The Lead Podcast presented by Heart Rhythm Society

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!

The Lead Podcast presented by Heart Rhythm Society is a education podcast hosted by Heart Rhythm Society, with 168 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Heart Rhythm Society hosts The Lead Podcast presented by Heart Rhythm Society, a education show with 168 episodes published.

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  Episode #165

  The Lead Episode 165: A Discussion of Left Atrial Appendage Closure or Medical Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation (The CLOSURE-AF Trial)

  Aug 20, 2026—S4

  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

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  Episode #164

  The Lead Episode 164: A Discussion of Digital Twin–Guided Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia

  Aug 13, 202619 minS4

  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

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  Episode #162

  The Lead Episode 162: A Discussion of Atrial Fibrillation Screening According to Genetic Risk: A Secondary Analysis of the Randomized LOOP Study

  Jul 30, 202623 minS4

  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

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  Episode #161

  The Lead Episode 161: A Discussion of 20 Years: Clinical Outcome After Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients With Symptomatic Drug-Refractory Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

  Jul 23, 202623 minS4

  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

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  Episode #160

  Episode 160: A Discussion of Real-time smartphone alerts during atrial fibrillation episodes with implantable cardiac monitors and wearable devices: SMART-ALERT study

  Jul 16, 202614 minS4

  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

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