BackTable Vascular & Interventional

BackTable
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 2 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 646 Embolization Techniques for Pulmonary AVMs: Expert Insights with Dr. Nima Kokabi and Dr. Brian Funaki

    Pulmonary AVM may be rare, but missing them can lead to lifelong complications, especially in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). How do you choose the right device and strategy to ensure long-term success with embolization? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy is joined by Dr. Brian Funaki and Dr. Nima Kokabi to unpack the evolving treatment landscape for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM). Through imaging breakdown, review of challenging real-world cases, and a discussion on advanced treatment strategies, the conversation tackles a key debate in pulmonary embolization: are plugs replacing coils as the new standard? --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by Okamihttps://okamimedical.com/ --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:43 - Defining HHT and PAVM05:53 - Democratizing Interventions for HHT Patients08:83 - Recommendations to Embolize PAVM13:19 - Imaging Specificity and Procedural Preferences23:29 - Persistence Rates with Plugs and Coils25:59 - Lag in Utilization of Plugs29:18 - Comparison of LOBO to Alternative Vascular Plugs34:26 - Post Embolization Symptoms and Troubleshooting Methods39:04 - PAVM Cases and Treatments54:26 - Wrap Up and Credits --- More about this episode The discussion begins by defining HHT and PAVM, highlighting the risks associated with untreated PAVM and the critical need for genetic screening and multi-organ evaluation. Drs. Funaki and Kokabi review current treatment recommendations, surveillance imaging, and follow-up protocols, with special considerations for pediatric and high-risk patients. They explore practical tips for optimizing embolization performance, focusing on device selection and the evolving role of vascular plugs. By comparing different plug designs, such as wire count and pore size, and sharing lessons from challenging cases, including persistent lesions, tortuous anatomy, and pseudoaneurysm management, they provide advanced troubleshooting and decision-making strategies to achieve more durable, successful PAVM treatments. --- 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

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 645 GJ Tubes: Best Practices & Managing Complications with Dr. Kevin Wong

    Why are some GJ tubes more prone to failure, and what can you actually do about it? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Chris Beck hosts Dr. Kevin Wong, a pediatric interventional radiologist at the University of South Alabama, to discuss the complexities of gastrojejunostomy (GJ) tube management in hospital-based IR, especially in pediatric patients. The discussion offers clinically relevant guidance on troubleshooting, device selection, and multidisciplinary approaches to enhance GJ tube care and improve patient outcomes. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction05:40 - Etiologies of GJ Tube Dislodgement and Placement Considerations 12:17 - Spiral Upsizing Solutions14:30 - Parent Education Playbook19:34 - Indications for GJ Conversion21:55 - Criteria for GJ Removal24:12 - Preferred Low-Profile Tube Designs27:15 - Addressing Suboptimal Angles and Guidewire Selection31:26 - Strategies to Prevent Tube Occlusion33:34 - Wish List for Industry 36:12 - Balloon Assisted Placement Techniques37:58 - Wrap Up and Credits --- More about this episode The doctors explore why GJ tubes fail and how to manage common complications, such as balloon failures, vomiting-induced dislodgement, stoma enlargement, and recurrent malfunction due to poor gastrostomy angle or architecture, often seen with surgically placed G-tubes. Dr. Wong shares prevention strategies, including parent education on balloon-volume checks and refills, sending patients home with a backup G-tube, minimizing upsizing, and addressing traction and granulation tissue (including the use of silver nitrate). He also covers approaches to clog management such as warm water, Coke, aggressive flushing, and avoiding routing medications through the G port. The episode wraps up with a discussion on device preferences (AMT G-JET versus MIC-KEY), tips for wire and catheter exchanges, and the need for industry improvements in materials and lumen design. --- 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

    40 min

  3. 12 MAY

    Ep. 644 Optimizing Liver Transplant Pathways and Decision-Making with Dr. Neil Mehta and Dr. Ari Cohen

    A high-functioning HCC tumor board can turn complex transplant decisions into coordinated treatment plans that account for liver reserve, tumor biology, and evolving biomarkers. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, abdominal transplant surgeon Dr. Ari Cohen (Ochsner Health) and transplant hepatologist Dr. Neil Mehta (UCSF) join host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy to map out strategies for effective multidisciplinary treatment and transplantation planning in HCC. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Sirtex and Boston Scientific. --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction00:51 - Starting a Tumor Board06:39 - Building Referral Streams09:03 - Academic and Community Practice Integration14:31 - Treatment Selection Criteria20:38 - Modern HCC Biomarkers25:24 - Role of ctDNA and Biopsy29:37 - Bridging Therapy on Transplant Waitlist32:34 - Downstaging Strategy and Risks39:25 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The physicians discuss what it takes to build a robust tumor board, from fostering hospital buy-in to engaging leaders across specialties and utilizing virtual formats for consistent participation. The conversation explores clinical decision-making, emphasizing the integration of AFP-L3 and DCP biomarkers alongside AFP to better understand tumor biology and predict post-transplant recurrence. Dr. Mehta and Dr. Cohen also share their patient selection criteria, discussing how bilirubin, liver disease etiology, and INR influence decisions. While radiographic guidance remains central to HCC management, they highlight the growing potential of reliable ctDNA analysis and other biomarkers. The specialists conclude by emphasizing that an integrated, communicative tumor board is the most effective way to navigate the nuances of liver reserve and HCC biology to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. --- Resources Sustained AFP-L3 or DCP expression is associated with progression risk and inferior outcomes in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-025-01877-8 --- 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

