Ep. 468 Advancements in Laser Atherectomy with Dr. On Topaz

It’s official — NeuWave is exiting the market. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Beck hosts a conversation with Dr. Josh Kuban, an interventional radiologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, to discuss the impact that NeuWave's microwave tumor ablation technology has had on the field of interventional oncology and the recent announcement of its discontinuation, scheduled for March 2026. --- This podcast is supported by: Medtronic Emprint --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Kuban reflects on NeuWave’s innovative beginnings in microwave ablation, which expanded to include four distinct systems and advanced ablation confirmation software. At its peak, the company held over 50% of the microwave ablation market and played a pivotal role in reshaping interventional radiology's view of the safety and effectiveness of this treatment approach. He also shares how NeuWave’s departure will affect his practice and outlines the steps he’s taking to prepare his team for the transition to alternative devices. The discussion broadens to the current landscape of microwave ablation, spotlighting emerging players in ablation confirmation software and robotic technologies. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction2:14 - Overview of Neuwave’s Rise7:01 - Decision to Discontinue 14:56 - Navigating the Switch Different Technologies 21:54 - Buyback Program24:33 - Forecasting New Developments --- RESOURCES BackTable IND Ep. 23- Approach the Problem with Vision: Part I of the Neuwave Story : https://www.backtable.com/shows/industry/podcasts/23/approach-the-problem-with-vision-part-i-of-the-neuwave-story BackTable IND Ep. 24- Trials and Tribulations: Part II of the Neuwave Story: https://www.backtable.com/shows/industry/podcasts/24/trials-tribulations-part-ii-of-the-neuwave-story BackTable IND Ep. 25- Next Level Stuff, the Exit: Part III of the Neuwave Story:https://www.backtable.com/shows/industry/podcasts/25/next-level-stuff-the-exit-part-iii-of-the-neuwave-story Johnson & Johnson Press Release Regarding Discontinuation of NeuWave:https://www.medline.com/media/assets/pdf/vendor-list/Disco_notice.pdfMedTronic Emprint Ablation: https://www.medtronic.com/covidien/en-gb/products/ablation-systems/emprint-ablation-system.html Varian MicroThermX Ablation: https://www.varian.com/products/interventional-oncology/microthermx Safety and Effectiveness of Microwave Ablation of Liver Tumors: Initial Real-World Results from the Multinational NeuWave Observational Liver Ablation (NOLA) Registry (Odisio, 2025):https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39848330/

30 Maj 31min

Making strides against melanoma: how can medical oncologists and interventional oncologists join forces to deliver smarter, patient-centered care? In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Tyler Sandow,hosts Dr. Sunandana Chandra, medical oncologist at Northwestern, and Dr. Riad Salem, interventional oncologist at Northwestern, to discuss the evolving management of advanced melanoma. --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Replimune. --- SYNPOSIS The doctors open the episode with an overview of melanoma and recent advances in its treatment, highlighting key trials such as DREAMseq and CheckMate 067. The discussion explores the shift from medical oncologist as solo primary providers to a dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to advanced cancer care—emphasizing cutting-edge treatments like immunotherapy and intratumoral oncolytic viruses. Dr. Salem shares practical insights on the procedural techniques of administering intratumoral oncolytics like Replimune, emphasizing the importance of thorough documentation and patient-centered care. The doctors also provide an overview of the ongoing IGNYTE-3 Trial, a Phase 3 study assessing the safety and efficacy of the oncolytic immunotherapy RP1 in combination with nivolumab for the treatment of advanced melanoma. The episode underscores the transformative potential of innovative melanoma treatments and the crucial role of integrated, team-based approaches in improving cancer patient outcomes. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction03:48 - The Evolution of Melanoma Treatment: From Chemotherapy to Immunotherapy14:05 - The Role of Oncolytic Viruses in Melanoma Treatment20:14 - Interventional Radiology’s Role in Cancer Treatment27:00 - Collaborative Approach to Cancer Care32:53 - Hyper Documentation and Communication Efficiency44:47 - Future of Intratumoral Oncolytics48:10 - Multidisciplinary Approach in Advanced Cancer Management51:46 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES DREAMseq Trial: Atkins MB, Lee SJ, Chmielowski B, et al. Combination Dabrafenib and Trametinib Versus Combination Nivolumab and Ipilimumab for Patients With Advanced BRAF-Mutant Melanoma: The DREAMseq Trial-ECOG-ACRIN EA6134. J Clin Oncol. 2023;41(2):186-197. doi:10.1200/JCO.22.01763 CheckMate 067 trial: Wolchok JD, Chiarion-Sileni V, Rutkowski P, et al. Final, 10-Year Outcomes with Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2025;392(1):11-22. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2407417

27 Maj 54min

23 Maj 1h 1min

Bringing Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) to the OBL setting means balancing cost efficiency, quality care, and a high procedure volume. What should you know and how can you get started? This week, host Dr. Ally Baheti explores outpatient PAE with Dr. Stephen “Andy” Vartanian, an independent interventional radiologist and medical director of PrecisionIR.---SYNPOSISThe doctors discuss Dr. Vartanian’s unique career path and extensive experience with prostate artery embolization (PAE). They discuss his approach to the procedure, best practices, and how he was able to set himself up for success in the transition to an OBL. Dr. Vartanian shares insights into patient workup, collaboration with urologists, and his perspective on the financial and operational challenges of managing an independent practice. The doctors then touch on other outpatient procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and genicular artery embolization (GAE) and the difficulties in patient acquisition for these treatments. This episode offers a unique look into factors to consider when optimizing your practice patterns for PAE in an OBL setting.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction05:38 - OBL Setting and PAE10:02 - Approach to PAE, Techniques, and Tools21:38 - Post-Procedure Care and Managing Patient Expectations25:32 - Advice to IRs Interested in PAE27:37 - Challenges and Strategies in Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)33:14 - Running an OBL: Insights and Experiences36:40 - Future Plans and Business Reflections---RESOURCESPrecisionIR: https://myprecisionir.com/

