Dr. Wolf's research is based around diagnostic and therapeutic instrumentation.
On the diagnostic side, endocardial mapping techniques are being improved by developing better electrodes and electrode arrays for acquiring the heart's electrical signals and better amplifiers and software for processing and interpreting the signals. Research is also being conducted on ways of improving the imaging systems currently used to direct the positioning of catheters within the heart. The improved systems would allow three dimensional reconstruction of the catheter locations within the heart. New methods of visualizing the experimental results using state of the art computer graphics are being developed to present the recorded electrical data in a true three dimensional format.
On the therapeutic side, ways of improving cardioversion, defibrillation and ablation are being developed. Some of this research includes development of improved animal models of ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, improved shock timing for cardioversion and defibrillation, and improved RF ablation techniques. Dr. Wolf collaborates closely with the Clinical Electrophysiology Lab in the hospital and works closely with clinicians to develop and test new instrumentation. Developing and testing takes place in a state of the art cardiac mapping laboratory. This laboratory has all of the equipment needed for in vivo testing of the instrumentation and the techniques. This facility is also used to provide experimental data for the members of the Department involved in modeling cardiac electrical activity.
This combination of clinical input, sophisticated laboratory facilities, and faculty interaction provides a stimulating environment for research on the next generation of antiarrhythmic therapies.