    38 min

  4. 8 MAY

    Ep. 643 Early Ambulation Post-Arterial Closure: Best Practices with Dr. David Johnson

    Can arterial closure devices transform your OBL workflow and get patients moving sooner? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Mike Barraza sits down with Interventional Radiologist Dr. Dave Johnson to discuss the ins and outs of launching and running an office-based lab (OBL) in Florida. While covering startup logistics, staffing, regulatory requirements, and cost-saving strategies, the conversation centers on how the use of arterial closure devices can streamline workflow, speed post-procedure recovery, and enhance both efficiency and patient care in the OBL setting. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Terumohttps://www.terumo.com/ --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:31- Launching The OBL04:41- Logistics And Staffing07:14 - Standardizing Supplies11:57 - OBL vs. Hospital Cases15:30 - Patient Experience Benefits17:41 - Efficiency And Throughput20:49 - Closure Devices For Flow23:28 - Early Ambulation With AngioSeal26:14 - Anticoagulation Decisions28:31 - AngioSeal Access Technique30:20 - Avoiding Hostile CFA Access32:19 - Choosing SFA or Radial34:04 - Do You Need Groin Runs36:14 - Closure Device Fundamentals38:53 - Ultrasound Guided AngioSeal45:11 - Post Op Monitoring Checklist --- More about this episode Dr. Johnson explains that some procedures, such as Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), may still require a hospital setting due to insurance coverage, patient preference, or unique clinical needs. He compares patient experiences in OBLs versus hospitals, emphasizing the advantages of privacy, convenience, and personalized communication in the OBL environment. A major challenge discussed is managing post-procedure recovery and patient throughput with limited holding beds, where femoral arterial closure devices like Angio-Seal are essential for early ambulation and efficient turnover. The discussion highlights best practices for access site selection, ultrasound guidance, and post-closure assessment, providing actionable insights for IR physicians aiming to optimize office-based procedures. --- Resources Cost Comparison of Prostatic Artery Embolization Between In-Hospital and Outpatient-Based Lab Settingshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39310461/ Prostate Artery Embolization: Indication, Technique and Clinical Resultshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29975976/ Ultrasound-guided angio-seal deploymenthttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25735527/ --- 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

    55 min
  5. Ep. 641 Understanding BCLC Updates & Guidelines with Dr. Neil Mehta and Dr. Riad Salem

    5 MAY

    Ep. 641 Understanding BCLC Updates & Guidelines with Dr. Neil Mehta and Dr. Riad Salem

    With recent updates to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Classification (BCLC), how should multidisciplinary teams adapt their treatment strategies to accommodate the newest evidence? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast 2026 HCC Creator Weekend™, Dr. Neil Mehta of UCSF and Dr. Riad Salem of Northwestern Medicine join host Dr. Tyler Sandow to explore the complexities of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapies and the practical application of the latest global algorithms in balancing standardized therapeutic algorithms with individual patient factors. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction01:54 - HCC Case Discussion08:05 - Guest Introductions10:37 - BCLC Committee and 2025 Update15:54 - CUSE and Tumor Board Goals17:46 - Bridging vs Curative Y9022:37 - Patient Factors in Treatment Algorithms26:41 - Liver Function and Hyperbilirubinemia Trends30:25 - HCC Treatment Decision Ownership34:36 - Radiation Segmentectomy vs Surgical Resection37:35 - BCLC B Heterogeneity41:51 - Improving HCC Risk Stratification43:48 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks --- More about this episode The discussion begins with an inside look at the consensus process behind the 2025 BCLC updates, highlighting the official inclusion of Y90 radioembolization as a recognized therapeutic option. The experts introduce the "CUSE" (Complexity, Uncertainty, Subjectivity, and Emotion) framework to provide a structured approach to the subjective considerations that modulate purely data-based algorithms in multidisciplinary decision-making. Dr. Salem and Dr. Mehta speak on the nuances of surgical resection versus radiation segmentectomy in a case-based discussion, highlighting how factors such as portal hypertension, patient age, and etiology of cirrhosis should influence treatment pathways. Finally, they underscore the paradigm shift toward pursuing complete pathonecrosis (CPN) as a primary curative goal, regardless of bridging status, and reiterate that success in HCC care is driven by continuous communication and collaboration between physicians and patients. --- Resources BCLC 2026 Updatehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2025.10.020 ---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

