Dr. Werres studies heart-related issues, especially concerning the effects of various treatments on heart function and rhythm. His research includes examining how devices like pacemakers work during medical procedures, addressing complications that can arise from catheter use in the lungs, and even looking at patient outcomes after significant heart surgeries. For instance, he’s explored the implications of certain conditions, such as ventricular tachycardia, which can lead to dangerous drops in heart function, and the effectiveness of different pacing methods in managing heart rhythm problems.
Key findings
In his research on ventricular tachycardia, Dr. Werres found that average heart pumping efficiency (ejection fraction) decreased from 36% to 21% during episodes, indicating significant heart strain.
A study on nuclear-powered pacemakers showed that 92% of patients survived for ten years post-implantation, surpassing the initial goal of 90%.
After analyzing a rare event where a catheter piece spontaneously moved in the lungs, he highlighted critical safety considerations for medical professionals, emphasizing the need for vigilance during procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Werres study heart conditions related to pacemakers?
Yes, he specifically examines how pacemakers function during medical procedures and the implications for patients.
What treatments has Dr. Werres researched?
He has researched various heart treatments, including the use of nuclear pacemakers and cardiac procedures involving catheterization.
Is Dr. Werres's work relevant to patients with ventricular tachycardia?
Absolutely, his studies directly address the risks and heart function concerns related to ventricular tachycardia.
Publications in plain English
Normal sinus rhythm in a patient with corrected transposition of great arteries after 30 years of complete heart block.
1999
Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE
Ngarmukos T, Werres R
Plain English This study looked at a patient who had a rare heart condition called corrected transposition of the great arteries, along with a complete heart block for 29 years. After that long period, the patient surprisingly regained a normal heart rhythm. This is important because it shows that even long-term heart issues can change unexpectedly and gives hope for similar patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with heart conditions and their doctors.
Spontaneous migration of a catheter embolus from the left inferior to the right inferior pulmonary artery.
1998
Catheterization and cardiovascular diagnosis
Bhalodia MV, Werres R
Plain English This study looks at a rare event where a piece of a catheter, used in medical procedures, moved on its own from one part of the lung's blood vessels to another. The researchers found that this unusual movement happened without any medical intervention. This matters because it highlights potential risks associated with catheter use that doctors need to be aware of to ensure patient safety.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers.
Transient loss of sensing and capture during coronary angiography in two patients with permanent pacemakers.
1995
Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE
Perry GY, Parsonnet V, Werres R, Flowers NC
Plain English This study looked at two patients with permanent pacemakers who temporarily lost their heart rhythm support during a heart imaging procedure called angiography. It was found that this loss happened when the contrast dye used in the procedure affected the pacemaker's ability to function, with episodes occurring after injecting the contrast. This is important because patients with pacemakers can experience serious complications if their device fails during procedures, highlighting the need for backup pacing strategies beforehand.
Who this helps: This helps patients with permanent pacemakers undergoing heart procedures.
Dilating guide wire: use of a new ultra-low-profile percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty system.
1989
Catheterization and cardiovascular diagnosis
Rizzo TF, Ciccone J, Werres R
Plain English Researchers studied a new tool called the Dilating Guide Wire that is used in a heart procedure to help clear blocked arteries. They found that this system efficiently prepares arteries for treatment, saving time and effort, especially in cases of severe blockages. This matters because quicker procedures can lead to better outcomes for patients with serious heart conditions.
Who this helps: Patients with blocked coronary arteries.
Entrapment of an angioplasty balloon catheter: a case report.
1988
Catheterization and cardiovascular diagnosis
Rizzo TF, Werres R, Ciccone J, Karanam R, Shah S
Plain English This report discusses a situation where a balloon used in heart surgery got stuck in a coronary artery after it burst during a procedure to open up blocked arteries. It was previously thought that such bursting was not a major problem, but this case shows it can cause serious issues. This matters because it highlights a potential risk during heart treatments that doctors need to be aware of.
