BackTable Vascular & Interventional

Dr. Ed Kim, Director of Interventional Oncology at Mount Sinai, shares his expertise on microwave ablation for treating hepatocellular carcinoma. He discusses the importance of personalized treatment plans and the role of technology in overcoming challenges with tumor locations. The conversation highlights advancements in imaging techniques and the need for real-time monitoring. Dr. Kim also emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative technologies, like augmented reality, in enhancing patient outcomes in interventional radiology.

Lynn Lazzaro, a liver cancer survivor, shares her inspiring journey through multiple interventional oncology procedures leading to her eventual transplant. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and the need for second opinions in cancer care. Lynn discusses the vital role of a multidisciplinary team in her treatment, highlighting how collaboration among healthcare providers improves patient outcomes. With a focus on resilience, she encourages patients to ask questions, seek mentorship, and actively engage in their healthcare journey.

How can interventional radiologists help patients with long COVID? Today we hear directly from Jillian Angeline, a long COVID survivor that benefited tremendously from minimally invasive interventional care. Jillian sits down with host Dr. Eric Keller, and shares how interventional radiologist Dr. Brooke Spencer helped get her life back by turning the tide against her long-haul COVID symptoms which had been ongoing for multiple years.---This podcast was developed in collaboration with:Interventional Initiativehttps://theii.org/---SYNPOSISJillian shares her challenging journey from being an extremely active individual to barely being able to walk, due to persistent inflammation following COVID-19 infection. After seeing numerous physicians across various states and experiencing dismissal and misdiagnosis, Jillian was finally referred to Dr. Spencer at the MIPS Center in Colorado where she underwent a series of venous interventions that significantly helped her. This episode aims to raise awareness about possible life-changing IR options for patients suffering from long COVID, the importance of patient advocacy, and underscores multidisciplinary collaboration amongst medical professionals.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction02:33 - Jillian’s Journey05:11 - Finding Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Brooke Spencer08:39 - Venous Interventions16:03 - Road to Healing32:21 - Advice for Long COVID Patients---RESOURCESDr. Brooke Spencer, MD, FSIR Practice:https://mipscenter.com/about-us/dr-e-brooke-spencer-md-fsir/The Interventional Initiative:https://theii.org/

Dr. AJ Gunn, an interventional radiologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, shares his extensive expertise in renal tumor management. He discusses the critical role of tumor size in predicting complications and recurrence. The conversation dives into effective ablation techniques, including cryoablation for larger tumors and microwave ablation for smaller lesions. Dr. Gunn also highlights the EMBARC study and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for better patient outcomes in interventional oncology.

Suzanne Martin, a Stage 4 colorectal cancer survivor, shares her inspiring journey after undergoing radioembolization with SIRT spheres. She discusses the importance of personal stories in understanding the impact of advanced cancer treatments compared to traditional therapies. Suzanne emphasizes the necessity of self-advocacy and collaborative communication between patients and doctors for the best outcomes. Her uplifting narrative highlights the transformative power of targeted treatments and the profound support from her medical team and family during her recovery.

Dr. Gary Siskin, an esteemed UFE practitioner and professor at Albany Med, shares his expertise on uterine fibroid embolization. He discusses the evolution of fibroid treatment and the importance of collaboration with gynecologists. The episode delves into procedural insights, such as embolic agent selection and accessing uterine arteries, emphasizing patient-specific considerations for treatment. Siskin also highlights pain management and post-operative care strategies, advocating for patient education to promote awareness of this minimally invasive option.

Dr. Mina Makary, a vascular and interventional radiologist and Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, dives into the lesser-known world of interventional radiology. He highlights a striking study revealing that many people don’t recognize IR specialists as physicians. The conversation covers innovative strategies to boost awareness, including engaging primary care providers and using social media. They also discuss how reconsidering the specialty's name might change public perception, ultimately aiming to empower patients with informed choices.

Dr. Jason Levy, a seasoned expert in musculoskeletal interventional oncology from Atlanta, dives into the complexities of ablating acetabular lesions. He emphasizes the biomechanical challenges posed by this pelvic region and advocates for using radiofrequency ablation paired with cement augmentation for enhanced stability. The conversation covers the advantages of cone beam CT for precision imaging and the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration with orthopedic oncologists. Dr. Levy also shares insights on avoiding complications and improving patient outcomes through innovative techniques.

Dr. Gina Landinez, an interventional radiologist at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, specializes in musculoskeletal tumor embolizations. She discusses how this innovative procedure can shrink tumors preoperatively and alleviate pain. Dr. Landinez highlights the importance of targeting hypervascular lesions and shares strategies for creating strong referral networks with orthopedic surgeons. Additionally, she addresses the challenges of managing post-embolization symptoms and emphasizes compassionate follow-up care to enhance patient outcomes.

Teri Yates, CEO of Accountable Physician Advisors and revenue cycle management expert, joins to share her insights on optimizing revenue for healthcare practices. She discusses the complexities of revenue cycle management, emphasizing the importance of understanding payer rules and the role of professional coders. Teri highlights actionable strategies for improving collections, navigating cybersecurity challenges, and adapting to upcoming reimbursement changes. Listeners can expect valuable tips for enhancing financial health in outpatient labs and surgery centers.