The Lead Podcast presented by Heart Rhythm Society

The Lead Podcast presented by Heart Rhythm Society
  • 5.0 (2)
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The Lead – a weekly journal review podcast that is designed to keep you up to date and informed on the latest publications and hottest topics in electrophysiology. Key takeaways, in-depth interpretations, and informative interviews are all fitted into 15 minute time slots, so that they fit easily into your busy schedule. Click the link below to learn more!

  1. 19 hr ago

    The Lead Episode 175: A Discussion of Anticoagulation for AF with Intermediate Stroke Risk

    Description: In this episode of The Lead, recorded live at HRX 2026, host Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, FHRS, is joined by James Freeman, MD, MPH, MSci, and Rachel Schreier, MSN, ACNP, APRN, to discuss the recently published New England Journal of Medicine article "Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation with Intermediate Stroke Risk." The panel examines the findings of the SINGLE-AF trial, including the potential benefits of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with intermediate stroke risk, the study's low event rates and limitations, and the implications for individualized risk assessment, shared decision-making, and clinical practice. Learning Objectives: Describe the design, patient population, and primary findings of the SINGLE-AF trial evaluating DOAC therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and intermediate stroke risk. Evaluate the limitations of the SINGLE-AF trial, including low event rates, patient demographics, antiplatelet use, and the potential influence of atrial fibrillation burden and prior ablation. Apply the trial findings to individualized anticoagulation decisions by considering stroke risk factors, bleeding risk, patient preferences, and shared decision-making. Host: Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, FHRS Guests: James Freeman, MD, MPH, MSci and Rachel Schreier, MSN, ACNP, APRN Disclosures: M. Middeldorp Nothing to disclose J. Freeman Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fees: Boston Scientific, Biosense Webster, Inc.  Membership on Advisory Committee: Medtronic, Pacemate Research (Contracted Grants): American College of Cardiology, National Institutes for Health R. Schreier Nothing to disclose Staff Disclosure(s) (note: HRS staff are NOT in control of educational content. Disclosures are provided solely for full transparency to the learner): S. Sailor: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. M. Baldwin: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

  2. 22 Oct

    The Lead Episode 174: A Discussion of The Forgotten History of Semi-Implanted Pacemakers

    Description: In this episode of The Lead, recorded live at HRX 2026, host Jason T. Jacobson, MD, FHRS, is joined by Michael S. Lloyd, MD, FHRS, and Igor R. Efimov, PhD, FHRS, to discuss the article "The Forgotten History of Semi-Implanted Radiofrequency and Inductively Powered Cardiac Pacing Systems," published in Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE). The panel explores the evolution of early cardiac pacing technologies, the challenges associated with externally powered systems, and how historical innovations in wireless energy transfer may inform future developments in pacemaker design, miniaturization, and alternative power sources. Learning Objectives: Describe the historical development of semi-implanted radiofrequency- and inductively powered cardiac pacing systems and their role in the evolution of pacemaker technology. Compare the technical advantages and limitations of early externally powered pacing systems with fully implanted, battery-powered pacemakers. Evaluate the potential applications of wireless energy transfer and alternative power sources in future cardiac pacing technologies. Host: Jason T. Jacobson, MD, FHRS | Westchester Med Center-New York Med Coll Guests: Michael S. Lloyd, MD, FHRS | Emory University Igor R. Efimov, PhD, FHRS | Northwestern University Faculty Disclosures: J. Jacobson Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Zoll Medical Corporation, Vektor Medical, Inc., CardioFocus, Inc., Abbott Medical, Johnson and Johnson Stock Options-Privately Held: Atlas 5D M. Lloyd Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Medtronic Membership on Advisory Committee: Boston Scientific, ABIM I. Efimov Nothing to disclose   Staff Disclosure(s) (note: HRS staff are NOT in control of educational content. Disclosures are provided solely for full transparency to the learner): S. Sailor: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. M. Baldwin: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

  3. 15 Oct

    The Lead Episode 173: A Discussion of AI Intelligence Enhanced ICM in Pediatric Patients: Effects on Device Performance and Clinical Workflows

