Blue Collar I.C.'s - The Real World of Interventional Cardiology

RealWorks Media
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Medicine

Blue Collar ICs is a roundtable podcast hosted by seasoned interventional cardiologists who work on the front lines of cardiovascular care. The show delivers honest, experience-driven conversations about real cases, complications, evolving technologies, and the decisions that matter when the stakes are high. From complex coronary and peripheral interventions to stroke prevention, structural heart, and cath-lab realities, the focus stays on practical medicine—not polished theory. Equal parts education, storytelling, and unfiltered debate, Blue Collar ICs pulls back the curtain on how interventional cardiology is practiced in the real world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. Jun 10

    Intracoronary Imaging: Reality or Religion?

    The Blue Collar ICs crew takes on one of the hottest debates in cardiology: should every PCI be guided by intracoronary imaging? From IVUS and OCT to AI-assisted decision making, the team discusses where imaging helps, where it doesn't, and whether operator experience still matters most. This episode opens with reflections from NCVH in New Orleans, where the team discusses the conference's impact, live case demonstrations, and the relationships that continue to shape interventional cardiology. Guest Dr. Aaron Gopal joins the conversation, sharing how training under Dr. Craig Walker and working alongside Dr. Brian Brown influenced his approach to patient care. The discussion then shifts into a deep dive on intracoronary imaging, specifically IVUS and OCT. The panel examines how different generations of operators were trained, how imaging has evolved over time, and whether routine use truly leads to better outcomes. The debate highlights the tension between evidence-based medicine, operator experience, and industry influence. The conversation expands into AI-assisted imaging, coronary physiology, pressure-wire assessment, and the future of PCI. The group explores whether modern technology is improving clinical decision-making or creating dependence that could weaken future physician training. As always, the discussion remains candid, practical, and grounded in real-world experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  2. May 16

    Medical Education - Then and Now

    In this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the conversation shifts from the cath lab to the journey that creates physicians in the first place. From handwritten medical school applications and 36-hour call shifts to Zoom interviews, gap years, and pass/fail boards, the crew compares what medical education looked like decades ago versus today. Joined by future physician Eva, family medicine resident Dr. Ann Marie Brown, and veteran cardiologists Dr. Bill Dixon and Dr. Brian Brown, the discussion explores how training, expectations, and physician culture have evolved across generations. The episode dives into: The reality of residency work hoursWhether today’s training is better or softerHow difficult it’s become to get into medical schoolThe rise of gap years and application pressureBurnout, sacrifice, and continuity of careWhy medicine is still ultimately about passion and purposeIt’s a candid, funny, and surprisingly personal conversation about the making of a doctor—and whether the system is preparing the next generation the right way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  3. Apr 24

    Is Impella Dead? The Truth After the Latest Trials

    In this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the crew tackles one of the biggest questions in interventional cardiology right now: Is Impella dead? Following the latest trial data presented at ACC, including DTU and BSIS-3, the discussion dives deep into what the results actually mean—and what they don’t. Featuring insights from Dr. Amir Kaki and longtime industry expert Jim Schubert, the conversation explores the gap between clinical trials and real-world practice. From bleeding complications and patient selection to high-risk PCI strategy and cardiogenic shock, this episode breaks down where Impella fits today—and where it’s headed next. The takeaway? The data may be mixed, but the story is far from over. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  4. Mar 27

    Inside Med Device Startups: Funding, FDA, and Near-Death Moments

    In this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the conversation goes beyond the cath lab and into the world of medical device innovation, startups, and what it really takes to bring an idea to life. Interventional radiologist Dr. Jeffrey Hull and startup veteran Rob Williamson join the show to break down the full journey—from identifying real clinical problems to navigating patents, funding, FDA approval, and reimbursement. The discussion dives into the realities most people never see: raising capital, surviving “near-death” moments, building the right team, and why most ideas never make it to market. Along the way, the group shares insider stories from companies like Shockwave Medical and explores what separates successful innovations from expensive failures. If you’ve ever had an idea in the cath lab—or wondered how breakthrough devices actually happen—this episode is a must-listen. #Cardiology #MedDevice #HealthcareInnovation #CathLab #BlueCollarICs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  5. Mar 4

    A Day in the Lab: Decisions You Can’t Learn From a Textbook

    In this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the crew is joined by Louise Caron, taking listeners inside a real day in the cath lab. The kind of day that doesn’t follow a script. What starts as a joking line during the conversation quickly turns into the theme of the episode: the unpredictable decisions interventional cardiologists face every day. From borderline lesions and complex anatomy to the judgment calls that can’t be taught in a textbook, the discussion dives into how experience, instinct, and teamwork shape what actually happens at the table. Bill Dixon, Brian Brown, Todd Flohr and Louise Caron share candid stories, clinical insights, and the kind of cath-lab conversations that normally happen after the case is over. It’s an honest look at the real-world decision-making that defines interventional cardiology—a true day in the lab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

