BackTable Vascular & Interventional

BackTable

The BackTable Podcast is a resource for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and other interventional and endovascular specialists to learn tips, techniques, and the ins and outs of the devices in their cabinets. Listen on BackTable.com or on the streaming platform of your choice. You can also visit www.BackTable.com to browse our open access, physician-catered knowledge center for all things vascular and interventional; now featuring practice tools, procedure walkthroughs, and expert guidance on more than 40 endovascular procedures.

  1. 1 day ago

    Ep. 655 Managing Large Liver Tumors: Strategies and Challenges with Dr. Beau Toskich, Dr. Chris Malone, and Dr. Tyler Sandow

    How is Y90 radioembolization rewriting the rules for managing large HCC tumors and creating new curative-intent therapeutic pathways where palliation was once deemed the only option? In this episode of the 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, interventional radiologists Dr. Chris Malone (WashU), Dr. Tyler Sandow (Ochsner Health), and Dr. Beau Toskich (Mayo Clinic Florida) join host Dr. Zach Berman for a case-based discussion on advanced dosimetric strategies and embolization approaches for large and complex HCC lesions. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:59 - Case 1: Ablative Dosing to Solitary Tumor04:38 - Post-Treatment Residual Arterial Enhancement07:35 - Case 2: Tumor with Multiple Feeding Arteries10:02 - Role of Combination with Immunotherapy13:01 - Case 3: Large Caudate Tumor16:03 - Approach to Extrahepatic Arterial Supply19:14 - Case 4: Tumor Adjacent to Viscera21:32 - Does Microsphere Count Matter?24:10 - Case 5: Radioembolization in HCC Downstaging28:18 - Dosing Paradigms for Large Tumors33:06 - Case 6: Pressure-Augmented Delivery35:16 - Case 7: Multifocal Disease and Satellite Lesions37:47 - Palliative Dosimetry vs. Radiation Lobectomy40:11 - Significance of Complete Pathonecrosis43:25 - Closing Remarks --- More about this episodeThe physicians discuss systematic approaches to patient selection, the nuances of MIRD single-compartment versus multi-compartment dosing, and the critical role of precise mapping and particle dynamics in optimizing treatment for heterogeneous tumors. The panel also examines how to navigate the risks and situational challenges of delivering high radiation doses to large central and multifocal tumors. They address practical concerns such as responding to post-treatment imaging changes, managing long-term risks like biliary strictures, and ensuring the safety of treating disease near mobile viscera. The specialists highlight the power of Y90 in successful downstaging, citing evidence of its superior potential to achieve complete pathological necrosis (CPN) at explant when compared with other modalities. Ultimately, they advocate for a bold, collaborative approach within the multidisciplinary tumor board, encouraging providers to employ combination therapies and advanced technologies to optimize patient outcomes and expand the boundaries of curable HCC. --- Resources Yttrium-90 Radioembolization for the Treatment of Solitary, Unresectable HCC: The LEGACY Studyhttps://doi.org/10.1002/hep.31819 A US Study to Evaluate Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) in Combination With Durvalumab and Bevacizumab Therapy in People With Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Amenable to TARE (EMERALD-Y90)https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06040099 TheraSphere With Durvalumab and Tremelimumab for HCC (ROWAN)https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05063565 Personalized versus standard dosimetry approach of selective internal radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (DOSISPHERE-01): a randomised, multicentre, open-label phase 2 trialhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(20)30290-9 Downstaging Outcomes for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results From the Multicenter Evaluation of Reduction in Tumor Size before Liver Transplantation (MERITS-LT) Consortiumhttps://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2021.07.033 --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

    45 min
  2. 5 days ago

    Ep. 654 Advances in PE Treatment Guidelines with Dr. Jay Giri and Dr. Trevor Cummings

