Research

The Division of Cardiology is at the forefront of cardiovascular research, encompassing a wide range of areas, including advanced imaging techniques, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and the development of new therapeutic strategies. By integrating clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology, we aim to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the global understanding of cardiovascular health. Our commitment to research excellence ensures that we remain leaders in the field, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cardiology.

Research interests include the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of heart failure and valvular heart disease, device and technique innovation in structural heart interventions, application of big data analysis and artificial intelligence in structural heart disease and heart failure, cardiogenic shock and mechanical circulatory support.

Selected Publications:

  1. So KC, Kam KK, Tang GHL, Lee APW. Feasibility of Using TriClip Guide for Combined MitraClip and TriClip Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair: First-in-Human Experience. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2024 Apr 22;17(8):1071-1072. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2024.02.024. PMID: 38658124.
  2. So CY, Kang G, Villablanca PA, Ignatius A, Asghar S, Dhillon D, Lee JC, Khan A, Singh G, Frisoli TM, O’Neill BP, Eng MH, Song T, Pantelic M, O’Neill WW, Wang DD. Additive Value of Preprocedural Computed Tomography Planning Versus Stand-Alone Transesophageal Echocardiogram Guidance to Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Comparison of Real-World Practice. J Am Heart Assoc. 2021 Sep 7;10(17):e020615. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.120.020615. Epub 2021 Aug 16. PMID: 34398676; PMCID: PMC8649286.
  3. So CY, Li S, Fu GH, Chen W, Kam KK, Lee AP, Chu HM, Xu YW, Yan BP, Lam YY. Occlusion of Large Left Atrial Appendage Using the LAmbre Device: Procedural and Short-term Outcomes. EuroIntervention. 2020 Jan 28. pii: EIJ-D-19-00821. DOI: 10.4244/EIJ-D-19-00821.
  4. So CY, Fan Y, Wu EB, Lee AP. 3D Printing in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Anticipating Coronary Obstruction in High Risk Aortic Root Anatomy. EuroIntervention. 2019 Oct 8. pii: EIJ-D-19-00609. DOI: 10.4244/EIJ-D-19-00609.
  5. CY So, YY Lam, GSH Cheung, CKY Chan, S Chen, AKY Chan, JW Park, B Schmidt, Bryan P Yan. Minimalistic Approach to Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion using the LAmbre Device, JACC Cardiovasc Interv 2018 Jun 11; 11(11): 1113-6. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2018.01.275.

Research interests focus on the advanced management and ablation of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia. These conditions, characterized by irregular heart rhythms, require precise and innovative treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes. Additionally, our work in device implantation emphasizes cutting-edge technologies such as leadless pacemakers and conduction system pacing. These devices represent significant advancements in cardiac care, offering less invasive options and improved synchronization of the heart’s electrical activity. The research aims to enhance the efficacy and safety of these interventions, ultimately contributing to better cardiovascular health.

Selected Publications:

  1. Tam TK, Cheng YW, Chan JYS, Chan CP, Au ACK, Fan KWS, et al. Aveir VR real-world performance and chronic pacing threshold prediction using mapping and fixation electrical data. Europace. 2024; 26(3): euae051. DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae051
    2. Tam, T. K., Au, A. C., Chan, J. Y., Chan, C. P., Cheung, L. L., Cheng, Y. W, et al. Personalized cardiac resynchronization therapy guided by real-time electrocardiographic imaging for non-left bundle branch block patients. Heart Rhythm. 2024; 21(7), 1047-1056. DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.02.027
    3. Tam TK, Lai A, Chan J, Au AC, Chan CP, Cheng SY, Yan BP. Automatic algorithmic driven monitoring of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia ablation to improve procedural safety. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2023;10:1212837. DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1212837
    4. Tam TK, Chan AKY, Au CKA, Cheung LL, Chan CP, Chan JYS. Effect of low body mass index in outcome of Micra leadless pacemaker implantation. Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, 2022; 29(2), 43-52. DOI: 10.55503/2790-6744.1213
    5. Tam TK, Liang JJ, Ghannam M, et al. Anatomy of the proximal septal vein in patients with focal intramural ventricular arrhythmias. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2022; 33(5), 966-972. DOI: 10.1111/jce.15443

Research interests cover a wide range of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, focusing on awareness and management. For cardiovascular disease, emphasizing on raising awareness of risk factors, controlling them, and using lipid-lowering therapies to prevent mortality. For peripheral vascular disease, the research includes diagnosis, evaluation, epidemiology, and management trends in Hong Kong, using both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments. Interests extend to transcatheter endovascular interventions for thromboembolism, critical limb ischemia, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and malignant pericardial effusion. Finally, clinical epidemiology and outcome research examine the impact of COVID-19 on medical outpatient visits.

Selected Publications:

  1. GuangMing Tan, Bryan PY Yan, Endovenous Intervention: From the Legs to the Lungs. Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology 2023;30(4). DOI: 10.55503/2790-6744.1508
  2. GuangMing Tan, Madeleine G Yan, Bryan PY Yan, Procedural and Clinical Outcomes of Dedicated Venous Stents in Acute and Chronic Venous Obstruction: A Retrospective Single Center Study. Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology 2023;30(3). DOI: 10.55503/2790-6744.1503
  3. Lawrence TH Chan, Chi-Wing Wong, Ho LAM, Yu-Ho Chan, Bryan PY Yan, GuangMing Tan, Outcomes of Catheter-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Intermediate to High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With High Bleeding Risk: A Single-Centre Experience Journal of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology 2023;30(3). DOI: 10.55503/2790-6744.1504

Research interests encompass a diverse and impactful range of topics within cardiovascular medicine and health economics. We focus on percutaneous coronary and endovascular interventions, which are minimally invasive procedures aimed at treating coronary artery disease and other vascular conditions. Additionally, we explore peripheral arterial disease, a common circulatory problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Our interest in atrial fibrillation involves studying this common heart rhythm disorder to improve patient outcomes and treatment strategies. Finally, our work in health economics examines the cost-effectiveness and economic impact of various healthcare interventions, aiming to optimize resource allocation and improve overall healthcare delivery. This multidisciplinary approach not only advances medical knowledge but also strives to enhance patient care and healthcare efficiency.

Selected Publications:

  1. Yu DS, Li PW, Li SX, Smith RD, Yue SC, Yan BP. Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of an Empowerment-Based Self-care Education Program on Health Outcomes Among Patients With Heart Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Apr 1;5(4):e225982. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.5982.

    2. Sun W, Freedman B, Martinez C, Wallenhorst C, Yan BP. Atrial Fibrillation Detected by Single Time-Point Handheld Electrocardiogram Screening and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke. Thromb Haemost. 2022;122(2):286-294. DOI: 10.1055/a-1588-8867.

    3. Yan BP, Lai HS, Chan CKY, Au A, Freedman B, Poh YC, Poh MZ. High-throughput, contact-free detection of atrial fibrillation from video with deep learning. JAMA Cardiol. 2020;5(1):105-107. DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2019.4004.

    4. Yan BP, Lai WHS, Chan CKY, Chan SCH, Chan LH, Lam KM, et al. Contact-free screening of atrial fibrillation by a smartphone using facial pulsatile photoplethysmographic signals. J Am Heart Assoc. 2018;7(8):e008585. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.118.008585.

    5. Yan BP, Chan LLY, Lee VWY, Yu CM, Wong MCS, Sanderson J, Reid CM. Sustained 3-Year Benefits in Quality of Life After Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in the Elderly: A Prospective Cohort Study. Value Health. 2018;21(4):423-431. DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2017.10.00.