  6. Feb 6

    Read the Room: How Industry and Physicians Actually Work Together

    In this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the conversation goes beyond devices and data to tackle one of the most misunderstood parts of interventional cardiology: the physician–industry relationship. Bill Dixon, Brian Brown, Todd Fuller, and Jordi Colada are joined by industry veterans Jessica McCormick and Reid Rucker for a candid discussion on what actually builds trust in the cath lab—and what gets reps quietly shut out. From emotional intelligence and timing to quotas, pressure, and reading the room, this episode breaks down the unwritten rules that define successful collaboration. The group dives into the differences between pharma and device culture, common mistakes on both sides of the table, and why adding value—not selling—earns long-term credibility. Honest stories, sharp humor, and real-world lessons make this a must-listen for physicians, reps, and anyone navigating high-stakes procedural medicine.  Blue Collar IC_s 2-4-26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min

  7. Jan 15

    Recruiting the Next Generation: The Future of Interventional Cardiology

    On this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the team takes an honest look at the growing challenge of recruiting and retaining interventional cardiologists. They break down why fellowship spots are going unfilled, how generational shifts in training and work-life balance are reshaping the field, and what practices must offer to attract top talent. The conversation also dives into call burden, volume, culture, radiation exposure, and orthopedic wear-and-tear—and how those realities influence career decisions. It’s a candid, real-world discussion about the future of the profession and what it takes to build sustainable IC teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Carotids, CREST-2, and the Blue-Collar Reality of Stroke Prevention

    On this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the crew welcomes interventional cardiologist Dr. Van Crisco for a deep, real-world discussion on carotid disease and the implications of the CREST-2 trial. The conversation breaks down how carotid stenting has evolved, where transfemoral carotid intervention fits today, and what operators need to know about patient selection, technique, and stroke risk. The doctors also dig into training gaps, credentialing challenges, and why experience matters more than algorithms when outcomes are on the line. Along the way, they share candid stories from the cath lab, debate new technology versus time-tested approaches, and reinforce the blue-collar mindset of doing what’s safest for the patient. It’s an honest, experience-driven look at stroke prevention from physicians who live it every day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min

  9. 11/20/2025

    Conferences, Calcium, and Controversies: What’s New in IC

    On this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the team breaks down their takeaways from two major conferences—TCT and VIVA—and what the newest technologies could mean for everyday interventional practice. The docs unpack emerging radiation-reduction tools like AeroShield, debate the safety and utility of high-pressure and cutting-balloon strategies, and discuss the evolving role of IVL, atherectomy, and drug-coated balloons. They also dive into the much-talked-about Storm-PE trial and why mechanical thrombectomy may finally have the data it needs to shift PE care nationwide. Along the way, they share candid opinions on bioresorbable scaffolds, clinical trial bottlenecks, and what innovations are truly worth the hype. It’s a fast-moving, highly technical episode full of real-world experience, skepticism, and excitement about where the field is heading next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min

  10. 11/20/2025

    Breaking the Blockage: The New Era of Pulmonary Embolism Treatment

    On this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the docs take a deep dive into the real-world evolution of pulmonary embolism intervention—from the early days of catheter-directed thrombolysis to today’s mechanical thrombectomy approaches. They walk through how treatment strategies have changed over the last decade, the devices that shaped the field, and why more operators nationwide need to adopt these lifesaving techniques. The team also shares dramatic on-table patient turnarounds, early complications they’ve learned from, and the importance of knowing when to escalate care. Along the way, they break down workflow, training gaps, and why community programs need to treat PE with the same urgency as heart attacks and strokes. It’s a technical, candid, and eye-opening look inside one of the fastest-growing areas in interventional cardiology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  11. 11/14/2025

    Inside the Room: Conferences, Live Cases, and Life-and-Death Moments

    On this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the team breaks down what really happens behind the scenes at cardiology conferences — from networking with peers and vendors to navigating the pressure of live cases and panel criticism. They share personal stories about career-defining conference moments, the thrill and terror of performing challenging procedures live on stage, and the evolving technologies shaping interventional cardiology today. The docs also dive into physician culture, engineering collaborations, and how new ideas make their way from brainstorming to bedside. In a powerful shift, the conversation turns to emotional resilience, handling patient loss, and the mental toll of life-and-death decision-making in the cath lab. They close with an inspiring look at the remarkable recovery of Florida State athlete Ethan Pritchard and the impact of multidisciplinary care. It’s a candid, wide-ranging episode that blends technical insight with humanity at its core. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

  12. 11/10/2025

    Meet the Docs!

    Meet the team behind Blue Collar IC's - Host Jordy Culotta introduces Todd Flohr, Bill Dixon, and Brian Brown to share what led them to pursue a career in interventional cardiology, and their current areas of practice. The team discusses intervention for patient foramen ovale (pfo), and talk about whats on the horizon in the medical device space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Blue Collar ICs is a roundtable podcast hosted by seasoned interventional cardiologists who work on the front lines of cardiovascular care. The show delivers honest, experience-driven conversations about real cases, complications, evolving technologies, and the decisions that matter when the stakes are high. From complex coronary and peripheral interventions to stroke prevention, structural heart, and cath-lab realities, the focus stays on practical medicine—not polished theory. Equal parts education, storytelling, and unfiltered debate, Blue Collar ICs pulls back the curtain on how interventional cardiology is practiced in the real world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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