In this episode of the "Innovations in Cardiology" series, host Dr Dipti Itchhaporia (Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute, Newport Beach, CA, US) is joined by Dr Alexander Van Rosendael (Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, NL) to discuss the findings from the CONFIRM2 trial. Conducted from up to 50 international clinical CCTA sites with 35,000 patients, CONFIRM2 aims to improve comprehensive quantification of coronary computed tomography angiography findings using an artificial intelligence algorithm that will enable an accurate quantification of coronary artery disease, including total coronary plaque volume and low attenuation plaque volume.

Findings showed that AI-guided quantative computational tomography quantification of coronary CTA lumen diameter stenosis and the noncalcified plaque volume were most predictive of MACE and added discriminative accuracy to the Diamond and Forrester predictive model. These atherosclerotic profiles as assessed by AI-QCT could guide the tailoring of anti atherosclerotic therapies or coronary interventional procedures to reduce the instance of cardiac events.

If you have any questions or suggestions for topics to cover on the Radcliffe Podcast, please email managingeditor@ecrjournal.com.

AI in Quantitative CT Assessments: CONFIRM2 with Dr Alexander Van Rosendael

In this illuminating episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra engages with Dr Jonathan Drezner, Director of Sports Cardiology at the University of Washington, who explores the complex world of cardiovascular risk in competitive athletes.

Dr Drezner traces the evolution of sports cardiology from watershed moments involving high-profile athletes like Hank Gathers and Reggie Lewis to today's sophisticated screening protocols. The conversation reveals startling statistics about sudden cardiac death—particularly among specific athlete populations where risks are significantly higher than previously thought.

The discussion delves into the limitations of traditional screening questionnaires versus the enhanced detection capabilities of ECG testing, highlighting how proper interpretation has dramatically reduced false positives. Dr Drezner articulates the shift from universal disqualification to personalized risk assessment for athletes with cardiac conditions, emphasizing the critical elements of effective emergency action plans that can mean the difference between life and death on the playing field.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into both common and rare cardiac conditions affecting athletes, from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to anomalous coronary arteries, while understanding the three pillars of modern sports cardiology: epidemiology, screening, and management. This episode offers essential knowledge for cardiologists, sports medicine physicians, and other healthcare professionals involved in athlete cardiac care.

Questions and comments can be sent to “podcast@radcliffe-group.com” and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO

Parallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts: https://www.radcliffecardiology.com/news/parallax-podcast-ankur-kalra-recognised-among-top-medical-podcasts?language_content_entity=en

EP 132: The Heart of the Game: Cardiovascular Risk in Athletes

In this compelling episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra explores South Asian cardiovascular health with preventive cardiology experts, Dr Jaideep Patel from Johns Hopkins, and Dr Romit Bhattacharya from Massachusetts General Hospital.

The conversation begins with both specialists sharing personal motivations behind their focus on South Asian heart health, from family losses to scientific curiosity about potential genetic and metabolic distinctions. They examine whether South Asians truly face different cardiovascular risks - discussing observations of earlier disease onset, unique lipid patterns, and metabolic dysfunction at lower BMIs - while emphasizing that fundamental prevention strategies remain effective across populations.

The episode culminates with powerful closing insights on prevention as an investment—how small, consistent lifestyle modifications can prevent cardiovascular disease onset even in those with genetic predispositions, ultimately enabling fuller, more functional lives in later years.

Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCARDIO

EP 133: South Asian Heart Health: Unveiling Risk Patterns and Prevention Strategies

In this inspiring episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra engages with Dr Srihari S. Naidu, current President of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) and tenured professor at New York Medical College. Their conversation explores Dr Naidu's compelling journey from his formative years and family influences to his strategic vision for elevating interventional cardiology's national profile.

Dr Naidu shares his innovative "LINK" philosophy—Leadership, Innovation, Networking, and Knowledge—which has guided his approach to medicine and leadership. The discussion delves into SCAI's remarkable growth in education, publications, and advocacy under his stewardship, while addressing the critical need to increase public understanding of interventional cardiologists' life-saving contributions to healthcare.

The conversation offers valuable insights on career progression in medicine, exploring the delicate balance between knowledge and wisdom across different career stages. Dr Naidu provides thoughtful perspectives on the "sweet spot" of mid-career practice, the importance of cross-generational learning, and SCAI's commitment to fostering diversity by removing barriers for women and underrepresented groups in the field.

Essential listening for cardiologists at all career stages, healthcare leaders, and those interested in the evolving landscape of interventional cardiology and its impact on patient care and public health.

Buy the SCAI Cap here. (https://shop.scai.org/)

Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardio

Parallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.

