Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy

Course Co-Director, ACCESS ASC Summit
Executive Medical Director of the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute
Board Member, Heart Rhythm Advocates (HRA)

Dr.r. Dhanunjaya “DJ” Lakkireddy is an internationally respected cardiac electrophysiologist, clinical investigator, and one of the most influential leaders in atrial fibrillation, left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), and multidisciplinary arrhythmia care. As Executive Medical Director of the Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute, he leads a nationally recognized center known for innovation, research productivity, and exceptional clinical outcomes.

A National Leader in Atrial Fibrillation & LAAC Innovation

Dr. Lakkireddy has shaped many of the modern strategies for AF management, including lifestyle modification frameworks, risk-factor optimization, and advanced ablation techniques that integrate imaging, autonomic modulation, and structural EP principles. He has performed thousands of complex ablations and LAAC procedures and is widely regarded as one of the most experienced LAAC operators in the United States.

He has served as principal investigator or steering committee member for multiple landmark trials in atrial fibrillation, stroke prevention, autonomic modulation, and structural heart rhythm interventions. His prolific academic output includes hundreds of manuscripts, guidelines, and consensus statements that have helped define national best practices in AF management and LAA closure.

National Advocacy & CMS Policy Advancement

As a board member of Heart Rhythm Advocates (HRA), Dr. Lakkireddy has been a key figure in shaping federal policy and reimbursement models for electrophysiology. He played a vital role in the successful national effort to secure CMS approval for AF ablation in the ASC setting, bringing clinical evidence, operational insight, and policy expertise to the discussion.

His work helped demonstrate the safety, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of EP procedures performed in appropriately designed ASCs—contributing significantly to a historic change that will influence the specialty for decades.

Renowned Educator, System Builder & International Voice

Dr. Lakkireddy is a highly sought-after educator, known for his ability to distill complex EP principles into accessible, clinically actionable frameworks. He has trained fellows around the world, developed comprehensive AF and LAAC programs, and serves as a frequent moderator and keynote speaker at HRS, ACC, ESC, and other major congresses.

His leadership extends beyond clinical EP to include health-equity initiatives, global training programs, and multidisciplinary collaborations bridging cardiology, endocrinology, sleep medicine, and lifestyle medicine. He is a driving force behind integrated approaches to arrhythmia care that address metabolic health, autonomic balance, and long-term disease modification.

Architect of the Future EP Landscape

At the ACCESS ASC Summit, Dr. Lakkireddy brings an unmatched perspective on how to build high-performance arrhythmia programs—linking clinical excellence, operational rigor, patient-centered design, and forward-looking policy. His national leadership, deep procedural expertise, and commitment to advancing the specialty make him a cornerstone voice in shaping the future of EP both inside and outside the hospital.