Advertise on podcast: The Lead Podcast presented by Heart Rhythm Society

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

In this episode of The Lead, host Deepak Pasupula, MD, MPH, FHRS, is joined by Zaniar Ghazizadeh, MD, and Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, MD, FHRS, to discuss the journal article, The Long-Term Outcomes of Left Bundle-Branch Pacing vs Biventricular Pacing in Heart Failure (The HeartSync-LBBP Randomized Clinical Trial). Together, they review the long-term outcomes of left bundle-branch pacing compared with biventricular pacing in patients with heart failure and discuss the findings of the HeartSync-LBBP randomized clinical trial. Learning Objectives Review the long-term outcomes of left bundle-branch pacing compared with biventricular pacing in patients with heart failure. Discuss the findings of the HeartSync-LBBP randomized clinical trial. Examine the clinical implications of comparing left bundle-branch pacing with biventricular pacing in heart failure. Host: Deepak Pasupula, MD, MPH, FHRS   Guests: Zaniar Ghazizadeh, MD and Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, MD, FHRS   Disclosures: D. Pasupula No relevant disclosures   Z. Ghazizadeh No relevant disclosures   P. Vijayaraman Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Abbott, Medtronic Research: Medtronic Fellowship Support: Medtronic

In this episode of The Lead recorded at EHRA, host Christopher Kowalewski, MD, is joined by Tina Baykaner, MD, MPH, and Sanjiv M. Narayan, MD, PhD, FHRS, to discuss the journal article, Relationship Between Time-to-First Atrial Tachyarrhythmia Recurrence and Atrial Fibrillation Burden: Implications for Trial Design. Together, they examine the relationship between time to first atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence and atrial fibrillation burden and discuss the implications of these measures for clinical trial design. Learning Objectives Review the relationship between time-to-first atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence and atrial fibrillation burden. Discuss how different measures of atrial fibrillation recurrence and burden may influence the interpretation of clinical trial outcomes. Examine the implications of atrial fibrillation burden and time-to-first recurrence for the design of future atrial fibrillation trials.   Host: Christopher Kowalewski, MD   Guests: Tina Baykaner, MD, MPH and Sanjiv M. Narayan, MD, PhD, FHRS   Disclosures:   C. Kowalewski No relevant disclosures   T. Baykaner Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Volta Medical, Medtronic, Pacemate, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Medical, Boston Scientific Research: NIH, Boston Scientific   S. Narayan Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: UpToDate, Inc, LifeSignals, Abbott Medical, TDK Inc. Research: National Institutes for Health Intellectual Property Rights: University of California Regents Stocks – Privately Held: Physcade

In this episode of The Lead recorded at HRS2026, host Danesh Kella, MBBS, FHRS is joined by Jeffrey S. Healey, MD, FHRS and Fred M. Kusumoto, MD, FHRS to discuss the journal article, Left Atrial Appendage Closure or Medical Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation (The CLOSURE-AF Trial). Together, they review the study findings comparing left atrial appendage closure with medical therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and discuss the potential implications for clinical practice. Learning Objectives Review the design and key findings of the CLOSURE-AF Trial comparing left atrial appendage closure with medical therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. Discuss the comparative considerations of left atrial appendage closure and medical therapy for the management of atrial fibrillation. Examine the potential clinical implications of the CLOSURE-AF Trial for treatment decision-making in patients with atrial fibrillation.   Host: Danesh Kella, MBBS, FHRS Guests: Jeffrey S. Healey, MD, FHRS and Fred M. Kusumoto, MD, FHRS   Disclosures: D. Kella Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Zoll Medical Corporation, MBW Spectrum   J. Healey Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Boston Scientific, Servier Research: Pfizer, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Inc. Speakers' Bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb   F. Kusumoto No relevant disclosures

Recorded at HRS2026, this episode of The Lead features host Christopher Kowalewski, MD, in conversation with Junaid A.B. Zaman, MA, MD, PhD, CCDS, and Patrick Boyle, BS, PhD, FHRS, about the journal article, Digital Twin–Guided Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia. Together, they discuss the study's findings and explore the use of digital twin technology to guide ventricular tachycardia ablation and its potential implications for clinical electrophysiology. Learning Objectives Review the design and key findings of the study evaluating digital twin–guided ablation for ventricular tachycardia. Discuss the use of digital twin technology as a tool to guide ventricular tachycardia ablation. Explore the potential clinical implications of digital twin–guided ablation for the management of ventricular tachycardia. Host: Christopher Kowalewski, MD   Guests: Junaid A.B. Zaman, MA, MD, PhD, CCDS  Patrick Boyle, BS, PhD, FHRS    Disclosures: C. Kowalewski No relevant disclosures   J Zaman Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Acutus Medical Inc., Johnson and Johnson, American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, Bylis Medical Company Office/Trustee/Director/Other Fiduciary Role: Society of Bedside Medicine Travel/Entertainment: Boston Scientific   P Boyle Research: Seattle Foundation, Catherine Holmes Wilkins Charitable Foundation, NIH/NHLBI, American Heart Association Other Non-Financial Relationship: Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology Office/Trustee/Director/Other Fiduciary Role: The Cardiac Electrophysiology Society

