Backtable Cardiology

BackTable Inc.

BackTable Cardiology is a podcast for clinical and interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and other healthcare professionals involved in cardiovascular care. This show brings together expert voices from across the field to explore the latest in cardiology—from evolving guidelines and innovative devices to real-world case discussions and multidisciplinary collaboration. BackTable Cardiology delivers practical insights and forward-thinking conversations to keep you connected and current in a rapidly changing specialty.

  1. Ep. 1 Large Bore Access: Tools, Techniques, and Tips with Dr. Jason Wollmuth

    16/09/2025

    Ep. 1 Large Bore Access: Tools, Techniques, and Tips with Dr. Jason Wollmuth

    What are the biggest challenges in large bore access and closure? In our inaugural episode of the BackTable Cardiology Podcast, Dr. Hady Lichaa hosts Dr. Jason Wollmuth, an interventional cardiologist renowned for his expertise in large bore access techniques. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Wollmuth shares his journey in interventional cardiology, detailing his early experiences managing complex PCI cases and CTOs. They delve into the specifics of large bore access, including preparation and imaging, access techniques, managing complications, and the use of single access for complex cases. The discussion also covers equipment preferences, handling vascular disease, mitigating limb ischemia, and alternative access strategies such as axillary and carotid approaches. Dr. Wollmuth highlights the importance of procedural practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continued learning from experienced colleagues. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction01:46 - Large-bore Access Adoption 08:00 - Micropuncture Technique for Initial Access11:30 - Challenges of Getting Antegrade Access17:20 - Practicing Emergent Scenarios in Non Emergent Settings 22:09 - Managing Calcified or Tortuous Arteries44:00 - Limb Ischemia Mitigation54:46 - The Sideclose Technique01:01:00 - Single Access Closure Method01:09:00 - Using Axillary Access Instead of Femoral --- RESOURCES Dr. Jason Wollmuth’s Provider Profile:https://www.providence.org/doctors/interventional-cardiology/or/portland/jason-wollmuth-1164498499 Dr. Hady Lichaa’s Provider Profile:https://healthcare.ascension.org/find-care/provider/1336267533/hady-lichaa The Sideclose Technique: A Novel Method for Achieving Hemostasis With an Indwelling Impella CP:https://www.jscai.org/article/S2772-9303(24)01363-2/pdf

    1h 21m
  2. Ep. 2 Cardiogenic Shock Management: Latest Strategies and Innovations with Dr. Amir Kaki

    16/09/2025

    Ep. 2 Cardiogenic Shock Management: Latest Strategies and Innovations with Dr. Amir Kaki

    In 2024, the DanGer Shock trial changed cardiogenic shock guidelines and affected practice patterns internationally. This episode of the BackTable Cardiology Podcast explores tips, tricks, and best practices in utilizing Impella, ECMO, and national initiatives to most effectively treat patients with cardiogenic shock. Host Dr. Sameh Sayfo interviews Dr. Amir Kaki, a noted interventional cardiologist and Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support and Complex PCI at Henry Ford St. John Hospital in Detroit. --- SYNPOSIS The discussion centers on the advances in mechanical circulatory support devices like Impella and ECMO, their history, usage criteria, and impact on patient outcomes. Dr. Kaki details the landmark Detroit Cardiogenic Shock Initiative, the challenges surrounding ECMO use, and the critical implementation of the recent DanGer-SHOCK Trial in clinical practice. After outlining the history of interventions for cardiogenic shock and the significance of recent trials within the field, he emphasizes the necessity for contemporary cardiologists to be skilled in endovascular techniques. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction02:12 - National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative06:23 - Shock 2 Trial07:48 - ECLS-SHOCK Trial and ECMO15:05 - DanGer Trial22:56 - Parameters for Impella RP vs Impella CP Use in Cardiogenic Shock29:39 - Impella Considerations: Placement, Limb Ischemia, Removal 37:56 - Modern Cardiogenic Shock: Overview and Resources40:16 - Conclusion --- RESOURCES The National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative:https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.123.031401 DanGer Shock Trial:https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Clinical-Trials/2024/04/05/04/44/danger-shock Large-Bore Access Site Managementhttps://assets.bmctoday.net/citoday/pdfs/cit0719_SF2_Kaki.pdf Short-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support for Cardiogenic Shockhttps://scai.org/publications/ebooks/short-term-mechanical-circulatory-support-cardiogenic-shock Intraaortic Balloon Support for Myocardial Infarction with Cardiogenic Shockhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1208410 Extracorporeal Life Support in Infarct-Related Cardiogenic Shockhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2307227 Dr. Amir Kaki, MDhttps://www.heartteam.com/provider/amir-kaki-mdhttps://scai.org/about-us/scai-staff-listing/amir-kaki-md-fscai Dr. Sameh Sayfohttps://www.bswhealth.com/physician/sameh-sayfo

    44 min
  3. Ep. 3 Navigating Coronary Tortuosity in Complex Interventions with Dr. Alex Truesdell