    Will new PE guidelines redefine risk and therapy in pulmonary embolism (PE) care? In this episode of the BackTable podcast, host Dr. Michael Barraza is joined by interventional cardiologist Dr. Jay Giri and emergency physician Dr. Trevor Cummings to break down the latest changes in PE management. They discuss how multidisciplinary pulmonary embolism response teams (PERT) are implementing these guidelines at their institutions, the introduction of a more nuanced A-E risk stratification system, and the challenges of enrolling experienced centers into clinical trials as device innovation accelerates. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by Inari Medicalhttps://www.inarimedical.com/flowtriever-system --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 01:24 - Building a PERT Team04:59 - Trials Shaping PE Care 10:20 - Why New Guidelines Now 14:06 - New Risk Categories Explained 19:51 - Applying Guidelines Locally 23:34 - What Is C1 Risk 27:52 - New D Category Explained 30:33 - Evidence for Aggressive Therapy 33:31 - How PERT Teams Communicate 38:22 - Upcoming PE Trials Pipeline 43:42 - Program Growth and High Risk Trials 45:46 - Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The conversation highlights the growth of catheter-directed lysis and mechanical thrombectomy, the rationale and practical impact of the new Category D for incipient cardiopulmonary failure (including normotensive shock), and the incorporation of PESI, sPESI, and Hestia for risk assessment. Additional topics include decision-making for low-risk patients, lactate and biomarkers for identifying higher-risk cases, communication strategies within PERT teams, AI-enabled risk stratification, and a preview of upcoming trials (PEITHO, PRAGUE-26, PEERLESS-2, PE-TRACT, and PERSEVERE) that are set to further transform PE care. --- Resources Management of Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism, Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis, and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Associationhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21422387/ Surgical Management and Mechanical Circulatory Support in High-Risk Pulmonary Embolisms: Historical Context, Current Status, and Future Directions: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Associationhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36688837/ Interventional Therapies for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Current Status and Principles for the Development of Novel Evidence: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Associationhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31585051/ Ultrasound-Facilitated, Catheter-Directed Fibrinolysis for Acute Pulmonary Embolismhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41910345/ PEERLESS II: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Large-Bore Thrombectomy Versus Anticoagulation in Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolismhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39132600/ Rationale and design of the PE-TRACT trial: A multicenter randomized trial to evaluate catheter-directed therapy for the treatment of intermediate-risk pulmonary embolismhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39638275/ Reduced-Dose Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Intermediate–High-risk Pulmonary Embolism: Rationale and Design of the Pulmonary Embolism International THrOmbolysis (PEITHO)-3 trialhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34560806/ Design and rationale of the PERSEVERE study: a randomized controlled trial of large-bore mechanical thrombectomy versus the standard of care for high-risk pulmonary embolism https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41453591/ Design and rationale of PRAGUE-26: a multicentre, randomised trial of catheter-directed thrombolysis for intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolismhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40464677/ --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

    49 min
  3. 9 Jun

    Ep. 653 Radiation Lobectomy Techniques & Downstaging for HCC with Dr. Beau Toskich and Dr. Chris Malone

    How can targeted liver radiation unlock surgical or transplant options for tough hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases? In this episode of BackTable 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™ host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy is joined by interventional radiologists Dr. Beau Toskich and Dr. Chris Malone to explore how downstaging and radiation lobectomy with Y-90 are creating new surgical and transplant opportunities for patients with limited future liver remnants. They discuss Y-90’s role as a “test of time” for tumor biology, strategies to prevent post-hepatectomy liver failure, and the ongoing challenge of recurrence even after R0 resection in cirrhotic livers. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:31 - Rad Lobectomy Goals and Case Discussion06:09 - Selective vs Lobar Dosing07:51 - PVE Versus Y9009:35 - Downstaging to Transplant13:03 - Patient Selection Factors19:22 - Radseg vs. Lobar Strategy22:12 - Percent Liver Treated Debate26:38 - Particle Density and Catheter Bias28:04 - Downstaging Evidence MERIT LT36:20 - Operating After Y9041:25 - Hypertrophy Timing and Readiness43:03 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode The discussion features a case of massive right-lobe HCC in a non-cirrhotic patient, with stepwise Y-90 dosing and selective retreatment leading to complete response and marked liver hypertrophy. The doctors compare radiation lobectomy with portal vein embolization (PVE), explore dosimetry advances from studies like DOSISPHERE and MERITS-LT, and stress the importance of careful mapping and patient selection. Additional topics include the pros and cons of different downstaging methods, functional imaging to assess risk, the impact of lab values and portal hypertension, and the practicalities of timing surgery after Y-90. --- Resources Long-Term Overall Survival After Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Updated Analysis of DOSISPHERE-01 Trialhttps://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/early/2024/01/10/jnumed.123.266211 Downstaging hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplantation: A multicenter analysis of the "all-comers" protocol in the Multicenter Evaluation of Reduction in Tumor Size before Liver Transplantation (MERITS-LT) consortiumhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37532179/ --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

    45 min
  4. 5 Jun

    Ep. 652 Central Venous Recanalization: Techniques & Challenges with Dr. Gian Paolo Zamboni

