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About

Stephan Willems is a prominent cardiac electrophysiologist whose research has focused primarily on catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and the advancement of robotic navigation systems in interventional cardiology. His most influential contributions center on evaluating the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of robotic remote-navigated ablation — particularly the Hansen Sensei system — compared to conventional manual techniques for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Willems' most cited work (111 citations) demonstrated the persistence of pulmonary vein isolation following robotic-guided ablation and its relationship to long-term clinical outcomes, providing critical mechanistic insights into AF recurrence. Complementing this, his 2009 study (95 citations) highlighted a significant reduction in fluoroscopy exposure for both patients and operators when using robotic navigation — an important patient safety advancement. His prospective randomized trial comparing robotic versus conventional ablation for atrial flutter further established his reputation as a rigorous clinical trialist. Across nearly a decade of sustained research, Willems has shaped the clinical understanding of when catheter ablation transitions from experimental to established therapy, contributing meaningfully to evidence-based electrophysiology practice. His body of work, accumulating over 300 citations, continues to inform modern ablation protocols worldwide.