    16/09/2025

    Ep. 3 Navigating Coronary Tortuosity in Complex Interventions with Dr. Alex Truesdell

    How do you navigate tortuous coronary vasculature? In this episode of BackTable Cardiology, Dr. Hady Lichaa hosts Dr. Alexander Truesdell, an interventional cardiologist with extensive experience in overcoming complex cases of vessel tortuosity. --- SYNPOSIS Beginning with Dr. Truesdell’s background and expertise, the discussion delves into best practices for evaluating and navigating tortuous anatomy both diagnostically and interventionally, the use of various wires, guides, and support techniques, and how to effectively use imaging and atherectomy tools. They also touch on practical aspects of tackling coronary tortuosity, like procedural preparation, equipment choices, and the importance of continuous learning in an evolving area of medicine. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction02:07 - Approaching Cases of Extreme Tortuosity14:04 - Defining Tortuosity of the Coronary Vessels18:40 - Guide Size and Equipment Strategy in Complex PCI 35:04 - Distal Guide Extension Catheter Use and One Potential Risk 43:16 - Using Imaging Catheters 49:25 - Discussion of Avoiding Complications57:40 - Selecting Stents 01:04:00 - Guide Extension Use Through Pseudo Lesions to Decrease Ischemic Time01:11:00 - Parting Advice for New and Mid-Career Interventional Cardiologists --- RESOURCES Dr. Alexander Truesdell’s Provider Profile:https://www.virginiaheart.com/find-a-provider/physicians/alexander-g-truesdell Dr. Hady Lichaa’s Provider Profile:https://healthcare.ascension.org/find-care/provider/1336267533/hady-lichaa Transradial Peripheral Vascular Intervention: Challenges and Opportunities:https://www.openaccessjournals.com/articles/transradial-peripheral-vascular-intervention-challenges-and-opportunities.html

    1h 11m
  4. Ep. 4 Techniques for Effective Vessel Prep with Dr. Jay Mathews and Dr. Michael Siah

    16/09/2025

    Ep. 4 Techniques for Effective Vessel Prep with Dr. Jay Mathews and Dr. Michael Siah

    The toolbox for vessel preparation is rapidly expanding. Are you keeping up? In this episode, host Dr. Sabeen Dhand is joined by Dr. Jay Mathews, interventional cardiologist (Manatee Memorial Hospital) and Dr. Michael Siah, vascular surgeon (UT Southwestern), to explore the latest innovations and strategies in vessel prep. --- This podcast is supported by: Cagent Vascularhttps://cagentvascular.com/ --- SYNPOSIS The discussion opens with a look at new additions to their practice over the past few years, including bioresorbable scaffolds for below-the-knee interventions and retrievable stent technologies. Both experts emphasize the role of imaging—particularly CT angiography and IVUS—and discuss how renal disease impacts their use of contrast during diagnosis and intervention. They then walk through how they assess vessels on angiography or IVUS to decide when and where to use specialty tools. From intravascular lithotripsy for managing dense calcification to serration angioplasty, the conversation highlights how the doctors decide to use specialty balloons and devices. The episode also touches on the practical challenges of balancing device cost with treatment effectiveness. The physicians break down the latest specialty balloons and devices and touch on their own experiences with them. To close, the guests share what emerging technologies they’re most excited about and how these devices could change their day-to-day practice. Whether you’re in IR, cardiology, or vascular surgery, this episode offers a valuable roadmap to the current and future state of vessel preparation. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction04:07 - New Changes in Techniques14:57 - Vessel Characteristics on Angiogram18:10 - Approaches to Above-the-Knee vs. Below-the-Knee Disease23:48 - Latest Specialty Balloons46:14 - New Devices on the Horizon50:58 - Words of Advice and Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES POINT FORCE Registry: ​https://evtoday.com/news/cagent-initiates-point-force-registry-of-serranator-pta-catheter?c4src=news

    56 min
  5. Ep. 5 Calcium Modification in Coronary Artery Disease: IVL or Atherectomy? with Dr. Yader Sandoval

    16/09/2025

    Ep. 5 Calcium Modification in Coronary Artery Disease: IVL or Atherectomy? with Dr. Yader Sandoval

    Calcium belongs in the bones, not the blood vessels! But once it’s there, how can interventional cardiologists use their skills and tools to combat it? In this episode of the BackTable Cardiology Podcast, host Dr. Hady Lichaa interviews Dr. Yader Sandoval from the Minneapolis Heart Institute about handling coronary calcification. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Sandoval shares insights into the challenges of treating calcified coronary lesions, the importance of intravascular imaging, and his strategic approach to using technologies like intravascular lithotripsy, atherectomy, and specialty balloons. He emphasizes practical tips and tricks for interventional cardiologists to optimize procedure outcomes and tackle severe coronary calcification effectively. Their discussion overviews the latest innovations in the field, providing valuable advice for balancing advanced techniques with procedural efficiency. Dr. Sandoval also details the where, when, and how of approaching in-stent restenosis (ISR), including how to use imaging to optimize treating heavy calcifications around stents. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction01:57 - Overview of Coronary Calcification08:08 - Severe Calcification Cases: Equipment and Technique21:08 - Guide Wires, Microcatheters, and Guide Extensions for Calcified Lesions31:24 - IVUS vs OCT36:21 - Atherectomy vs IVL Considerations43:32 - Calcified Nodules 51:06 - Stents and In-Stent Restenosis Management56:42 - Conclusion --- RESOURCES Dr. Yader Sandovalhttps://mplsheart.org/yader-sandoval-md Abbott Northwestern Hospital Dr. Hady Lichaahttps://healthcare.ascension.org/find-care/provider/1336267533/hady-lichaa SCAI Expert Consensus Statement on Management of In-Stent Restenosis and Stent Thrombosishttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11308135/

