing and co-authored the book Marcapasos Cardiacos, which was the basic text concerning the discipline in Argentina.
Alejandro Dussaut full biography »
Karel den Dulk, MD, Ph.D. (1950 – 1999)
Dr. Karel den Dulk focused on cardiac pacing and antitachycardia pacing and pacemaker related tachycardias. His published works resulted in new antitachycardia pacing algorithms such as the universal antitachycardia pacemaker and improved pacing and programming specifications resulting in the reduction and prevention of "pacemaker circus movement tachycardia.
Karel den Dulk full biography »
— E —
Willem Einthoven, MD (1860 – 1927)
Dr. Willem Einthoven received the 1924 Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine for bringing electrocardiography into clinical medicine through development of the string galvanometer. During his career, Einthoven collected and published high quality tracings of many of the common arrhythmias as well as a detailed understanding of heart rhythms.
Willem Einthoven full biography »
Rune Elmqvist, MD (1906 – 1996)
Dr. Rune Elmqvist began developing new electrocardiographic equipment and other medical instrumentation early on in his career. Remembered as one of Sweden's most prominent inventors, Elmqvist developed a rechargeable implantable cardiac pacemaker which was implanted in the first human on October 8, 1958.
Rune Elmqvist full biography »
Nabil E. El-Sherif, MD (1938 – )
Dr. Nabil El-Sherif is an internationally recognized expert in the field of basic and clinical cardiac electrophysiology. He has published more than 430 peer-reviewed papers, reviews, and book chapters and has authored and co-authored eight books.
Nabil El-Sherif full biography »
Doris J.W. Escher, MD (1917 – )
Dr. Doris J. W. Escher acquired knowledge of cardiac catheterization and assessment of cardiac and renal function that led to revolutionary discoveries in the laboratory. Under Escher’s tenure at the Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, cardiac catheterization became more central to the cardiac surgical program.
Doris J. W. Escher full biography »
— F —
Howard Frank, MD (1914 – 2004)
Dr. Howard Frank was described as a pioneer in the mechanical heart/lung and the cardiac pacemaker. Through his efforts, knowledge continued to advance in surgical techniques, electrode design and transthoracic electrical stimulation of the heart.
Howard Frank full biography »
Giorgio Antonio Feruglio, MD (1927 – 1996)
Dr. Giorgia Feruglio directed and organized surveys of pacemaker practices throughout the world, which were published and presented as a major component of each of the World Symposia on Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology. He collaborated with the World Health Organization, where he founded the Italian section, and affiliated with the Martignacco Project.
Giorgio Antonio Feruglio full biography »
Seymour Furman, MD (1931 – 2006)
Dr. Seymour Furman devised the technique of transvenous, endocardial right ventricular pacing, initially using a stimulating catheter electrode of his own design. He was one of the four “Founding Fathers” of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE), now the Heart Rhythm Society, and its second president (see also The Presidents Series).
Seymour Furman full biography »
— G —
William W.L. Glenn, MD (1914 – 2003)
Dr. William Glenn was a member of the founding generation of cardiac surgeons and helped develop a rudimentary artificial heart lung machine. While working with others Dr. Glenn helped develop a technique to implant a subcutaneous receiver to receive energy from a transmitter pulse generator carried outside the body, across the intact skin.
William W. L. Glenn full biography »
Wilson Greatbatch, MSEE (1919 – )
Mr. Wilson Greatbatch designed and built the first completely implantable pulse generator in the United States in collaboration with a cardiac surgeon. He and his colleagues introduced the lithium battery to pacemaker usage, which greatly extended pacemaker longevity. Greatbatch holds over 150 U.S. patents.
Wilson Greatbatch full biography »
Naum L. Gurvich, MD, Ph.D. (1905 – 1981)
Dr. Naum Gurvich concentrated on electric stimulus induced arrhythmogenesis and defibrillation. The main focus of his entire research career was on the mechanisms of initiation and maintenance of fibrillation and defibrillation. Gurvich designed one of the first commercially available transthoracic defibrillators in the world.
Naum Lazarevich Gurvich full biography »
— H —
Alden H. Harken, MD (1941 – )
Dr. Alden Harken’s interest and contributions to the field of cardiac electrophysiology began early in his illustrious career. He was one of the early investigators in the implantation of implantable tachyarrhythmia devices and became one of the foremost experts in the surgical treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Alden Harken full biography »
J. Warren Harthorne, MD (1931 – )
Dr. Warren Harthorne of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, was one of the four “Founding Fathers” of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE), now the Heart Rhythm Society and its first president (see also The Presidents Series.
