More often than not, a surgical innovation is not the result of an overnight success, but rather the result of iterative improvements on a tool or technique that leads to better outcomes. In this episode of the BackTable MSK Podcast, we interview Dr. Jim Marino, a retired orthopedic surgeon and prolific medtech innovator. Dr. Marino gives us an inside look at his extensive career, detailing his role in orthopedic device innovation and the trials and tribulations that he faced along the way. --- SYNPOSIS Having trained in an era where joint arthroscopy was emerging, Dr. Marino had a vision to build devices for minimally invasive spine surgery that paralleled developments in peripheral joint surgery. Alongside venture capitalists, he founded the company NuVasive, and eventually Trinity Orthopedics. He discusses the COREX device, a percutaneous autologous bone harvester that rivals the use of biologics. COREX maintains the gold standard of using cancellous bone grafts and significantly decreases donor site pain. Applications for this device started with bone grafting for spinal fusion surgery, but are now expanding to foot and ankle procedures. Throughout this episode, Dr. Marino also shares valuable advice for aspiring physician innovators on maintaining a clinical practice during the entrepreneurship journey and balancing patient safety with innovative practices. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 14:34 - Reflections on Spine Innovation 25:03 - Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation 31:50 - Founding NuVasive: From Ideas to Reality 43:28 - Minimally Invasive Bone Grafting with COREX 1:00:06 - Future Applications of COREX 01:10:21 - Advice for Aspiring Physician Innovators --- RESOURCES NuVasive: https://www.nuvasive.com/ COREX Minimally Invasive Bone Harvester: https://trinityorthodevice.com/ YODA Project for rhBMP-2 safety and efficacy : https://yoda.yale.edu/about/data-holders/medtronicrhbmp-2/ Seattle Science Foundation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChIIig54yF9aQYvpWGe1DPg

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is quickly emerging as a treatment option for knee osteoarthritis when other therapies have failed. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Osman Ahmed discusses the origins of GAE and how he employs it in his practice. --- This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Guerbet. --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Ahmed, an interventional radiologist at the University of Chicago, shares details about the procedure, his journey in adopting it, and his thoughts on the current landscape of GAE. Topics include procedural techniques, patient selection, anatomical considerations, potential complications, and the importance of ongoing research in this field. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 04:43 - Knee Osteoarthritis and Current Treatments 07:54 - Building a GAE Practice 13:23 - Tools and Procedure: Step-by-Step 25:05 - Post-Procedure Care and Complications 30:26 - Future of GAE and Other Applications 34:03 - Conclusion and Contact Information --- RESOURCES BackTable INN Ep. 46- New Innovations in Treatment of PE: The Flow Medical Story with Founders Dr. Osman Ahmed and Dr. Jonathan Paul: https://www.backtable.com/shows/innovation/podcasts/46/new-innovations-in-treatment-of-pe-the-flow-medical-story BackTable VI Ep. 429- Tackling Upper GI Bleeds: Techniques and Tools with Dr. Osman Ahmed: https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/429/tackling-upper-gi-bleeds-techniques-tools BackTable VI Ep. 447- Exploring GAE: Clinical Insights & Outcomes with Dr. Mark Little: https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/447/exploring-gae-clinical-insights-outcomes GEST MSK Conference 2025 (Paris): https://www.gestmsk.com/ Okuno Y et al. Transcatheter arterial embolization as a treatment for medial knee pain in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (2014): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24993956/ Little MW et al. Genicular artEry embolizatioN in patiEnts with oSteoarthrItiS of the Knee (GENESIS 1) Using Permanent Microspheres: Interim Analysis (2021): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33474601/ Little MW et al. Genicular Artery Embolisation in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee (GENESIS 2): Protocol for a Double-Blind Randomised Sham-Controlled Trial (2023): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37337060/ Correa MP et al.GAUCHO - Trial Genicular Artery Embolization Using Imipenem/Cilastatin vs. Microsphere for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial (2022): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35304614/ Sapoval M et al. Genicular artery embolization for knee osteoarthritis: Results of the LipioJoint-1 trial (2024): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102013/

In this episode of The Back Table MSK Podcast, Dr. Alexa Levey discusses the importance of multidisciplinary treatment planning for sarcomas with Dr. Yvette Ho and Dr. Jessica Jones. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SYNPOSIS The conversation explores the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach and the challenges associated with managing both osseous and soft tissue sarcomas. Dr. Jones highlights recent advancements in precision medicine, including a novel drug, nirogacesta, for desmoid tumors. Dr. Ho addresses common misconceptions surrounding desmoid tumors, emphasizing their potential for significant tissue destruction, and shares insights from her experience in limb salvage surgery. Dr. Levey discusses the considerations involved in needle biopsy and presents case studies where cryoablation effectively reduced desmoid tumor sizes. The doctors also discuss strategies for managing nociceptive and mechanical pain, such as intrathecal pain pumps, radiation therapy, and kyphoplasty. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 03:51 - Challenges in Sarcoma Management 13:06 - Precision Medicine in Treatment Planning 16:44 - The Role of Biopsy 20:51 - The Importance of Specialized Oncology Care 25:13 - Collaboration Throughout Treatment Course 31:03 - Cryoablation and Case Studies 35:13 - New Drug Development for Desmoid Tumors 39:06 - Limb Salvage Considerations 41:13 - Metastasis, Recurrence, and Pain Management 49:57 - Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES OGSIVEO (Nirogacestat): https://www.ogsiveo.com/