    When hemodialysis-dependent patients exhaust all conventional venous access options, how do IRs navigate complex central occlusions to provide a lifeline? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Gian Paolo Zamboni of Clínica Alemana in Santiago, Chile joins guest host Dr. Neil Jain to discuss workup protocols and advanced technical algorithms for complex central venous recanalization cases. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by RADPAD® Radiation Protectionhttps://www.radpad.com/ --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction03:06 - IR Practice and Referrals in Santiago07:19 - Pre-Procedure Workup15:06 - Standard Recanalization Techniques20:14 - Dual-Access Sharp Recanalization24:43 - Needle Maneuvers and Alternatives29:32 - Predilation, IVUS, and Stent Sizing37:42 - Transhepatic Technique and Indications45:45 - Tract Closure, Anticoagulation, and Follow-up50:03 - Advice and Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The physicians review the critical role of pre-procedural planning, emphasizing the necessity of thorough workup with CT venography to accurately assess remaining vascular capital. Dr. Zamboni shares how his group addresses severe central venous occlusions, outlining a structured, stepwise approach that begins with standard maneuvers and progresses to sharp recanalization techniques before opting for dual-access approaches. He outlines critical safety measures, highlighting the importance of performing intraprocedural cardiac ultrasound, pre-dilating with caution, and keeping covered stents on the shelf to prevent fatal cardiac tamponade. For patients who lack viable conventional iliofemoral and IVC access, Dr. Zamboni shares an advanced jugular-to-transhepatic strategy, walking through the steps and nuances of creating a reliable working route, optimizing inflow, and managing post-procedure anticoagulation. Finally, Dr. Zamboni offers invaluable advice for IRs on mastering foundational techniques before tackling advanced cases and building strong, collaborative relationships with referring providers. --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

    56 min
  5. 2 Jun

    Ep. 651 Radioembolization Workflow: Insights & Best Practices with Dr. Nima Kokabi and Dr. Kirema Garcia-Reyes

    What does it really take to run a high-volume Y-90 program that is efficient, scalable, and patient-centered? In this episode of BackTable 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, host Dr. Zach Berman is joined by Drs. Nima Kokabi and Kirema Garcia-Reyes to break down the systems, workflows, and strategies that drive successful radioembolization centers. The conversation focuses on overcoming referral and insurance delays, implementing multidisciplinary clinics, and using tools like single-session Y-90 and routine post-treatment dosimetry to reduce treatment times and improve outcomes. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:46 - Multidisciplinary Model on Radioembolization08:39 - Referral Pathways and Embolization Preferences13:18 - Y-90 Follow Up and Imaging15:51 - Procedure Preparation and Involvement18:00 - Dosimetry Planning and Software ROI22:59 - Analyzing Outcomes and Quality Control26:47 - Various Ways to Expedite Treatments34:04 - Wrap Up and Credits --- More about this episode The doctors discuss the importance of robust internal systems for patient selection, integration of dosimetry planning, and standardized follow-up protocols.They share insights on procedural workflows, including best practices for dosimetry ownership and equipment setup, and highlight the growing role of post-Y-90 dosimetry as both a quality control measure and a billable service. The episode also explores the order-map-treat paradigm, the impact of multidisciplinary tumor boards and clinics, and how single-session strategies are reshaping HCC care by cutting delays, reducing costs, and enhancing the patient experience. --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

    36 min
  6. 29 May

    Ep. 650 IVC Filters: Indications, Techniques, & Best Practices with Dr. Daniel O'Neal

    Routine doesn’t mean risk-free. What should be considered before, during, and after inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, interventional radiologist Dr. Daniel O’Neal (Ohio State University) joins guest host Dr. Jessica Yoon to walk through the workup protocols, technical considerations, and multidisciplinary approaches required for placing and following up on IVC filters. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by RADPAD® Radiation Protectionhttps://www.radpad.com/ --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction02:10 - IVC Filter Basics07:37 - Workup and Contraindications12:18 - Pre-Procedural Imaging and Timing14:35 - Procedural Technique18:53 - Cavagram and Variant Anatomy23:18 - Filter Positioning and Deployment30:02 - IVC Filter Complications33:58 - Post-Placement Follow-Up39:14 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The physicians review the key indications for the procedure, highlighting evidence-based patient selection and emphasizing the need for interventional radiologists to critically assess the clinical workup rather than function merely as technicians. They discuss how a comprehensive pre-procedural workup relies on cross-sectional imaging to identify access obstacles and to plan for adequate filter placement in cases of variant anatomy. Dr. O’Neal also shares technical tips from the suite, including deployment mechanics, positioning considerations, and strategies for preventing common complications. The conversation concludes with the IR’s ongoing responsibility to ensure a robust, multidisciplinary follow-up system with referring specialties, outlining potential strategies to ensure these devices are safely retrieved in a timely manner when no longer indicated. --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

