Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME

Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation with Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

 

Guest: Ammar Killu, M.B.B.S.

Host: Anthony Kashou, M.D.

 

In this episode of Interviews with the Expert: ECG Making Waves, host Dr. Anthony Kashou is joined by Dr. Ammar Killu to discuss the evolving role of combining pulsed field ablation (PFA) with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for patients with atrial fibrillation. Together, they explore the rationale for a combined approach, the potential advantages of PFA over conventional thermal ablation, and key procedural considerations for performing both interventions safely and effectively in a single session.

 

Topics Discussed:

Why consider combining pulsed field ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion in the same AF patient?

What does PFA add compared with conventional thermal ablation when planning a combined ablation–LAAO strategy?

What are the procedural caveats when PFA and LAAO are done concomitantly?

 

Connect with Mayo Clinic's Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education online at https://cveducation.mayo.edu or on Twitter @MayoClinicCV and @MayoCVservices.

LinkedIn: Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Services

Cardiovascular Education App:
The Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME App is an innovative educational platform that features cardiology-focused continuing medical education wherever and whenever you need it. Use this app to access other free content and browse upcoming courses. Download it for free in Apple or Google stores today!

No CME credit offered for this episode.

 

Podcast episode transcript found here.

 

Recorded on: 26-June-2026

What the Cardiologist Needs to Know About Marfan Syndrome

 

Guest: Juan Bowen, M.D.

Host: Malcolm Bell, M.D.

 

The prevalence of Marfan syndrome is estimated to be 1 in 5,000 people. Approximately 75% of cases are inherited and 25% are de novo mutations. Marfan syndrome is caused by mutations in the gene encoding for fibrillin 1. Management includes protection of the aorta with medication, surveillance imaging, and timely preventive aortic repair. Extracardiac problems are less lethal but affect quality of life.

 

Topics Discussed:

What are the physical findings in Marfan syndrome?

What is the relationship of fibrillin 1 to the TGF beta pathway?

Which medications have been shown to have aortic protective effects?

When should patients have aortic repair?

How is pregnancy managed in Marfan syndrome?

How should non cardiac problems be managed?

 

Connect with Mayo Clinic's Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education online at https://cveducation.mayo.edu or on Twitter @MayoClinicCV and @MayoCVservices.

LinkedIn: Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Services

Cardiovascular Education App:
The Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME App is an innovative educational platform that features cardiology-focused continuing medical education wherever and whenever you need it. Use this app to access other free content and browse upcoming courses. Download it for free in Apple or Google stores today!

No CME credit offered for this episode.

 

Podcast episode transcript found here.

 

Recorded on: 14-January-2026

Contraception Decision-making for Pre-menopausal Women with Cardiovascular Disease

 

Guest: Margaret Long, M.D.

Host: Marysia Tweet, M.D., M.S.

 

This podcast discusses how to approach contraceptive counseling for premenopausal women with cardiovascular disease, emphasizing individualized decision-making based on pregnancy goals and medical risks. It highlights safer options—such as progestin-only methods and intrauterine devices—while cautioning against estrogen-containing contraceptives due to increased thrombotic risk. The discussion also reviews practical considerations for cardiologists, including managing contraception after cardiac events and coordinating care with specialists. Overall, it underscores that effective contraception is typically safer than pregnancy for patients with significant cardiac conditions

 

Topics Discussed:

How do you approach contraception decision making in a patient with cardiac disease?

Are some contraception options safer than others? Are those options just as effective?

Will a specific method affect blood pressure or cholesterol? Are there other side effects to be aware of?

What if a patient has an adverse event such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolus while on oral contraception? What is your approach to those patients?

What are the most important lessons you would like to share with cardiovascular specialists?

 

Connect with Mayo Clinic's Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education online at https://cveducation.mayo.edu or on Twitter @MayoClinicCV and @MayoCVservices.

LinkedIn: Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Services

Cardiovascular Education App:
The Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME App is an innovative educational platform that features cardiology-focused continuing medical education wherever and whenever you need it. Use this app to access other free content and browse upcoming courses. Download it for free in Apple or Google stores today!

No CME credit offered for this episode.

 

Podcast episode transcript found here.

 

Recorded on: 23-January-2026

Differential Diagnosis and Workup of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

 

Guest: Juan M. Bowen, M.D.

Host: Malcolm R. Bell, M.D.

 

Thoracic aortic aneurysms are often found as incidental findings on imaging done for other indications.  In this episode, listeners will learn more about the approach the Mayo Clinic Marfan and Thoracic Aorta Clinic takes. We can often find the cause by taking a directed family history and personal history, by looking for key physical findings, and by obtaining appropriate imaging and often also genetic tests.

 

Topics Discussed:

What is the differential diagnosis in adult patients?

What questions are most helpful in the patient history, and what physical findings should the examiner look for?

What cardiac and vascular imaging should be done on the initial evaluation?

When should genetic tests be considered?

When should preventive aortic repair be considered?

 

Connect with Mayo Clinic's Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education online at https://cveducation.mayo.edu or on Twitter @MayoClinicCV and @MayoCVservices.

LinkedIn: Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Services

Cardiovascular Education App:
The Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME App is an innovative educational platform that features cardiology-focused continuing medical education wherever and whenever you need it. Use this app to access other free content and browse upcoming courses. Download it for free in Apple or Google stores today!

No CME credit offered for this episode.

 

Podcast episode transcript found here.

 

Recorded on: 14-January-2026

The Central Role of Cardiac MRI in the Management of Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Patients

 

Guest: Gosia Wamil, M.D., Ph.D.

Host: Malcolm R. Bell, M.D.

 

Cardiac MRI is now central to heart failure care, moving beyond imaging to guide diagnosis and treatment. It distinguishes disease causes, identifies fibrosis and scar, and uncovers specific conditions in both HFrEF and HFpEF. By providing prognostic markers, it helps tailor therapies and improve outcomes—delivering the right treatment at the right time. In this episode of "Interviews With the Experts," Dr. Malcolm Bell interviews Dr. Gosia Wamil from Mayo Clinic London practice on the role of cardiac MRI in practice.

 

Topics Discussed:

When does CMR change the management decision?

CMR findings

Which CMR biomarkers truly predict outcomes—and how should clinicians act on them?

From echo-first to CMR-led pathways: what should every HF service implement now?

 

Connect with Mayo Clinic's Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education online at https://cveducation.mayo.edu or on Twitter @MayoClinicCV and @MayoCVservices.

LinkedIn: Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Services

Cardiovascular Education App:
The Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME App is an innovative educational platform that features cardiology-focused continuing medical education wherever and whenever you need it. Use this app to access other free content and browse upcoming courses. Download it for free in Apple or Google stores today!

No CME credit offered for this episode.

 

Podcast episode transcript found here.

 

Recorded on: 14-January-2026