Ep. 334 New Balloon Technologies for CLI with Dr. Peter Soukas

Why might simultaneous ablation and biopsy be the new standard for high-probability lung cancer cases where surgery isn’t an option? In the penultimate episode of the 2025 NSCLC Creator Weekend™ series, our multidisciplinary tumor board panel discusses the intricacies and decision-making processes surrounding biopsy and ablation procedures in thoracic oncology. --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson and Varian. --- SYNPOSIS Topics include the prioritization of treatment versus tissue acquisition, the nuances of bronchoscopic versus percutaneous biopsies, and the latest advancements in robotic and cryo-biopsy techniques. The experts also share their approaches to managing pneumothorax, the value of multidisciplinary collaboration, and case studies that highlight personalized patient care. Listeners gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of thoracic oncology procedures and the importance of patient-centered decision-making. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction04:12 - Cryobiopy vs. Non-Cryobiopsy08:43 - Biopsy and Ablation: Strategies and Considerations15:31 - Post-Therapy Imaging and Follow-Up25:18 - Treatment Options and Patient Decisions27:08 - Evaluating Ablation Techniques28:59 - Managing Lung Cancer Recurrence39:41 - Case Study: Young Male with Ground Glass Nodule43:15 - Concluding Thoughts

2 Tammi 39min

What considerations drive your decision between bland embolization, TACE, and radioembolization in managing neuroendocrine tumors? In this BackTable episode, Dr. Daniel DePietro, interventional radiologist at the University of Pennsylvania joins host Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy for an in-depth discussion on the interventional management of neuroendocrine tumors. --- SYNPOSIS The physicians start by discussing the intricacies of primary and metastatic neuroendocrine tumors, focusing on how treatment decisions are shaped by factors such as symptom burden, extent of disease requiring debulking, and symptom progression despite systemic therapy. Dr. DePietro shares insights from his clinical experience and emphasizes the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in optimizing patient outcomes. Dr. DePietro then shares his approach to using Y90 radioembolization in patients with biliary contraindications to TACE or bland embolization—such as those with prior Whipple surgery, sphincterotomy, or biliary stents—where the risk of hepatic abscess with ischemia-based therapies is higher. He also notes that patients who derive less than a year of benefit from prior TACE or bland embolization may be good candidates for radioembolization. The conversation also covers the role of thermal ablation in select patients with solitary lesions, and also touches on several key trials, including the ongoing CapTemY90 study. --- 00:00 - Introduction02:09 - Specialization in Neuroendocrine Tumors06:32 - Patient Selection and Treatment Criteria10:40 - Grading and Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors16:09 - Systemic Therapy Options22:22 - Rebiopsy and Its Importance28:01 - Technical Aspects of Local Regional Therapies39:14 - Radioembolization: When and How43:33 - Segmentectomy and Multimodal Approaches45:22 - CapTemY90 Trial and Promising Results49:52 - Hormone Release During Local Regional Therapies53:12 - Combining Radioembolization with PRT56:12 - Thermal Ablation in Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients58:06 - Follow-Up Imaging and Tumor Markers01:02:40 - Updates from Nanets Conference01:05:08 - Collaborating Across Specialties01:07:56 - Managing High Tumor Burden Patients01:13:59 - Treating Carcinoid Heart Disease01:19:37 - Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments --- RESOURCES NETTER-1 Trialhttps://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1607427 REMINET Trialhttps://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2016.34.15_suppl.TPS4148 CapTemY90 Trialhttps://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04339036#contacts-and-locations