    Description: In this episode of The Lead, host Lisa Roelle, PAC, Washington University in St. Louis, is joined by M. Cecilia Gonzalez Corcia, MD, MDCM, PhD, CEPS-P, Sainte-Justine, and John K. Triedman, MD, FHRS, Children's Hospital Boston, Cardiology, to discuss "Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Implantable Loop Recorders in Pediatric Patients: Effects on Device Performance and Clinical Workflow in a Single-Center Experience." The panel examines the potential for AI-based filtering to reduce nonactionable alerts and clinical workload associated with remote monitoring while considering pediatric-specific physiology, the limitations of extrapolating from adult data, and the need to preserve diagnostic sensitivity and clinical judgment when incorporating these technologies into pediatric electrophysiology practice. Learning Objectives: Describe the effects of AI-based filtering on nonactionable alerts and clinical workflow in pediatric patients with implantable loop recorders. Evaluate pediatric-specific physiologic and clinical factors that may influence the performance of AI-based arrhythmia detection algorithms. Assess the benefits and limitations of incorporating AI-enhanced remote monitoring into pediatric electrophysiology practice while maintaining diagnostic sensitivity and appropriate clinical oversight. Host: Lisa Roelle, PA-C Guests: John K. Triedman, MD, FHRS and M. Cecilia Gonzalez Corcia, MD, MDCM, PhD, CEPS-P Faculty Disclosures: All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated. Host and Contributor Disclosure(s): L. Roelle Nothing to disclose J. Triedman Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fees: Biosense Webster, Inc. Royalty Income: UpToDate, Inc. M. C. Gonzalez Corcia Nothing to disclose

  4. 8 Oct

    The Lead Episode 172: A Discussion of Integrated Care Management and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Using a mHeath-based approach in older multimorbid patients with atrial fibrillation: the AFFIRMO Cluster-Randomized Trial

    In this episode of The Lead, host Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, FHRS, is joined by David J. Slotwiner, MD, FHRS, and Alessandra Pina, MBBS, MD, to discuss "Integrated Care Management and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Using an mHealth-Based Approach in Older Multimorbid Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: The AFFIRMO Cluster Randomised Trial." The panel examines the trial's evaluation of an mHealth-based integrated care approach for older patients with atrial fibrillation and comorbidities, exploring its neutral effect on hospitalization, challenges with patient engagement, characteristics of the study population, and implications for developing and implementing digital health interventions.   Learning Objectives: Describe the design, patient population, integrated care intervention, and clinical outcomes of the AFFIRMO cluster randomized trial. Evaluate factors that may have contributed to the trial's neutral primary outcome, including characteristics of the study population, baseline management of atrial fibrillation, and patient engagement with the mHealth intervention. Assess the opportunities and challenges associated with using mHealth tools to support integrated atrial fibrillation and comorbidity management in older adults. Podcast Contributors Host: Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, FHRS Guests: David J. Slotwiner, MD, FHRS and Alessandra Pina, MBBS, MD All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated. Host and Contributor Disclosure(s): M. Middeldorp Nothing to disclose D. Slotwiner Nothing to disclose A. Pina Nothing to disclose Staff Disclosure(s) (note: HRS staff are NOT in control of educational content. Disclosures are provided solely for full transparency to the learner): S. Sailor: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose. M. Baldwin: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

  5. 1 Oct

    The Lead Episode 171: A Discussion of the CMR Guide Trial

    Description: In this episode of The Lead, host Jason T. Jacobson, MD, FHRS, is joined by Sei Iwai, MD, FHRS, and Jeanne E. Poole, MD, FHRS, CCDS, to discuss "Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance to Guide Defibrillator Implantation for LVEF of 36% to 50%: The CMR GUIDE Randomized Clinical Trial." The panel examines the trial's findings on using cardiovascular magnetic resonance–identified myocardial scar to guide primary prevention ICD implantation, including limitations of the study and current approaches to sudden cardiac death risk stratification, as well as the potential role of more sophisticated, dynamic risk-prediction models. Learning Objectives: Describe the design, patient population, primary outcome, and key findings of the CMR GUIDE randomized clinical trial. Evaluate the limitations of using cardiovascular magnetic resonance–identified myocardial scar to guide primary prevention ICD implantation in patients with an LVEF of 36% to 50%. Assess current challenges and emerging approaches to sudden cardiac death risk stratification, including the potential use of multimodal and dynamic risk-prediction models. Host: Jason T. Jacobson, MD, FHRS Guests: Sei Iwai, MD, FHRS and Jeanne E. Poole, MD, FHRS, CCDS Faculty Disclosures: J. Jacobson Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Zoll Medical Corporation, Vektor Medical, Inc., CardioFocus, Inc., Abbott Medical, Johnson and Johnson Stock Options-Privately Held: Atlas 5D S. Iwai Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Alta Thera Pharmaceuticals, Biotronik, Johnson and Johnson, CardioFocus, Inc. J. Poole Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Heart Rhythm Society Research (Contracted Grants): Boston Scientific, AtriCure, Inc., Kestra, Inc., Biotronik

