BackTable Vascular & Interventional

The original hosts gather to celebrate a monumental milestone, sharing their personal anecdotes and the podcast's origins. They reflect on early technological challenges and the evolution of their content. Funny behind-the-scenes moments and favorite episodes bring nostalgia to the conversation. The team discusses the balance between frequency and quality in podcasting, as well as their collaborative approach to selecting guests. Excitement builds over the introduction of the new studio and future Creator Weekends, along with heartfelt gratitude for their community.

Lake Odom, a seasoned IR tech with over 14 years in interventional radiology, shares his insights on the critical role technologists play in patient safety. He discusses his unique career path and the rise of his consulting businesses, emphasizing the importance of passion in the profession. Odom highlights the transition from hospital to outpatient care, focusing on inventory management and workflow optimization. He also shares strategies to enhance workplace culture, accountability, and teamwork in high-pressure environments.

Dr. Michael Miller, an interventional radiologist and Associate Professor at Atrium Health, shares his expertise on Cone Beam CT. He discusses advanced techniques that enhance imaging for vascular malformations and emphasizes the importance of foundational training. Dr. Miller also provides insights into best practices for setting up interventional radiology suites and the critical role of collaboration with anesthesia teams. His experiences reveal how innovative imaging techniques can significantly improve procedural outcomes in complex cases.

Dr. John Matson, an Assistant Professor of Interventional Radiology at the University of Virginia, shares invaluable insights into varicocele embolization. He explores its role as the least invasive treatment option and highlights essential pre-procedure evaluations and imaging requirements. The discussion covers the importance of coil sizing, varied embolic materials, and managing complications during the procedure. Dr. Matson also emphasizes effective post-procedure care and follow-up, making this a must-listen for both junior and experienced interventional radiologists.

Kristen Richards, Vice President of Ambulatory Care at Cardiovascular Logistics, dives into the world of outpatient cardiovascular care. She emphasizes the importance of safety and quality metrics in Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs). Kristen discusses the operational advantages of ASCs over traditional hospitals, including enhanced patient experiences and satisfaction. She also explores the future of outpatient procedures, touching on patient selection, financial considerations, and the need for continuous data tracking to elevate care standards.

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.