    47 min

  6. 1 MAY

    Ep. 640 Hepatic Arteriography and C-Arm CT-Guided Liver Ablation with Dr. M.L.J. Smits

    When a liver tumor is hard to see, the limits of conventional image guidance can become the limits of treatment. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Netherlands interventional oncologist Dr. Maarten (M.L.J.) Smits shares a step-by-step walkthrough of the new hepatic arteriography and C-arm CT–guided ablation (HepACAGA) technique, punctuated with a real-world case series at the end. Find out how intra-arterial contrast, cone-beam CT, and 3D needle guidance can improve tumor conspicuity, targeting accuracy, and ablation margin assessment within a single angiography suite. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction02:55 - Netherlands Tech Access04:31 - Origin of HepACAGA07:14 - Why Use a Catheter?11:24 - Tools and Setup13:13 - Catheters and Devices17:06 - Contrast Protocol Basics22:51 - Targeting and Needle Guidance31:09 - Patient Selection35:56 - Extra Benefits and Multimodal39:58 - Workflow and Outcomes46:14 - Evidence and Early Studies51:41 - Rethinking Size Cutoffs57:54 - HCC Case Walkthrough01:02:27 - Hard-to-See Metastasis01:06:22 - Margin Driven Reablation01:11:04 - Bleeding and Embolization01:16:05 - Renal ACAGA Expansion01:23:31 - Adoption and Next Steps --- More about this episode Dr. Smits explains the origins of HepACAGA and why catheter-based contrast delivery can meaningfully change ablation planning, particularly for small lesions, poorly visualized tumors, and cases where ultrasound or conventional CT guidance may be insufficient. He walks through the practical setup, including catheter positioning, contrast dilution, timing protocols, needle navigation, apnea/end-expiration technique, and built-in fusion for immediate ablation verification. He also describes how the angio suite environment supports multimodal treatment, including intraprocedural embolization when bleeding occurs or when additional transarterial therapy is needed. The episode also examines early outcomes from Dr. Smits’ group, including a reported reduction in local recurrence from approximately 25% to 5%, with a modest increase in procedure time. Case examples include HCC, small colorectal liver metastases, margin-driven re-ablation, hemorrhage management, and extension of the ACAGA concept to renal tumors (RenACAGA). --- Resources Hepatic Arteriography and C-Arm CT-Guided Ablation (HepACAGA) to Improve Tumor Visualization, Navigation and Margin Confirmation in Percutaneous Liver Tumor Ablationhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37704863/ Renal Arteriography and C-arm CT-Guided Ablation (RenACAGA) for Thermal Ablation of Challenging Renal Tumorshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40295401/ --- 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

    1hr 27min

  7. 28 APR

    Ep. 638 Navigating Prostate Artery Embolization in the OBL Setting with Dr. Charles Nutting

    BackTable Vascular & Interventional

    39 min

  8. 24 APR

    Ep. 637 Navigating Healthcare & Surgery in Conflict Areas with Dr. Ahmad Hussain

    Vascular trauma care looks a lot different when the OR is improvised, supplies are limited, and limb salvage decisions cannot wait. On this episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Sabeen Dhand interviews vascular surgeon Dr. Ahmad Hussain, a Southern California private-practice “hired gun” who volunteered on a WHO/UN-coordinated humanitarian mission to Gaza after an orthopedic colleague requested vascular surgeons due to widespread limb loss. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:02 - Why Volunteer In Gaza?07:41 - Logistics and Crossing Into Gaza10:45 - Hospital as Refugee Camp13:34 - First Vascular Trauma Case18:24 - Mass Casualty Triage23:20 - Kids Guiding Doctors27:09 - Evacuation Uncertainty32:03 - Would You Go Back?37:55 - How to Volunteer39:30 - Show Wrap Up and Credits --- More about this episode Dr. Hussain describes entering through the Rafah border with suitcases of medical supplies, working in a hospital functioning as a refugee camp for tens of thousands, and treating shrapnel-related vascular trauma with limited imaging (mainly ultrasound and X-ray), scarce anesthesia, and minimal surgical resources, relying heavily on skilled local medical students and residents. He recounts mass-casualty triage, the emotional impact of caring for injured children, bonding with the children who assisted the volunteers, and the dangerous, militarized evacuation via Israel with U.S. embassy assistance. He says he wants to return, but notes tightened restrictions and dwindling aid, and he recommends other organizations, noting any specialty of medical professionals should consider volunteering. --- Resources Gift of Disability Alleviation (GODA)https://indushospital.ca/appeal/gift-of-disability-alleviation-goda/ --- 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

    42 min
See All (656)

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.

Information

You Might Also Like