EP 134: Advancing Interventional Cardiology: Dr Naidu's Presidential Blueprint for SCAI

In this insightful episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Leslie Saxon, a professor of medicine at Keck School of Medicine USC and executive director for the USC Center for Body Computing. Together, they explore the potential network data have in transforming healthcare delivery and patient survival.

Beginning with the origin and aim of the USC Center for Body Computing, the episode dives into the benefits of a network of connected implantable devices to engage patients in their own care. Dr Saxon also shares her vision of overseeing "life care” as well as "sick care" by collecting data on the mind and body, providing insights into her work with professional athletes and the military to understand how the body functions as a system. The discussion later turns to the evolution of computing devices and how we are moving past the concept of "wearables" with AI-centric devices designed specifically for continuous health monitoring.

EP 135: Beyond Wearables: How Network Data are Transforming Healthcare

In this profound episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Dr Pam Taub, Professor of Medicine and Director of Preventive Cardiology at UC San Diego, for an enlightening conversation about integrating spirituality, purpose, and scientific curiosity in cardiovascular practice.

Dr Taub shares her unique philosophical foundation, shaped by exposure to diverse religions in South India. This experience fostered her belief that all faiths fundamentally center on being a good person and serving others. She explores how this spiritual perspective transforms medicine from a profession into a sacred calling, where patient interactions become profound privileges that fuel her desire to make meaningful impact beyond individual achievements.

The episode highlights Dr Taub's groundbreaking work with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), demonstrating how scientific curiosity serves as a spiritual path. Her research journey—from recognizing misdiagnosed conditions to conducting the first clinical trial for ivabradine in POTS—exemplifies how deeper questioning and evidence-based inquiry can transform patient lives on a broader scale. The episode also explores Dr Taub's research on time-restricted eating, connecting modern scientific evidence to fasting practices across many faiths.

Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardio

Parallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.


EP 136: The Sacred and the Scientific: Integrating Spirituality in Cardiovascular Care

Explore the Top Trials from EuroPCR 25 with Insights from the Thoraxcenter!

Join Prof Nicolas Van Mieghem and Dr Joost Daemen from Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, for an engaging and critical analysis of the latest trials unveiled at EuroPCR.

In this comprehensive EuroPCR review, interventional experts examine the most significant trials, providing valuable insights into their impact on current practices and future research directions.

00:18 - UK TAVI
03:22 - ACURATE IDE
06:10 - COMPARE TAVI
07:21 - PROTECTED TAVR and BHF PROTECT TAVI Meta Analyses
11:51 - PROVISION
14:35 - REPEAT QFR
16:44 - FAITAVI
19:49 - ILIAS ANOCA
22:20 - CAREER
26:20 - RETRIEVE AMI
28:06 - ICARE-OFDI
32:28 - COMPARE-ABSORB
33:20 - BIOADAPTOR RCT
34:22 - PERFECT PSP
37:34 - bRIGHT
39:40 - TRINITY
41:45 - AMEND

View from the Thoraxcenter: EuroPCR 25 Late-breaking Science Wrap Up

Women in Cardiology: Small in Number, Large in Impact with Dr Roxana Mehran

In this essential episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra is joined by Dr Michelle O'Donoghue, cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and co-author of the recently updated AHA/ACC acute coronary syndrome guidelines. Together, they explore the revolutionary changes reshaping ACS management in 2025.

Dr O'Donoghue shares insights from the landmark guideline development process that unified non-ST elevation ACS and ST elevation MI recommendations into a single comprehensive document. The conversation covers game-changing updates including new risk stratification approaches, the shift toward selective invasive strategies, and the introduction of bivalirudin as an alternative anticoagulation option.

The discussion highlights the groundbreaking "lower is better" approach to LDL management with new targets below 55 mg/dL, evolving antiplatelet therapy strategies, and the emerging role of ticagrelor monotherapy. Dr O'Donoghue also addresses future directions in cardiovascular care, from GLP-1 agonists to mechanical circulatory support devices, emphasizing how these guidelines represent a fundamental shift toward more personalized, evidence-based ACS management.

Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. 

Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardio
Parallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.

Ep 137: Redefining ACS Care: From Guideline Updates to Clinical Excellence

The Radcliffe Cardiology Podcast brings you the latest advancements, research and best practices in the field of cardiology. Each episode features expert insights and engaging discussions with leading healthcare professionals, covering a breadth of topics in cardiovascular science. 

Our podcast aims to build on the best science, with key takeaways from the top cardiology conferences and recent publications from our journals.

AI in Quantitative CT Assessments: CONFIRM2 with Dr Alexander Van Rosendael

The Radcliffe Cardiology Podcast

Related tracks