30 Joulu 20251h 21min

The ultimate challenge of operating an OBL is staying profitable. In this episode of BackTable, we bring on healthcare administrator Laurie Bouzarelos and interventional radiologist Dr. Mary Costantino to talk through the intricacies of revenue cycle management as an IR managing an OBL. --- SYNPOSIS The conversation covers the full lifecycle of getting paid in an IR practice, from initial patient contact through final claim resolution. Key topics include credentialing, determining medical necessity, coordination of benefits, prior authorizations, and the importance of working with billing and practice management teams experienced in interventional radiology. The episode also examines how EHR and practice management platform selection impacts clinical workflows and reimbursement, and closes with a discussion on payment plans and how emerging technologies, including AI, may shape the future of revenue management in IR-led OBLs. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:08 - The Importance of Revenue Cycle Management09:29 - The No Surprises Act and Data Transparency12:03 - Professional Societies and Continuing Education17:50 - Credentialing and Taxonomy Codes40:28 - Impact of Insurance Credentialing on Patient Care42:08 - Revenue Cycle Management Walkthrough48:18 - Challenges with Medicare Advantage and Coordination of Benefits54:20 - Covered vs. Non-Covered Services59:03 - Medical Necessity and Insurance Policies01:01:04 - Prior Authorization and Payment Issues01:13:11 - Payment Plans and Compliance01:23:10 - Practice Management Software01:31:10 - AI in Healthcare and Compliance01:38:57 - Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES Medical Group Management Administration (MGMA)https://www.mgma.com/

26 Joulu 20251h 40min

OpenEvidence was founded in 2022. In just 3 short years, it has become a household name amongst aspiring and established healthcare providers. AI-based tools are now being used to augment workflows, improve productivity, streamline busy work, and assist with clinical decision making. Is AI coming for our jobs? Time will tell. But in the meantime, you can (and probably should) use it to enhance yours. In this episode of BackTable, computer scientist and interventional radiologist Dr. Emil Cohen joins Dr. Chris Beck to share how he’s integrated AI tools into his IR practice. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Cohen and Dr. Beck discuss both the advantages and key limitations of AI resources and tools like OpenEvidence and ChatGPT. They also explore application of AI in daily workflows, structured reports, procedural guidance, and predicting outcomes. Dr. Cohen dives into integrating AI to solve clinical problems and enhance existing technology, such as maskless subtraction angiography and rotational cone beam CT. Finally, Dr. Cohen speaks on the claim of AI replacing interventional radiology, informing those that are nervous about artificial intelligence. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction05:09 - Computer Science and Medicine09:37 - AI Fundamentals for IRs17:59 - Practical Applications of AI in IR28:14 - The Value and Risks of Patient Data31:22 - Developing Advanced Imaging Techniques34:16 - Maskless Subtraction Angiography40:29 - AI in Clinical Problem Solving45:55 - The Future of AI in IR49:51 - Getting Involved with AI and Volunteering53:01 - Final Thoughts and Resources --- RESOURCES No Mask Subtraction with AI:https://www.smartangio.com/bone_subtraction/

23 Joulu 202557min

Collaboration between interventional radiology and radiation oncology has enabled high-dose brachytherapy in central lung lesions that were previously untreatable. This episode of the 2025 NSCLC Creator Weekend™ series offers a deep dive into recent advancements in lung ablation and brachytherapy techniques for primary lung cancer. --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson and Varian. --- SYNPOSIS Key discussion points include ablation zone sizes, confirmation methods for effective treatment, and the integration of different modalities such as microwave and cryoablation. Our tumor board panel also explores the practical and logistic challenges of implementing high-dose brachytherapy, especially for central lesions, and its role in palliative care. Despite the intricate processes and potential complications like pneumothorax, these methods show promising local control rates and provide crucial options for non-operative candidates. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Lung Ablation07:01 - Microwave Ablation and Ground Glass Attenuation17:53 - Artificial Pneumothorax Techniques27:09 - Technical Aspects and Innovations32:35 - Bronchial Brachytherapy Techniques37:47 - Conclusion and Credits --- RESOURCES 2021 Central Lesion Studyhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8186067/