J. Warren Harthorne full biography »
David L. Hayes, MD, FHRS, CCDS (1953 – )
Dr. David Hayes is recognized as one of the field’s most important teachers, authors and clinicians, having given more than 500 invited lectures in 27 countries, co-authored more than 400 peer-reviewed manuscripts and seven textbooks on pacing and electrophysiology and written 93 book chapters.
David Hayes full biography »
Brian Hoffman, MD (1925 – )
Dr. Brian Hoffman was a dominant figure in the 20th century biomedical research world (Columbia University, NY) with his contributions to the growth and development of cardiac electrophysiology as a basic and clinical science. He communicated his knowledge and research effectively to students, to the scientific community and to the practicing physician as he educated many of the leading contributors to the electrophysiological field.
Brian Hoffman full biography »
Motokazu Hori, MD (1929 – )
Dr. Motokazu Hori was involved in the founding of the Japanese Society of Cardiac Pacing. One of his major research projects was that of the development of a cardiac pacemaker, essential for Japan and elsewhere by the complications of open heart surgery in the 1960s.
Motokazu Hori full biography »
— I —
Werner Eduard Irnich, Ph.D. (1934 – )
Dr. Werner Irnich founded the "German Central Pacemaker Registry" and published the theoretic concept of dual chamber pacing now designated as DDD. He developed a theory of electrode optimization and was an expert concerning stimulation theory.
Werner Eduard Irnich full biography »
— J —
José Jalife, MD, FHRS (1947 – )
Dr. Jalife is one of the leading scientists in the world today studying normal and abnormal heart rhythms and his research has led to fundamental observations on mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias.
José Jalife full biography »
Mark E. Josephson, MD (1943 – )
Dr. Mark Josephson, has dedicated himself to advancing the field of cardiac electrophysiology publishing works on the electrophysiologic basis and anatomic location of AV nodal reentry, and the substrate and mechanism for ventricular tachycardia in man. He developed the map guided sudendocardial resection to cure ventricular tachycardia.
Mark E. Josephson full biography »
— K —
Decio Kormann, MD (1939 – 1998)
Dr. Decio Kormann developed leads and pulse generators powered by mercury-zinc batteries, for clinical use throughout Brazil and South America. Referred to as the “Father of Cardiac Pacing” in Latin America, he founded the pacemaker division at the Institute and organized the Latin American Society of Cardiac and Electrophysiology Pacing.
Decio Kormann full biography »
— L —
Richard Langendorf, MD (1908 – 1987)
Dr. Richard Langendorf, was one of the founders of modern "arrhythmology.” He was the author of Interpretation of Cardiac Arrhythmias, an important landmark textbook, and is best known for his work on concealed conduction, now recognized as an extremely common phenomenon and the understanding of the concept is a prerequisite for analysis of all but the most simple of cardiac arrhythmias.
Richard Langendorf full biography »
Arne Larsson (1915 – 2001)
Arne Larsson was the first person ever to receive a fully implanted pacemaker and subsequently had 27 other devices implanted throughout his life. He became chairman of a patient advocacy organization and was able to influence pacemaker manufacturers to improve their products and shared many useful concepts with all who were part of pacing.
Arne Larsson full biography »
Maurice Lev, MD (1908 – 1994)
Dr. Maurice Lev, was a pioneer in studying the pathology of congenital heart disease and the conduction system of the heart as well as management of congenital cardiac malformations and various types of arrhythmias. Lev wrote and taught cardiac surgeons, and pediatric and adult cardiologists about the various types of arrhythmias through his unique teachings with heart specimens.
Maurice Lev full biography »
C. Walton Lillehei, MD (1919v1999)
Dr. Walton Lillehei is known as the “Father of Open-Heart Surgery.” At his request the world's first battery-operated pacemaker was invented in the Fall of 1958 to aid a dying child. His team developed numerous open heart surgical techniques for congenital and valvular lesions, oxygenators for cardiopulmonary bypass, artificial implantable assist devices, and the design and development of mechanical cardiac valves.
C. Walton Lillehei full biography »
— M —
Sir James Mackenzie, MD (1853 – 1925)
Dr. James Mackenzie organized a cardiac outpatient clinic and ward in London, during the early 1900’s. and established a special military hospital for soldiers disabled due to cardiac illness. He was the first to associate the venous and arterial pulses; the irregular action of the heart.