  6. 24 Sept

    The Lead Episode 170: A Discussion of Pulsed Field Ablation Versus Sham to Treat Atrial Fibrillation: The PFA-SHAM Randomized Clinical Trial

    In this episode of The Lead, host Cinzia Monaco, MD, PhD, is joined by Kinan Kneizeh, MD,  and Konstantinos Vlachos, MD, PhD, to discuss "Pulsed Field Ablation Versus Sham to Treat Atrial Fibrillation: The PFA-SHAM Randomized Clinical Trial." The panel examines the trial's sham-controlled evidence for the effects of pulsed field ablation on atrial fibrillation recurrence, quality of life, AF burden, and psychological well-being, while considering placebo effects, study limitations, and the applicability of the findings to clinical practice. Learning Objectives:  1. Describe the design, patient population, endpoints, and key findings of the PFA-SHAM randomized clinical trial. 2. Evaluate the effects of pulsed field ablation compared with a sham procedure on atrial fibrillation recurrence, AF burden, quality of life, and psychological well-being. 3. Assess the trial's limitations, potential placebo effects, and applicability to the management of patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Host: Cinzia Monaco, MD, PhD Guests: Kinan Kneizeh, MD and Konstantinos Vlachos, MD, PhD Disclosures: C. Monaco  • No relevant disclosures K. Kneizeh  • No relevant disclosures K. Vlachos, MD, PhD  • No relevant disclosures

  7. 17 Sept

    The Lead Episode 169: A Discussion of Radiofrequency Ablation Produces Stiffer Atrial Lesions Than Pulse Field Ablation: In vivo and ex vivo magnetic resonance elastography in pigs

    In this episode of The Lead, host Deep Chandh Raja, MBBS, MD, PhD, FHRS, is joined by Kars Neven, MD, PhD, and David Chieng, MBBS, CCDS, to discuss the journal article, Radiofrequency Ablation Produces Stiffer Atrial Lesions Than Pulse Field Ablation: In vivo and ex vivo magnetic resonance elastography in pigs. Together, they discuss the study's comparison of atrial lesions produced by radiofrequency ablation and pulse field ablation using in vivo and ex vivo magnetic resonance elastography in pigs. Learning Objectives Review the study's comparison of atrial lesions produced by radiofrequency ablation and pulse field ablation. Discuss the use of in vivo and ex vivo magnetic resonance elastography to evaluate atrial lesions in pigs. Examine the differences in atrial lesion stiffness observed following radiofrequency and pulse field ablation. Host: Deep Chandh Raja, MBBS, MD, PhD, FHRS Guests: Kars Neven, MD, PhD and David Chieng, MBBS, CCDS Disclosures: D. Raja No relevant disclosures K. Neven Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Boston Scientific, Biosense Webster, Inc., Lifetech Scientific Stock Options-Privately Held: Field Medical D. Chieng No relevant disclosures

  8. 10 Sept

    The Lead Episode 168: A Discussion of Weight Loss in Older Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation, The LOSE-AF Randomized Clinical Trial

    Description: In this episode of The Lead, host Jenelle Dziano, PhD candidate, is joined by Roopinder Sandu, MD, MPH, FHRS and Louise Segan, MBBS, MPH, PhD to discuss the journal article, Weight Loss in Older Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation, The LOSE-AF Randomized Clinical Trial. Together, they review the findings of the LOSE-AF randomized clinical trial examining weight loss in older patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Learning Objectives Review the key findings of the LOSE-AF randomized clinical trial examining weight loss in older patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Discuss the role of weight loss in the management of older patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Examine the clinical implications of the study findings for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Host: Jenelle Dziano, PhD candidate   Guests: Roopinder Sandu, MD, MPH, FHRS and Louise Segan, MBBS, MPH, PhD   Disclosures: J. Dziano No relevant disclosures R. Sandu No relevant disclosures L. Segan No relevant disclosures

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About

The Lead – a weekly journal review podcast that is designed to keep you up to date and informed on the latest publications and hottest topics in electrophysiology. Key takeaways, in-depth interpretations, and informative interviews are all fitted into 15 minute time slots, so that they fit easily into your busy schedule. Click the link below to learn more!

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