19 Joulu 202539min

How is genicular artery embolization reshaping our clinical approach to patients with chronic knee pain? Dr. Rachel Piechowiak and Dr. Faraz Khan, interventional radiologists at IR Centers join Dr. Don Garbett in a deep dive into the current state of Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Piechowiak and Dr. Khan provide a deep dive on the technical nuances of GAE, covering patient selection, access strategies, and key procedural techniques. The conversation also details complex case scenarios and how to tailor catheters and embolics to navigate challenging anatomy. The doctors then share their structured approach to post-procedure follow-up, underscoring the importance of setting realistic treatment expectations with patients. The episode closes with their perspective on the future of genicular artery embolization, emphasizing the need for robust long-term outcomes data to better define the role of GAE in chronic knee pain management. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction05:54 - Patient Workup for GAE10:42 - Setting Patient Expectations for GAE16:24 - Procedure Approaches and Techniques30:41 - Understanding Artery Targeting Strategies34:56 - Approaches to Microcatheter Selection38:18 - Choosing the Right Embolic Agents47:43 - Managing Complications and Follow-Ups51:23 - Challenges with Post-TKA Patients54:16 - Future Directions

16 Joulu 202557min

Why might the standard RECIST criteria fail to accurately track success after tumor ablation, and what should you look for instead? In the 4th installment of the 2025 NSCLC Creator Weekend™ series, hosts Drs. Scott Genshaft and Kavi Krishnasamy are joined by specialists from UCLA and USC to discuss and debate advanced treatment options for primary lung cancer. --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson and Varian. --- SYNPOSIS The panel, including interventional radiologists, pulmonologists, and a radiation oncologist, discusses the intricacies of photon versus proton therapies, the physics behind radiation treatment, and the evolving landscape of ablation technologies. The conversation covers the efficacy and limitations of different treatments, patient selection criteria, and the role of newer technologies like electroporation and robotic-assisted bronchoscopy in enhancing precision and outcomes. Additionally, the panel addresses the practical challenges of intraprocedural imaging, the importance of adequate margins, and the complexities of managing local recurrences and radiation-induced toxicities. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Tumor Ablation and Recurrence Rates12:53 - Advancements in Ablation Technologies23:31 - Bronchoscopic Approaches in Lung Cancer Treatment38:46 - Challenges in Radiation Dose and Delivery49:21 - Ablation and Radiation Margins01:07:19 - Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES Thierry de Baere Paper on Ablation Margins https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9815739/

12 Joulu 20251h 9min

Pseudoaneurysms are among the most common complications of vascular access. Here’s a refresher on how to treat them with thrombin injection featuring interventional radiologist Dr. Gabriel Werder from Radiology Associates of Florida. Alongside host Dr. Chris Beck, Dr. Werder outlines both the clinical and procedural approach to thrombin injection for pseudoaneurysms. --- SYNPOSIS This episode covers best practices for thrombin injection procedures, including preferred needle positioning techniques, sedation protocols, ultrasound evaluation, and follow-up care. The physicians discuss recent evidence supporting needle placement at the center of the sac from an inferior approach, and share specific cases that highlight the utility of balloon-assisted thrombin injections. Dr. Werder provides a detailed walkthrough of his technique, including contralateral femoral access, balloon oversizing, and preferences for a post-procedural run-off angiogram. The episode also touches on complex pseudoaneurysms with multiple sacs and learnings from several other unique cases. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction03:53 - Thrombin Injection Procedural Overview08:14 - Procedure Setup and Execution16:13 - Needle Positioning and Ultrasound Evaluation18:47 - Handling Complex Pseudoaneurysms19:20 - Balloon Occlusion Thrombin Injection19:59 - Case Studies and Practical Insights26:21 - Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up29:17 - Final Thoughts and Reflections --- RESOURCES Kim et al. “Optimal thrombin injection method for the treatment of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm” - https://www.jthjournal.org/article/S1538-7836(24)00048-5/fulltext

9 Joulu 202532min