The Lead Podcast presented by Heart Rhythm Society

Atrial Fibrillation

Electrophysiology

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Catheter Ablation

Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Leadless Pacemakers

Cryoablation

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Heart Failure

Circadose Trial

Healthcare Costs

Micra Transcatheter Placing System

Class Ic Antiarrhythmics

Left Atrial Appendix Occlusion

Health Economics

Cardiac Complications

Pulse Field Ablation

Atrial Esophageal Fistula

Retrospective Studies

Medtronic Carelink

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!

21 ratings

Publishes	Weekly	Episodes	150	Founded	3 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	EducationCourses

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Latest Episodes

The Lead Episode 142: A Discussion of Class 1c Antiarrhythmic Therapy Following PCI in New Onset Atrial Fibrillation: Safety and Clinical Outcomes from a Nationwide Cohort

Join an expert-led discussion exploring the safety and clinical outcomes of Class 1c antiarrhythmic therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation, based on insights from a nationwide cohort ... more

2 Apr 2026 • 24 min

The Lead the Week of Marh 23

Hello everyone! The Lead will be going dark the week of March 23, but we will be back with more leading edge episodes in electrophysiology the week of March 30.

23 Mar 2026

The Lead Episode 141: A Discussion of Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy on Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation in Obese Patients: A Real-World Data Analysis

Join Digital Education Committee member and podcast host Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, along with this week's guest contributors,Sheldon Litwin, MD from the Medical University of South Carolina and Abhishek Deshmuckh, MBBS from the Mayo Clinic for... more

19 Mar 2026 • 20 min

The Lead Episode 140: A Discussion of Atrial Cardiomyopathy: Markers and Outcomes

Join Digital Education Committee member and podcast host Melissa E. Middeldorp, MPH, PhD, along with this week's guest contributors, Joshua Silverstein MD, FHRS from Allegheny Health Network and Jonathan Ariyaratnam, BChir, MA, MB, CCDS, CEPS-A from ... more

12 Mar 2026 • 20 min

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Recent Guests

Dr. Sheldon Litwin

Professor from the Medical University of South Carolina

Medical University of South Carolina

Episode: The Lead Episode 141: A Discussion of Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy on Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation in Obese Patients: A Real-World Data Analysis

Dr. Abhishek Deshmukh

Physician from Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Episode: The Lead Episode 141: A Discussion of Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy on Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation in Obese Patients: A Real-World Data Analysis

Joshua Silverstein

From Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh

Allegheny Health Network

Episode: The Lead Episode 140: A Discussion of Atrial Cardiomyopathy: Markers and Outcomes

Jonathan Ariyaratnam

From Adelaide University in Australia

Adelaide University

Episode: The Lead Episode 140: A Discussion of Atrial Cardiomyopathy: Markers and Outcomes

Nino Isakadze

Researcher from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Episode: The Lead Episode 139: A Discussion of Improving Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation by Integrated Personalized Lifestyle Interventions: A Randomized Control Trial

Joe Lee

Researcher from University College Cork

University College Cork

Episode: The Lead Episode 139: A Discussion of Improving Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation by Integrated Personalized Lifestyle Interventions: A Randomized Control Trial

Dr. Rahul N Doshi

Professor of Medicine and Academic Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine, Network Director for Electrophysiology at Honor Health Arizona

Honor Health Arizona

Episode: The Lead Episode 135: A Discussion of Mechanical Vacuum Aspiration and Debulking of Large Vegetations During Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Extraction

Dr. Robert Schaller

Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and a Master Extractionist at the University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania

Episode: The Lead Episode 135: A Discussion of Mechanical Vacuum Aspiration and Debulking of Large Vegetations During Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Extraction

Georgios Leventopoulos

Assistant Professor of Cardiology and Electrophysiology

University of Patras, Greece

Episode: The Lead Episode 134: A Discussion of Bachmann Bundle Pacing Target: Retrograde Mapping and Microstructural Correlation

Host

Deep Chandh Raja

Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology with involvement in educational and professional societies.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 21 ratings

The best way to stay up to date on recent EP Literature
The best way to stay up to date on recent EP Literature.
Apple Podcasts
5
heart burner
United States3 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Content is highly technical but provides practical implications for patient care and practice.