Recorded at EHRA 2026, this episode of The Lead features host Melissa Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, FHRS, in conversation with Sana Al-Khatib, MD, MHS, FHRS, and Wei Hua, MD, FHRS, about the journal article, Conduction System vs Biventricular Pacing in Heart Failure: The PhysioSync-HF Randomized Clinical Trial. Together, they discuss the findings of the PhysioSync-HF randomized clinical trial, comparing conduction system pacing with biventricular pacing in patients with heart failure and exploring the potential implications for clinical practice.   Learning Objectives: Review the design and key findings of the PhysioSync-HF randomized clinical trial comparing conduction system pacing and biventricular pacing in patients with heart failure. Discuss the differences between conduction system pacing and biventricular pacing as evaluated in the PhysioSync-HF trial. Examine the potential clinical implications of the trial findings for pacing strategies in patients with heart failure.   Host: Melissa Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, FHRS Guests: Sana Al-Khatib, MD, MHS, FHRS and Wei Hua, MD, FHRS   Disclosures: M. Middeldorp ·      No relevant disclosures   S. Al-Khatib ·      Other Financial Relationship: American Heart Association   W. Hua ·      No relevant disclosures

In this episode of The Lead, host Tina Baykaner, MD, MPH, is joined by Christopher Kowalewski, MD, and Marco Perez, MD, to discuss the journal article, Atrial Fibrillation Screening According to Genetic Risk: A Secondary Analysis of the Randomized LOOP Study. Together, they review findings from this secondary analysis of the LOOP Study and explore the relationship between genetic risk and atrial fibrillation screening. Learning Objectives Review the key findings from the secondary analysis of the randomized LOOP Study examining atrial fibrillation screening according to genetic risk. Discuss the relationship between genetic risk and atrial fibrillation screening as evaluated in the study. Explore the potential implications of incorporating genetic risk into atrial fibrillation screening strategies.   Host: Tina Baykaner, MD, MPH Guests: Christopher Kowalewski, MD and Marco Perez, MD   Disclosures: T. Baykaner Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Volta Medical, Medtronic, Pacemate, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Medical, Boston Scientific Research: NIH, Boston Scientific   C. Kowalewski No relevant disclosures   M. Perez Ownership/Partnership/Principal: QALY Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Boston Scientific, Biotronik Research: Apple, Inc. Other/Stock Options Privately Held

Recorded at EHRA 2026, this episode of The Lead features host Christopher Kowalewski, MD, in conversation with Christian Sohns, MD, and Pierre Jaïs, MD, about the journal article, 20 Years: Clinical Outcome After Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients With Symptomatic Drug-Refractory Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Together, they discuss the study's long-term clinical outcomes following pulmonary vein isolation in patients with symptomatic drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and explore the implications of two decades of follow-up.   Learning Objectives: Review the long-term clinical outcomes reported after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with symptomatic drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Discuss the implications of 20-year follow-up data for the treatment of patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation. Examine how long-term outcome data may inform clinical decision-making for catheter ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.   Host: Christopher Kowalewski, MD   Guests: Christian Sohns, MD and Pierre Jaïs, MD   Disclosures: C. Kowalewski No relevant disclosures   C. Sohns No relevant disclosures   P. Jaïs Ownership/Partnership/Prinicipal: inHEART Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Biosense Webster, Inc., Boston Scientific, Medtronic

Recorded at EHRA 2026, this episode of The Lead features host Michael S. Lloyd, MD, FHRS, in conversation with Tina Baykaner, MD, MPH, and Kenneth Ellenbogen, MD, FHRS, about the journal article, Real-time smartphone alerts during atrial fibrillation episodes with implantable cardiac monitors and wearable devices: SMART-ALERT study. Together, they discuss the study findings and explore the use of real-time smartphone alerts in conjunction with implantable cardiac monitors and wearable devices during atrial fibrillation episodes. Learning Objectives Review the design and key findings of the SMART-ALERT study evaluating real-time smartphone alerts during atrial fibrillation episodes. Discuss the use of implantable cardiac monitors and wearable devices for real-time detection and notification of atrial fibrillation episodes. Explore the potential clinical implications of integrating smartphone alerts with cardiac monitoring technologies.   Host: Michael S. Lloyd, MD, FHRS   Guests: Tina Baykaner, MD, MPH Kenneth A. Ellenbogen, MD, FHRS   Disclosures: M. Lloyd ·      Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Other   T. Baykaner ·      Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: Volta Medical, Medtronic, Pacemate, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Medical, Boston Scientific ·      Research: NIH, Boston Scientific   K. Ellenbogen ·      Honoraria/Speaking/Consulting Fee: American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Inc., Abbott ·      Royalty Income: Wiley-Blackwell, Elsevier