My father Paul Zoll had a long and distinguished research career. A good summary is on the Heart Rhythm Society's website (http://www.hrsonline.org/ep-history/notable_figures/bios/paul_zoll/). His research was in the setting of an active private practice, and his practice was the source of his inspiration and incentive, as well as unending distractions. Every time he tried to do anything, he was constantly interrupted by clinical issues with various patients. He was totally committed to taking the best care of his patients, though. He was very demanding of the hospital staff and attentive to his patients. He presented a gruff demeanor as necessary, but it was totally an act. He had a wry wit. He was full clinical professor at Harvard Medical School at the Beth Israel Hospital. He continued this active research program with many collaborators. He was also the editor of Circulation for many years.

Describe U.S. Patent 7,020,517 (Fibrillation/Tachycardia Monitoring and Preventive System and Methodology). How does the technology work? How will incorporating a circuit prevent/detect the potential onset of ventricular fibrillation? What are some of the benefits of implementing this patent's technology in devices?

What prompted you to begin studying complication rates in the ICD patient population? Since replacing a defibrillator is generally considered a "minor" procedure, had you noticed an increase in complication rates among your patients?

We are a regional centre for lead extraction for patients with infected devices. In the Fall of 2005, we saw three patients who developed significant infection after advisory device replacement over the course of a month. All three of these patients came to London Health Sciences Centre for lead extraction, with death as a complication of lead extraction in one. This prompted us to assess the downside of advisory device replacement and initiate a study to look at the scope of the problem.

Describe the study results. How many and what types of complications occurred? How many follow-up surgeries were needed? In addition, how many patients ultimately had their devices replaced?