James Mackenzie full biography »
Etienne Jules Marey, MD (1830 – 1904)
Dr. Etienne Marey’s first major breakthrough involved the apical impulse which was caused by early forceful ventricular contraction; this discovery remains a milestone as the first graphic recording of intracardiac events.
Etienne Marey full biography »
Henry Deane McIntosh, MD (1921 – )
Dr. Henry McIntosh has had an interest in preventive cardiology. He serves on numerous committees that promoted healthy living goals and founded Heartbeat International for the purpose of providing new pacemakers to indigent people in developing countries. He also co-founded the Society of Geriatric Cardiology, which focuses on the special challenges faced by elderly patients with cardiovascular disease.
Henry Deane McIntoshh full biography »
Gordon K. Moe, MD, Ph.D. (1915 – 1989)
Dr. Gordon Moe’s focus on Gerontology, and most notably in his studies on the mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias (in particular atrial fibrillation), gained him the recognition as one of the great men of science. He served as Director of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory for 25 years and quickly grew to specialize in a variety of fields including Cancer, Immunology Molecular Biology, Gerontology and its most prominent program: Experimental Cardiology with an emphasis on atrial fibrillation.
Gordon Moe full biography »
Dryden P. Morse, MD (1925 – 2002)
Dr. Dryden Morse, was the first to associate the venous and arterial pulses, emphasizing the timing relationship of contraction of the various cardiac chambers. Morse was one of the four “Founding Fathers” of NASPE, now the Heart Rhythm Society (see also The Presidents Series).
Dryden Morse full biography »
Jacques Mugica, MD (1933 – 2002)
Dr. Jacques Mugica established the first multi-disciplinary, free-standing pacemaker center in the world, the Val D'Or Center starting with 60 implantations a year, and quickly growing to almost 1,000 pacemaker implantations annually. Mugica also created the well-known CARDIOSTIM organization realizing that progress in cardiac pacing and the proper application of new technology require close collaboration of physicians and industry.
Jacques Mugica full biography »
— N —
Gerald V. Naccarelli, MD, FHRS (1950- )
Dr. Gerald Naccarelli is internationally recognized for his clinical, teaching and research contributions. He has trained 24 fellows in cardiac electrophysiology and more than 100 fellows in Cardiology over the last 30 years.
Gerald Naccarelli full biography »
— P —
Victor Parsonnet, MD (1924 – )
Dr. Victor Parsonnet is one of the four “Founding Fathers” of the Heart Rhythm Society (then known as NASPE) and was its twelfth president. (See also The Presidents Series.) He assisted in organizing the first cardiac catheterization lab and performed the first coronary bypass surgery in New Jersey (Newark Beth-Israel Medical Center) as well as the first Cimino shunts for hemodialysis and the first renal and cardiac transplants.
Victor Parsonnet full biography »
Vikentiy Vikentyevich Pekarskiy, MD (1937 – 1994)
Dr. Vikentiy Pekarskiy performed unique cardiovascular operations developing new and innovative cardiac pacing techniques throughout his career. and due to his investigations is known for developing the method of Russian automated defibrillation.
Vikentiy Vikentyevich Pekarskiy full biography »
Eric N. Prystowsky, MD, FHRS (1947 - )
Dr. Eric Prystowsky is one of the leading clinical cardiac electrophysiolgists in the world. He has demonstrated a passionate and selfless commitment to the interests of the Heart Rhythm Society.
Eric Prystowsky full biography »
— R —
Dwight W. Reynolds, MD, FHRS (1949 – )
Dr. Dwight Reynolds, 2006-2007 President of the Heart Rhythm Society, is professor and chief of the Cardiovascular Section at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.
Dwight Reynolds full biography »
Anthony Francis Rickards, MD (1945 – 2004)
Dr. Anthony Rickards was the first to perform a coronary angioplasty in the UK and the first to implant a coronary stent. He investigated and participated in the development of lasers, stents, balloons and angioscopes.
Anthony Francis Rickards full biography »
Maurice B. Rosenbaum, MD (1926 – 2003)
Dr. Maurice Rosenbaum dedicated his early clinical and epidemiological studies on the parasite caused Chagas disease, a major public health problem in Latin America. He was internationally recognized for his description of the trifascicular nature of intraventricular cardiac conduction and his evaluation of amiodarone.
Mauricio B. Rosenbaum full biography »
Norman A. Roth (1931 – 1997)
Norman A. Roth was an electrical engineer who developed the first pacemaker lead implantable by thoracotomy for chronic epicardial cardiac pacing. He helped redefine pacing from a temporary treatment for patients who had undergone open heart surgery to long-term arrhythmia management with the invention of the Hunter-Roth electrode.
