Rhythm Interventions Unplugged

In this forward-looking episode of Rhythm Interventions Unplugged, host Dr Devi Nair (St. Bernard’s Medical Center, US) is joined by globally recognised electrophysiologist Dr Hugh Calkins (Johns Hopkins Hospital, US) to explore what the EP lab of the future could look like. From artificial intelligence and computational modelling to pulsed field ablation (PFA) and leadless technologies, this conversation examines the forces reshaping modern electrophysiology. As demand for EP services continues to rise, Dr Calkins shares practical insight on scaling access while maintaining safety: from increasing lab efficiency and procedural specialisation to the potential shift toward ambulatory surgery centres. The discussion also dives into the evolving role of AI, including digital twins for VT ablation planning, and why the next decade could define a “golden era” for the field.

As consumer technology becomes increasingly integrated into clinical care, the profile of the atrial fibrillation (AF) patient is evolving. The rise of wearable technology and digital biomarkers is not only changing how arrhythmias are detected but also how they are managed in daily clinical practice. In this month’s episode of Rhythm Interventions Unplugged, host and RIO Course Director Dr Devi Nair (St Bernards Heart & Vascular, US) is joined by leading expert Dr Rod Passman (Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, US) to explore the digital transformation of electrophysiology. Together, they delve into: The impact of wearable devices on the early detection of AF and the management of the "new AF patient." The clinical utility of digital biomarkers in monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy. The challenges and opportunities of integrating patient-generated data into a busy clinical workflow. Expert perspectives on the future of digital health within the global cardiac rhythm management community. Rhythm Interventions Unplugged is your gateway to cutting-edge discussions, curated exclusively for electrophysiologists dedicated to advancing clinical outcomes. In partnership with Rhythm Interventions Online (RIO), this podcast brings together globally recognised thought leaders to debate the hottest topics in the field. Subscribe now on Radcliffe Cardiology to stay up-to-date with the latest insights in arrhythmia management.

In this essential episode of Rhythm Interventions Unplugged, host Dr Devi Nair (St. Bernard's Medical Center, US) sits down with two leading experts in cardiac device management: Dr Larry Epstein and Dr Robert Schaller. Together, they explore a critical challenge facing electrophysiologists today - managing pacemaker and ICD leads in patients requiring tricuspid valve interventions. Dr Epstein and Dr Schaller share practical wisdom on when to extract versus abandon leads, highlighting cases where extraction alone improved TR enough to eliminate the need for valve intervention. Learn why a collaborative "heart team" approach is non-negotiable for these complex patients, bringing together electrophysiologists, structural interventionalists, and surgeons for optimal decision-making. From preventative implantation techniques to alternative pacing strategies like leadless pacemakers, this episode delivers actionable insights for managing the growing population at the crossroads of device therapy and structural heart disease. If you're navigating lead management decisions or working with tricuspid valve patients, tune in for this must-hear conversation.

In this insightful episode of Rhythm Interventions Unplugged, host Dr Devi Nair (St. Bernard's Medical Center, US) welcomes two leading experts in the field: Dr Sanjiv Narayan (Stanford Medicine, US) and Dr Tina Baykaner (Stanford Medicine, US). Together, they delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in arrhythmia management. From the crucial first step of screening for arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation (AF), Dr Baykaner shares how AI can analyze standard ECGs to identify individuals at future risk, even before a diagnosis. The discussion then dives into AI's potential in predicting sudden cardiac death and leveraging data from wearable devices for early warning signs. Learn how AI is paving the way for personalized arrhythmia management, from pre-ablation planning to post-ablation follow-up and risk assessment. Can AI-driven models better predict AF recurrence after ablation than traditional scores? Tune in to hear from Drs Narayan and Baykaner about the practical applications of AI in EP, important considerations like data privacy, and where to stay updated on the latest innovations.

In this episode of Rhythm Interventions Unplugged, host Dr Devi Nair sits down with leading electrophysiologists Dr Nassir Marrouche and Dr Janet Han to explore the future of electrophysiology (EP) training in the digital age. With virtual learning, AI in cardiology, and cutting-edge EP technology transforming education, how are training programs evolving to keep up? From bite-sized digital learning for EP fellows to hands-on experience with the latest electrophysiology devices, our experts discuss the balance between innovation and core clinical skills. They also dive into the role of mentorship in EP training, the importance of human connection in medicine, and how AI-driven personalization could shape the future of EP education. If you're an EP fellow, cardiology trainee, or part of an EP training program, this episode is packed with actionable insights on optimizing electrophysiology education. Tune in!

Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) offers great promise in atrial fibrillation, however, what are the key safety concerns clinicians must familiarise themselves with when undertaking this procedure? Rhythm Interventions Unplugged host, Dr Devi Nair (St Bernards Heart & Vascular, US) is joined by esteemed guests, Dr Christian Heeger (Asklepios Clinic Altona, DE) and Dr Amin Al-Ahmad (St David's Medical Center, US) to discuss the key debates in PFA safety. Together, they delve into the critical discussions surrounding PFA safety, exploring potential risks such as haemolysis and coronary spasm. Drawing on real-world experiences, they share valuable insights and practical advice for electrophysiologists performing PFA.

In this month's episode of Rhythm Interventions Unplugged, host Dr Devi Nair (St Bernards Heart & Vascular, US) is joined by leading electrophysiologist Prof Di Biase (Montefiore Einstein College of Medicine, New York, US) to discuss the powerful role of virtual education in support of achieving better outcomes in clinical practice. The timing of the episode is particularly pertinent. On 20–23 November 2024, as Course Director, Dr Nair will lead Rhythm Interventions Online (RIO) 2024, a premier virtual educational event serving the global electrophysiology and cardiac rhythm management communities. Now in its fifth year, RIO will again bring together thousands of healthcare professionals for four days of live virtual education, combining cases, presentations and debate with leading voices from across the electrophysiology and CRM field. This year, for the first time, RIO will include a fourth day dedicated exclusively to US practice – RIO 2024 I US Focus will be broadcast live on 23 November – with an educational programme curated to address the most important challenges in US practice. RIO is CME-accredited learning at its most dynamic and engaging – and it's entirely free to join, so register now. Prof Di Biase – who has joined the faculty for this year’s RIO – was last month appointed Editor-in-Chief of Arrhythmia Academy. A physician-led platform, Arrhythmia Academy provides healthcare professionals with free, trusted, continuous learning resources on cardiac arrhythmias and electrophysiology. Publishing comment on late-breaking trials, physician interviews, real-world cases and expert discussions, in addition to a regular Journal Club, Arrhythmia Academy supports time-pressured physicians to stay up-to-date in the ever-evolving field of arrhythmia management. For further information visit Arrhythmia Academy.

The role of mapping in pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is a topic of ongoing debate amongst clinicians: is it essential for ensuring successful outcomes, or does it add unnecessary complexity to a procedure designed for precision and simplicity? In this month's episode of Rhythm Interventions Unplugged, host Dr Devi Nair (St Bernards Heart & Vascular, US) is joined by leading electrophysiologists, Dr Andrea Natale (Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, TX, US) and Dr Bradley Knight (Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, US) to delve into this critical discussion. In this episode, they explore what mapping during PFA entails, and how this differs from other ablation procedures, as well as the latest clinical evidence and technological advancements that have improved accuracy and efficiency. They discuss the future of integrated mapping in PFA devices, and expert advice for electrophysiologists considering the use of mapping during PFA.