    1h 1m
  6. 23/09/2025

    Ep. 6 Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices (pVADs) with Dr. Babar Basir

    It’s no shock that percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVADs) play an important role in improving cardiogenic shock outcomes (pun intended). In this episode of the BackTable Cardiology Podcast, host Dr. Sameh Sayfo interviews Dr. Babar Basir, a renowned interventional cardiologist from Michigan, about advancements and protocols in managing cardiogenic shock. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Babar Basir details the history and development of the cardiogenic shock program initiated at Henry Ford Hospital, its national expansion, and its impact on patient outcomes. The conversation touches on the role of advanced heart failure specialists, ongoing trials like the Door to Unload trial, and the importance of small bore mechanical circulatory support devices. Dr. Babar Basir also highlights the significance of team-based approaches and the necessity of multidisciplinary care in improving survival rates for patients suffering from cardiogenic shock. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction03:50 - Impella in Shock: From Last-Resort to Early Use 07:30 - National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative 14:30 - Heart Failure Readmissions 17:46 - Additional Indications for Use of Impella Device 24:10 - Future Devices and Technological Advancements in the Field27:03 - International Advancements in Shock Initiative Protocols30:28 - Using Impella CP vs Impella 5.5 38:20 - SCAI Shock Conference and Importance of Attending --- RESOURCES Dr. Sameh Sayfo:https://www.bswhealth.com/physician/sameh-sayfo Dr. Babar Basir:https://www.henryford.com/physician-directory/b/basir-mir National Cardiogenic Shock Initiativehttps://www.henryford.com/cardiogenicshock Unloading the Left Ventricle Before Reperfusion in Patients With Anterior ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (also known as “Door to Unload Trial”):https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30586728/ Upcoming SCAI Shock Conference September 18th-20th, 2025https://scai.org/education-and-events/events-schedule/2025-scai-shock-0

    41 min
  7. 30/09/2025

    Ep. 7 Bifurcation Interventions: Techniques and Strategies with Dr. Mirvat Alasnag

    Reporting from inside the cath lab: advanced PCI techniques, cutting-edge imaging, and the future of interventional cardiology! In this episode of the BackTable Cardiology Podcast, Dr. Sameh Sayfo hosts Dr. Mirvat Alasnag, the director of research at the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital in Saudi Arabia to discuss various coronary bifurcation intervention strategies, including TAP, DK Crush, and their indications.---SYNPOSISThe conversation delves into the use of drug-coated balloons (DCB), intracoronary imaging techniques like IVUS and OCT, and the importance of personalized patient care in high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Additionally, Dr. Alasnag addresses the challenges and innovations in supporting women in interventional cardiology and the value of mentorship and career shadowing programs for aspiring cardiologists.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction02:06 - Understanding Bifurcation Coronary Intervention04:00 - Strategies for Bifurcation Stenting09:55 - The Role of Drug-Coated Balloons13:08 - Importance of Intra-Coronary Imaging16:31 - Global Perspectives on Bifurcation Interventions27:57 - Advocacy for Women in Interventional Cardiology31:42 - Mentorship and Career Guidance---RESOURCESDr. Mirvat Alasnag:https://www.radcliffecardiology.com/authors/mirvat-alasnag?language_content_entity=enhttps://esc365.escardio.org/person/367232Dr. Sameh Sayfo:https://www.bswhealth.com/physician/sameh-sayfoKing Fahad Armed Forces Hospital:https://www.linkedin.com/company/king-fahad-armed-forces-hospital/?trk=public_profile_topcard_past_company&originalSubdomain=ieNew Innovations at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital (Jeddah)https://elixirmedical.com/king-fahad-armed-forces-hospital-begins-trial-of-new-bioadaptive-angioplasty-procedure-for-heart-disease-treatment/Fundamentals of percutaneous coronary bifurcation interventions:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8968454/Bifurcation stenting: current strategies and new deviceshttps://heart.bmj.com/content/95/6/495.short

    37 min

About

BackTable Cardiology is a podcast for clinical and interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and other healthcare professionals involved in cardiovascular care. This show brings together expert voices from across the field to explore the latest in cardiology—from evolving guidelines and innovative devices to real-world case discussions and multidisciplinary collaboration. BackTable Cardiology delivers practical insights and forward-thinking conversations to keep you connected and current in a rapidly changing specialty.

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