    43 min
  7. 26 May

    Ep. 649 Y90 Radioembolization Dosimetry: Techniques & Challenges with Dr. Nima Kokabi and Dr. Riad Salem

    Can the right dosimetry approach turn palliative Y90 into a curative therapy? In this episode of the BackTable 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, Interventional oncologists Dr. Riad Salem, Dr. Nima Kokabi, and Dr. Zach Berman examine modern Y90 dosimetry, from the decline of body-surface-area calculations to newer strategies that tailor treatment intensity to tumor burden, liver reserve, and clinical intent. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction03:16 - MIRD and Dosing Considerations06:20 - BSA Is Dead09:26 - Early Stage Segmentectomy13:04 - Sphere Density Questions18:12 - CPN as the Goal18:41 - BCLC B Multifocal Strategy22:56 - Radiation Lobectomy Explained25:49 - Surgery and Adhesions28:59 - Advanced PVT Patients30:22 - Dosisphere and Biomarkers34:29 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode The doctors discuss how to choose how much radiation treatment to give and why “activity” (what you order) is different from “dose” (what tissue receives). The episode goes on to compare one-area calculations with more nuanced methods that distinguish tumor from healthy tissue, and explains why advanced 3D planning is often simpler after treatment than before. The discussion also covers treatment goals for various clinical scenarios, such as when to aim for complete ablation versus palliation, managing radiation lobectomy, and tailoring therapy in cases with portal vein tumor thrombus. The episode concludes with insights on how imaging informs treatment intensity and how local and systemic therapies work together in the latest Y90 approaches. --- Resources Combination treatment with transarterial chemoembolization, radiotherapy, and hyperthermia (CERT) for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis: Final results of a prospective phase II trialhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5581058/ A global evaluation of advanced dosimetry in transarterial radioembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma with Yttrium-90: the TARGET studyhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35394152/ Y90 Radioembolization Significantly Prolongs Time to Progression Compared With Chemoembolization in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinomahttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27575820/ Long-Term Overall Survival After Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Updated Analysis of DOSISPHERE-01 Trialhttps://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/early/2024/01/10/jnumed.123.266211 --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

    36 min
  8. 22 May

    Ep. 648 Engaging Medical Students in Interventional Radiology with Dr. Aaron Rohr

    How do you build a pipeline for passionate, well-prepared interventional radiologists from day one of med school? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Aaron Rohr, interventional radiologist and associate professor at the University of Kansas, joins guest host Dr. Jessica Yoon to discuss how IR is accessed, taught, and experienced by medical students throughout their early education. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction02:49 - Finding IR: Then and Now06:54 - Challenges of Teaching IR in Core10:07 - How IR Thinks Through Problems14:40 - MAVIRIC Symposium20:09 - Engaging Teaching Models27:26 - Increasing Clinical Presence of IR30:17 - Leadership in Educational Initiatives35:57 - Reflections and Advice for Educators39:15 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The physicians explore ways in which the transition from traditional fellowship models to integrated IR training pathways has increased the specialty’s visibility for early learners while also pointing out obstacles that continue to hinder greater integration of IR into the core medical curriculum. They discuss how IR’s involvement in diverse systems and disease processes offers valuable opportunities for comprehensive clinical learning, but simultaneously makes the specialty challenging for students with structured rotations to engage within a longitudinal fashion. Dr. Rohr goes on to highlight the Mid-America Vascular and Interventional Radiology Initiative Collegium (MAVIRIC), a student-led, faculty-supervised program hosted by KUMC that aims to introduce medical students to clinical, technical, and industry-related aspects of IR. He reflects on the effectiveness of hands-on interaction with devices and physicians’ demonstration of passion for their practice in piquing student interest. While acknowledging the burden of labor beyond work hours that such initiatives often demand of doctors and students alike, the physicians express their optimism for the growth of IR’s presence both in the hospital ecosystem and in the medical curriculum. --- Resources MAVIRIChttps://www.maviric.org/ --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app

    43 min

Trailers

About

The BackTable Podcast is a resource for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and other interventional and endovascular specialists to learn tips, techniques, and the ins and outs of the devices in their cabinets. Listen on BackTable.com or on the streaming platform of your choice. You can also visit www.BackTable.com to browse our open access, physician-catered knowledge center for all things vascular and interventional; now featuring practice tools, procedure walkthroughs, and expert guidance on more than 40 endovascular procedures.

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