Norman Roth full biography »
Yoram Rudy, Ph.D., FHRS (1946 – )
Dr. Yoram Rudy has presented computational approaches to study the mechanisms of cardiac electrical function and arrhythmias at multiple scales, from the molecular structure and function of ion channels at the nanometer level, to the whole cell and the multi-cellular tissue.
Yoram Rudy full biography »
— S —
Leo Schamroth, MD (1924 – 1988)
Professor Leo Schamroth made many important original contributions in the fields of electrocardiography and cardiac arrhythmias writing over 300 scientific articles and eight textbooks. His textbook Introduction to Electrocardiography (printed in seven different editions) was translated in to five languages and has the strange distinction of being the most often stolen book from any medical library in the world.
Leo Schamroth full biography »
Melvin M. Scheinman, MD, FHRS (1935 – )
Dr. Scheinman, awarded the Society's 2009 Distinguished Teacher Award, is Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of California in San Francisco. His superb abilities as a teacher are also manifest by the large number of postdoctoral fellows from all over the world who have flocked to him, and who now serve as academics and community specialists. Dr. Scheinman was also the 10th president of our Society.
Melvin M. Scheinman full biography »
Benjamin J. Scherlag, Ph.D. (1932 – )
Dr. Benjamin Scherlag is widely known for discovering a way to record the electrical signal from the bundle of His with a catheter placed in the femoral vein, and his discovery is considered to be the cornerstone for what was to become the new field of clinical electrophysiology. In 1989 Dr. Scherlag received the Society's Pioneer In Cardiac Pacing And Electrophysiology Award.
Benjamin J. Scherlag full biography »
Ake Senning, MD (1915 – 2000)
Dr. Ake Senning performed the first European cardiac transplantation invented the hemodynamic correction of transposition of the great arteries by atrial switch, the "Senning Operation." He also implanted, by thoracotomy, a rechargeable cardiac pacemaker, the first such implant in a human in October 1958.
Ake Senning full biography »
Nicholas P.D. Smyth, MD (1920 – 2008)
Dr. Nicholas Smyth's groundbreaking studies in pacemaker design and function have contributed to the longevity and quality of life of countless numbers of patients.
Nicholas Smyth full biography »
Edgar Sowton, MD (1930 – 1994)
Dr. Edgar Sowton used his dual talents in Medicine and Physics to become one of the world's pioneers in the development of cardiac pacemakers. He co-authored, Cardiac Pacemaker, the first book published on cardiac pacing, establishing a standard for the blending of the medicine of electrical stimulation of the heart.
Edgar Sowton full biography »
— T —
Hilbert (Bert) Jan Thomas Thalen, MD (1939 – 1982)
Dr. Bert Thalen performed research on cardiac pacing, then in its infancy, and helped in the development of pacemaker leads and electrodes. Thalen was a major influence in the development of national and regional pacemaker organizations.
Bert Thalen full biography »
— W —
Augustus Desire Waller, MD (1856 – 1922)
Dr. Augustus Waller researched muscle and nerve activity discovering the “electrogram” a term he coined for cardiac mechanical activity, associated with the minute electrical currents. Waller concentrated on this discovery for the remainder of his career, developing better techniques for detection and recording
Augustus Waller full biography »
Hein J.J. Wellens, MD (1935 – )
Dr. Hein Wellens demonstrated that the reproducible initiation and termination of arrhythmias by programmed electrical stimulation of the heart allowed the study of the effect of antiarrhythmic drugs on the mechanism of the arrhythmia.
Hein J.J. Wellens full biography »
Jean-Jacques Welti, MD (1913 – 1988)
Dr. Jean-Jacques Welti was a well-known figure in the pacemaker community and dedicated his research to evaluating interpretations and malfunctions of explanted pacemakers. He co-founded the "Journeés Internationales de Cardiologie," a 3-day lecture series describing the most important recent advances.
Jean-Jacques Welti full biography »
— Z —
Paul M. Zoll, MD (1911 – 1999)
Dr. Paul Zoll built a reputation with his patients for dedicated attentiveness. He developed a technique for pacing the heart through the intact chest during asystole and his use of an alternating current shock began clinical cardioversion-defibrillation. Zoll became an advocate of patient monitoring in the coronary care unit and is known as the “Father of Resuscitation.”
Paul M. Zoll full biography »