20 Maj 40min

How is reimbursement decided? Have an inside look from the committee itself as we unpack exactly how a new CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code is created, assessed, and ultimately valued for physician Medicare reimbursement. In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Sabeen Dhand is joined by radiation oncologist Dr. Amar Rewari and interventional radiologist Dr. Curtis Anderson, both of whom sit on the RVS Update Committee (RUC).---SYNPOSISThe conversation covers who participates in the RUC, the preparation it takes to propose a new CPT code, and what it’s like to collaborate with physicians from all specialties. They discuss the confidential yet crucial role of the RUC in determining physician work and practice expenses, advocacy efforts, and the impact of healthcare policies on reimbursement. The doctors stress the importance of physician engagement—especially through member surveys—and share how providers can get involved. The guests also touch on their personal journeys and motivations within the RUC and introduce Dr. Rewari’s podcast, ‘Value Health Voices’, which focuses on healthcare policy and economics.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction and Importance of Surveys01:18 - Understanding the RVS Update Committee (RUC)6:36 - How Does a New CPT Code Get Introduced?09:44 - Challenges and Dynamics within the RUC20:52 - Health Value Voices Podcast22:51 - Transparency in Healthcare Policy24:39 - Future of Healthcare Payments29:00 - Getting Involved in Healthcare Policy33:43- Final Thoughts and Call to Action---RESOURCESHealth Value Voices Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cxnf4Il3QK3cvFFKxwPWL?si=212d084a09034cf2

16 Maj 36min

Is minimally invasive ablation the future of metastatic cancer care? We now have the results of the COLLISION Trial, which investigates the non-inferiority of thermal ablation compared to surgical resection. How will these findings change treatment paradigms and practice patterns around metastatic colorectal cancer? In this week’s episode of BackTable, interventional radiologist Dr. Chris Beck discusses the impact and implications of the COLLISION Trial with principal investigator Dr. Martijn Meijerink from Amsterdam UMC.---SYNPOSISThe doctors explore the COLLISION Trial’s design, results, complication rates, and future directions. They also cover best practices for ablation techniques and the potential for interventional oncology to enter a “golden era.” Finally, Dr. Meijerink highlights the importance of standardizing intervention quality and being present in tumor boards to ensure optimal patient care.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction 03:21 - Understanding Metastatic Colorectal Cancer and IR’s Role05:18 - Introduction to the COLLISION Trial07:40 - Radiofrequency vs Microwave Ablation and Technological Advancements09:02 - Trial Design and Patient Eligibility16:20 - Ablation Techniques and Approaches22:05 - Trial Results and Analysis30:19 - Impact on Guidelines and Practice39:44 - Best Practices in Thermal Ablation43:27 - Future Directions in Interventional Oncology---RESOURCES“Surgery versus thermal ablation for small-size colorectal liver metastases (COLLISION): An international, multicenter, phase III randomized controlled trial.” (Meijerink, 2024)https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2024.42.17_suppl.LBA3501

13 Maj 47min

As graduating residents step into the IR job market, the big question remains: What truly makes a great first job? Dr. Subhash Gutti hosts guest Dr. Kavi Devulapalli (Image Guided Solutions of Missouri) and Dr. Christopher Zarour (Huron Valley Radiology in Ann Arbor) as they share early career advice and job search strategies.---This podcast is supported by:RADPAD® Radiation Protectionhttps://www.radpad.com/---SYNPOSISThe doctors begin by highlighting different practice models and emphasize the significance of knowing what type of IR you are - an imager, a surgeon, or dynamic blend of both. They share their personal experiences navigating their early careers and underscore the pivotal role of establishing a robust clinical practice and taking full ownership of the patient. They also explore strategies for practice growth, including availability and network referrals. The episode ends with valuable advice on navigating the early stages of one's career, drawn from personal experiences.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction01:16 - Early Career Advice and Job Search04:50 - Exploring the Job Market09:46 - What Makes a Good First Job?14:33 - Challenges in the First Job28:27 - Strategies for Building a Clinical Practice36:56 - Understanding the Business Side of Medicine48:49 - Final Advice for New Graduates

9 Maj 58min

To TIPS or not to TIPS? More than ever, younger patients are presenting with acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT) that requires intervention beyond anticoagulation alone. These patients need safe, effective options that offer long-term resolution and a good quality of life after treatment. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Benjamin May, Interventional Radiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, discusses the evolving treatment landscape for acute PVT.---SYNPOSISDr. May shares insights into the changing interventional approaches, highlights the utility of tools such as suction thrombectomy devices, and explains how his best practices have developed over time. He emphasizes the continued importance of anticoagulation therapy, explores the potential complications and outcomes of various interventions, and discusses how thrombus location and characteristics influence his clinical decisions. With real-world scenarios and a step-by-step walkthrough of his decision-making process, Dr. May offers a comprehensive look at modern strategies for managing acute portal vein thrombosis.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction 05:46 - Diagnosing Portal Vein Thrombosis10:52 - Management Options for Acute PVT and What is Safest?21:09 - Choosing an Intervention Approach26:19 - Tackling Large Bore Thrombectomy32:37 - Learnings and Tips for Successful Thrombectomy39:50 - Impact of Thrombus Location on Intervention Approach 45:01 - Post-Care and Follow-Up49:46 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement---RESOURCES“Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt and Thrombectomy (TIPS-Thrombectomy) for Symptomatic Acute Noncirrhotic Portal Vein Thrombosis” (Shalvoy, 2023)https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(23)00341-X/abstract

6 Maj 52min