Listeners appreciate concise, expert-driven takeaways on complex EP topics.

The show is seen as a reliable, evidence-based quick-read for busy professionals.

Guest lineups often feature leading clinicians and researchers in electrophysiology.

Audience values clear discussion of trial limitations and real-world applicability.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#102	United States/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#32	Canada/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#199	United Kingdom/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#119	Australia/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#224	Germany/Education/Courses
Apple Podcasts	#11	Netherlands/Education/Courses

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Lead Episode 141: A Discussion of Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy on Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation in Obese Patients: A Real-World Data Analysis

Q: What are the main limitations of using a large administrative database for this analysis?

Limitations include lack of data on drug start time and dosing, unclear adherence, potential misclassification of AF events and procedures, unmeasured confounders such as varying obesity duration and comorbidity management, and possible coding errors or incomplete capture of events, all of which can bias the observed associations.

The Lead Episode 141: A Discussion of Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy on Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation in Obese Patients: A Real-World Data Analysis

Q: Noting the background and what they did, what would you identify as the central finding of the trial?

The central finding is that obese patients undergoing first-time AF ablation who were on GLP-1 receptor agonists had lower AF recurrence, slower progression to permanent AF, and fewer heart failure and cardiovascular hospitalizations over up to two years compared with those not on GLP-1 therapy, suggesting a potential additive benefit when weight-loss pharmacotherapy accompanies ablation.

The Lead Episode 140: A Discussion of Atrial Cardiomyopathy: Markers and Outcomes

Q: What are the practical next steps for clinicians when a patient has markers but no atrial fibrillation yet?

Clinicians might consider closer monitoring for AF with wearables, intensified risk-factor modification (e.g., hypertension, obesity), and exploring targeted screening strategies rather than universal imaging, aiming to prevent progression to AF or other adverse outcomes.

The Lead Episode 140: A Discussion of Atrial Cardiomyopathy: Markers and Outcomes

Q: Could there be a high-risk group where image-based screening is justified to identify atrial cardiomyopathy early?

Yes, focusing on individuals with multiple risk factors for AF and atrial cardiomyopathy could allow targeted screening using cheaper modalities such as echocardiography, and then implementing risk-factor management to slow progression.

The Lead Episode 129: A Discussion of Worldwide Chronic Retrieval Experience of the Helix Fixation Leadless Cardiac Pacemaker

Q: How do you envision this on a practical setting? Who should be doing these and what will be the safe environment?

Physicians familiar with large bore sheaths and those who implant leadless systems should be responsible for extractions, ensuring they are supported by surgeons in case of complications.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show focuses on up-to-date electrophysiology literature, translating recent studies into practical takeaways and practical interpretations. Episodes commonly feature expert clinicians and researchers discussing novel ablation techniques, pacing strategies, and device therapies, with a strong emphasis on safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes. A notable strength is the synthesis of study findings with real-world implications, including procedural nuances, trial limitations, and potential guideline implications. Listeners are likely clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals who want concise, data-driven insights to inform practice and discussions with peers or sponsors in the cardiac rhythm space.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. This Week in Cardiology
2. Eagle's Eye View: Your Weekly CV Update From ACC.org
3. Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast
4. Heart Rhythm TV Pod
5. EHRA Cardio Talk

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 3 years ago and published 150 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Dr. Sheldon Litwin
2. Dr. Abhishek Deshmukh
3. Joshua Silverstein
4. Jonathan Ariyaratnam
5. Nino Isakadze
6. Joe Lee
7. Dr. Rahul N Doshi
8. Dr. Robert Schaller

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