Topic
Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
Podcasts
CardioNerds # 475Oct 29, 2026Case Report: The Walls Have a Story: Rapidly Progressive AL Cardiac Amyloidosis – Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center
CardioNerds guest hosts Dr. Apoorva Gangavelli and Dr. Georgia Vasilakis, alongside Dr. Flavia Tejada, Dr. Ahmad Ahmad, and Dr. Blanca Simon Frances from MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University for a case discussion on rapidly progressive heart failure and the urgency of recognizing infiltrative cardiomyopathy. They discuss a 65-year-old man with newly diagnosed HFrEF and CKD who presented with acute decompensated heart failure, low-voltage ECG, concentric LV thickening, renal dysfunction, and abnormal lambda free light chains. His course was complicated by PEA arrest when laid supine, cardiogenic shock physiology, bilateral pleural effusions, and biopsy-confirmed AL cardiac amyloidosis. The episode focuses on clinical red flags, diagnostic algorithms, hemodynamic fragility, and why suspected AL amyloidosis is a hematologic and cardiac emergency. Expert commentary is provided by Dr. Ajay Kadakkal. Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds Intern, Dr. Julia Marques Fernandes. “To study the phenomena of disease without books is to sail an uncharted sea, while to study books without patients is not to go to sea at all.” – Sir William Osler. CardioNerds thank the patients and their loved ones whose stories teach us the Art of Medicine and support our Mission to Democratize Cardiovascular Medicine. Enjoy this Circulation 2022 Paths to Discovery article to learn about the CardioNerds story, mission, and values. US Cardiology Review is now the official journal of CardioNerds! Submit your manuscript here.
- CardioNerds # 445Apr 10, 2026
Heart Failure: The Essential Role of Palliative Care in Advanced Therapies
Dr. Jenna Skowronski, Dr. Shazli Khan, and Dr. Alix Barnes discuss the involvement of palliative care throughout the heart failure spectrum with Dr. Sarah Chuzi. Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds Intern, Dr. Julia Marques Fernandes. In this episode, we discuss utilizing palliative care principles while caring for patients with heart failure, particularly those being considered for advanced therapies. We emphasize utilization of communication frameworks when discussing prognosis and making decisions on pursuing therapies such as palliative inotropes, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), and heart transplant. Additionally, we discuss when to involve specialty palliative care services. Finally, we highlight the difference between palliative care and hospice and how to help patients navigate the transition from life-prolonging care to hospice. Dr. Jenna Skowronski is the Chair for the CardioNerds Heart Failure Council. Dr. Jenna Skowronski and Dr. Shazli Khan are the Co-chairs for the CardioNerds Advanced Heart Failure Therapies Series. Dr. Alix Barnes is the CardioNerds FIT Ambassador at UPMC and member of the CardioNerds Critical Care Cardiology Council.
- CardioNerds # 442Feb 27, 2026
Heart Failure: LVAD Part 1
CardioNerds (Dr. Jenna Skowronski [Heart Failure Council Chair], Dr. Shazli Khan, and Dr. Josh Longinow) are joined by renowned leaders in the field of AHFTC (Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology) and mechanical circulatory support, Dr. Jeff Teuteberg and Dr. Mani Daneshmand to continue the discussion of advanced heart failure therapies by taking a deep dive into the world of durable LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Devices). In this episode, we will review the history of ventricular assist devices, the basics of LVAD function, selection criteria for LVAD therapy, and surgical nuances of LVAD implantation. Audio Editing by CardioNerds intern, Joshua Khorsandi.
- CardioNerds # 440Feb 3, 2026
Heart Failure: Post-Heart Transplant Management
CardioNerds (Dr. Shazli Khan, Dr. Jenna Skowronski, and Dr. Shiva Patlolla) discuss the management of patients post‑heart transplantation with Dr. Shelley Hall from Baylor University Medical Center and Dr. MaryJane Farr from UTSW. In this comprehensive review, we cover the physiology of the transplanted heart, immunosuppression strategies, rejection surveillance, and long-term complications including cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and malignancy. Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds intern Dr. Bhavya Shah.
- CardioNerds # 438Dec 15, 2025
Heart Failure: Perioperative Heart Transplant Management
In this episode, the CardioNerds (Dr. Natalie Tapaskar, Dr. Jenna Skowronski, and Dr. Shazli Khan) discuss the process of heart transplantation from the initial donor selection to the time a patient is discharged with Dr. Dave Kaczorowski and Dr. Jason Katz. We dissect a case where we understand criteria for donor selection, the differences between DBD and DCD organ donors, the choice of vasoactive agents in the post-operative period, complications such as cardiac tamponade, and the choice of immunosuppression in the immediate post-operative period. Most importantly, we highlight the importance of multi-disciplinary teams in the care of transplant patients. Audio editing for this episode was performed by CardioNerds Intern, Dr. Julia Marques Fernandes.