Who this helps: This helps doctors by providing important information about risks in heart procedures.
Two-dimensional echocardiographic studies during sustained ventricular tachycardia.
1984
Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE
Rosenbloom M, Saksena S, Nanda NC, Rogal G, Werres R
Plain English This study looked at how well the heart works in patients who frequently experience a fast heart rhythm known as ventricular tachycardia (VT). Researchers examined 13 patients, finding that while some had existing heart muscle issues, VT often made these problems worse; specifically, 8 patients had deteriorated heart function during VT. On average, the heart's ability to pump blood (ejection fraction) dropped from 36% in normal rhythm to 21% during VT.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia by helping doctors understand how VT impacts heart function.
Parsonnet V, Gilbert L, Zucker IR, Werres R, Atherley T +2 more
Plain English Researchers studied nuclear-powered pacemakers, which were developed between 1973 and 1983, and found that 92% of patients survived for ten years, meeting their original goal of 90%. Out of 151 pacemakers implanted in patients, 90 are still functioning today, although 25 patients have died and 36 pacemakers were switched for non-nuclear options, mainly due to issues with pacing. This study shows that nuclear pacemakers were highly reliable, and using them with modern technology could enhance their performance further.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart conditions who rely on pacemakers.
Studies on left ventricular function during sustained ventricular tachycardia.
1984
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Saksena S, Ciccone JM, Craelius W, Pantopoulos D, Rothbart ST +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how sustained fast heartbeats, known as ventricular tachycardia, affect the left side of the heart in 20 patients aged 49 to 79. Researchers found that during normal heart rhythms, the left ventricle produced an average peak blood pressure of 123 mm Hg, but this dropped significantly to 77 mm Hg when ventricular tachycardia started, which is a crucial decline indicating heart strain. This is important because it shows how dangerous these fast heart rhythms can be, revealing the potential for heart function decline in patients who experience them.
Who this helps: This helps patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia by highlighting the risks to their heart function.
Cardiac arrest in a physician-directed cardiac rehabilitation program: a clinical and angiographic profile of two cases.
1980
Angiology
Rothfield D, Werres R, Rommer TC, Pongpoonsuksri V
Plain English This study looked at two patients who had serious heart problems and experienced dangerous heart rhythms called ventricular fibrillation while participating in a supervised exercise program. Both patients were successfully revived, but the researchers found that there is no specific sign to identify which patients might be at greater risk for these dangerous heart events during exercise. This information is important because it emphasizes the need for all heart patients to exercise only under a doctor's guidance to ensure their safety.
Who this helps: This helps heart patients and their doctors.
Electrical alternans of the ST segment in non-Prinzmetal's angina.
1980
Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE
Demidowich G, Werres R, Rothfeld D, Becker J
Plain English This study looked at a heart issue called electrical alternans in patients with classical angina, which is caused by blocked arteries. It found that this electrical alternans occurred during exercise in a patient with serious artery blockages, but went away after heart surgery to fix these blockages. This matters because it shows that this electrical pattern can indicate heart problems beyond just Prinzmetal's angina, helping doctors understand how to better diagnose and treat various heart conditions.
Who this helps: Patients with classical angina and doctors diagnosing heart conditions.
Symptomatic unilateral cannon "a" waves in a patient with a ventricular pacemaker.
1978
Chest
Werres R, Parsonnet V, Gilbert L, Zucker IR
Plain English This study looked at a 64-year-old woman who experienced pulsating sensations on the left side of her neck, face, and scalp after getting a pacemaker for a heart condition. It was found that this was caused by blood flow issues in her veins, identified as "cannon a waves," and her symptoms went away when her pacemaker was adjusted to a different type that worked in sync with her heart function. This matters because it highlights how certain pacing methods can prevent uncomfortable symptoms linked to heart rhythm problems.
Who this helps: This helps patients with pacemakers who experience unusual symptoms related to their heart rhythm.