BackTable Vascular & Interventional

This week, Dr. Asad Baig, an interventional radiologist from Columbia University, dives into the world of microwave liver ablation. He shares innovative techniques and the importance of personalizing treatment based on patient needs. Dr. Baig discusses how real-time visualization software enhances ablation accuracy and emphasizes the critical role of teamwork in tumor boards. The conversation also covers best practices for tackling challenging tumors, ensuring patient safety, and fostering effective communication with patients throughout their care.

Dr. Clifford Weiss, the Director of the Johns Hopkins Vascular Anomalies Center, shares his expertise on hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and pulmonary AVMs. He discusses the critical role of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary teams in effective patient care. The conversation highlights evolving guidelines for intervention, the intricacies of embolization techniques, and the importance of genetic testing. Dr. Weiss also sheds light on innovative treatments and ongoing challenges in managing HHT, showcasing the impact of specialized care on patient outcomes.

Dr. Ben White, a leading neuroradiologist from American Radiology Associates, lays out the shifting landscape of the radiology job market. He emphasizes the ongoing shortage of radiologists worsened by the pandemic and the rise of teleradiology. Discussions include the risks of commoditizing teleradiologists, decreased quality of reads, and staffing instabilities. Dr. White also tackles the complexities of private equity in healthcare, advocating for smaller practices and transparency to navigate these turbulent times.

Join Dr. Adam Burgoyne, a medical oncologist; Siddharth Padia, an interventional radiologist; and Gabriel Schnickel, a transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon, as they dissect complex hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases. They explore treatment options like surgical resection, thermal ablation, and systemic therapies while emphasizing a collaborative approach. The discussion highlights innovative treatment strategies, including immunotherapy and the evolving transplant criteria for patients with portal vein thrombosis. Tune in for a deep dive into the intricate world of HCC management!

Dr. Robert Martin, Director of Surgical Oncology at the University of Louisville, is a trailblazer in liver-directed therapies and minimally invasive procedures. He shares insights on the importance of collaboration among oncology specialties for optimal patient care. The conversation dives into the evolution of liver cancer treatments and emerging clinical trials, highlighting innovative techniques like microwave ablation and irreversible electroporation. Dr. Martin emphasizes the need for a growth mindset and lifelong learning among young professionals in the field.

Dr. Siddarth Padia, Dr. Tyler Sandow, Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy, and Dr. Kevin Burns share their journeys in interventional oncology, exploring how they transitioned from general radiology to specializing in liver cancer. They discuss innovative telehealth solutions and hybrid care models that enhance patient access and communication. The doctors emphasize the importance of clinic support and how integrating advanced technologies can drive procedural growth. Finally, they highlight the role of mentorship and relationship-building in overcoming challenges in establishing successful practices.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Altan Ahmed from Moffitt Cancer Center and Dr. Sid Padia from UCLA delve into the innovative HEPZATO treatment for liver metastases from uveal melanoma. They explore patient selection for clinical trials and the intricacies of the treatment procedure. The conversation highlights the importance of teamwork in optimizing workflow and drug dosing, as well as the need for ongoing research to address current gaps. They also discuss future applications for HEPZATO in treating other malignancies, promising new hope for patients.

Dr. Siddharth Padia, an interventional radiologist at UCLA, and Dr. John Seal, a transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon at Ochsner Clinic, dive deep into the complexities of hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. They discuss the delicate balance between surgical resection and liver transplantation, influenced by factors like liver health and patient condition. The conversation highlights advancements in living donor transplantation and crucial communication about treatment expectations, all while navigating challenges like organ availability and evolving surgical techniques.

Dr. Yuji Okuno, a pioneer in musculoskeletal embolization, discusses his groundbreaking techniques for treating chronic pain conditions like frozen shoulder and plantar fasciitis. He explains the development of innovative temporary embolic agents and how they improve patient outcomes. The conversation also highlights the importance of detecting hypervascularity through imaging. Dr. Okuno shares insights into differential recanalization and the exciting future of embolization techniques in musculoskeletal care on a global scale.

Dr. John Seal, a transplant and hepatobiliary surgeon at Ochsner Clinic, joins transplant hepatologists Dr. Heather Patton and Dr. Stephen Young to discuss the complexities of liver transplantation. They explore the multidimensional pre-transplant evaluation process, the significance of the MELD score, and manage challenges like portal vein thrombosis. Innovations in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are highlighted, emphasizing emotional support for patients. The conversation also touches on groundbreaking advancements in transplantation practices, reshaping future possibilities.