News Release

August 28, 2006

Contact: Maureen McGuire, 860-679-4523
e-mail: mmcguire@nso.uchc.edu

Dr. Mathias Stoenescu Is Director of the Heart Rhythm Program at UConn Health Center

FARMINGTON, CONN. – Mathias Stoenescu, M.D., a cardiologist with special training in electrophysiology, the study of the heart’s rhythm and electrical systems, is director of the new Heart Rhythm Program at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

The Heart Rhythm Program is the newest addition to the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center. Here, Dr. Stoenescu uses state-of-the-art technologies to diagnose, treat and prevent life-threatening problems affecting the rhythm of the heart, including irregular heart beats, also known as arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.

“Our technology allows us to create an electrical mapping of the heart and pinpoint the source of heart rhythm irregularities. From there, we administer treatments to repair the problem,” Dr. Stoenescu said. Treatments include implanting devices such as pacemakers or implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) or a procedure, cardiac ablation, which selectively eliminates the cells that are causing problems.

“Treatments are determined on an individual basis, based on each person’s risk profile and the findings of their unique electrophysiology study,” he explained. Many new technologies are available today to assist in the implantation of cardiac devices such as pacemakers and ICDs – devices that have been proven to save lives. In addition, cardiac ablation, which is a relatively new technology, has a very high success rate.

“In about 95 percent of cases, the ablation procedure completely cures heart rhythm problems, restores normal heart function and eliminates the need for open-heart surgery or long term drug therapies,” Dr. Stoenescu said.

At the heart of the new Heart Rhythm Program is the new 825 square-foot electrophysiology lab that is equipped with today’s most advanced imaging, monitoring and lighting equipment. This is where Dr. Stoenescu performs diagnostic studies as well as procedures including implanting devices and cardiac ablation.

Dr. Stoenescu joined the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center in 2005 from Lankenau Hospital, Maineline Health System in Philadelphia, where he completed a fellowship in cardiac electrophysiology and cardiovascular disease. He received his medical degree from the University of Hamburg and completed a residency in internal medicine at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Stoenescu is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and clinical cardiac electrophysiology.

With a team of experienced specialists, the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center offers comprehensive care to diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels. For more information, call 860-679-3343.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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