Basivertebral nerve ablation is a potential solution for anterior column spine pain. Dr. Olivier Clerk-Lamalice outlines a typical ablation procedure and discusses alternative approaches for challenging target locations. The procedure generally uses a transpedicular approach with an 8-gauge introducer needle, visualized under fluoroscopy. The needle angle should ensure that the probe can later be placed in the center of the vertebral body. The basic technique is similar to that of vertebral augmentation, employing an aneural and avascular approach. A bipolar ablation probe is aimed 1-cm ventral to the posterior wall of the vertebral body to establish a safe ablation zone and avoid neural structures. The ablation is performed at 85°C for 15 minutes. It is important to ablate the nerve at the vertebral bodies both above and below the target level. For challenging targets, such as at L5, S1, high-riding pelvis, or in cases with prior transpedicular screw placement, the goal is to take the straightest path possible, which can require the transiliac approach.  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Standard Procedure Walkthrough  05:54 - Alternate Approaches for Challenging Targets CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE BackTable MSK Ep. 13- Basivertebral Nerve Ablation  https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/podcasts/22/genicular-nerve-ablation 

The basivertebral nerve has gained recognition over the past decade as a source of vertebrogenic pain. Dr. Olivier Clerk-Lamalice explains both the anatomy of the nerve and his treatment algorithm for basivertebral nerve ablation. The basivertebral nerve is intraosseous, non-myelinated, and located in the central portion of the vertebral body within the basivertebral canal. It does not regenerate after ablation. This nerve transmits afferent pain signals to the central spinal cord, and MRI is the primary diagnostic tool used for evaluation. During the physical exam, back pain originating from the anterior column is assessed through maneuvers such as sitting at a 15-degree angle, bending forward, and experiencing vibrations from car or plane travel. MRI findings are reviewed for Modic changes: Type 1, characterized by edematous endplates, is highly correlated with pain, while Type 2 shows early and later changes, with early changes generally being less painful. To confirm that a patient will benefit from basivertebral nerve ablation, an anesthetic discogram is performed to identify the specific disc level causing pain. Dr. Clerk-Lamalice performs the discogram for every patient, and improvements are tracked based on patient-reported pain scores. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Basivertebral Nerve Anatomy and Vertebrogenic Pain 04:15 - Modic Type 1 and 2 Definitions 05:51 - Utility of Anesthetic Discograms  CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE BackTable MSK Ep. 13- Basivertebral Nerve Ablation  https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/podcasts/22/genicular-nerve-ablation 

Dr. Aditya Bagrodia sits down with Elie Toubiana, founder and CEO of ScribeMD.ai, to discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical documentation. --- SYNPOSIS Their conversation covers the capabilities and benefits of using an AI-driven medical scribe that ensures HIPAA compliance, reduces physician burnout, and enhances patient interactions. Elie also shares his insights about the technology’s adaptability across various medical fields. Finally, Dr. Bagrodia and Elie discuss ethical considerations surrounding applications of AI in other aspects of healthcare, such as medical workup and diagnosis. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 06:00 - How ScribeMD AI Works 14:14 - Integration with EMR 20:31 - Legal Considerations with AI Technology 26:34 - Cost Implications of AI Scribes 38:46 - Future of AI in Medical Diagnosis 41:45 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- RESOURCES ScribeMD.ai https://www.scribemd.ai/

Dr. Jacob Fleming and Dr. Douglas Beall dive into the intricacies of sacroplasty, including considerations for selecting cement volume, efficacy of small versus large needles, and biomechanics of the pelvis. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SYNPOSIS The doctors review evidence from the SAKOS trial on pain relief and highlight the complexities of billing. They also emphasize proactive treatments for aging populations suffering from fractures and the need for more training and propagation of sacroplasty techniques. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed about new educational opportunities and advancements in sacroplasty through ongoing updates and courses. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 02:33 - Expanding Sacroplasty Training and Curriculum 04:50 - Walkthrough of Sacroplasty Technique 10:36 - Mechanical Stabilization and Cement Volume 21:41 - Choosing Hardware and Needle Size 27:37 - Industry-Sponsored Trials and Bias 32:47 - Navigating Billing and Reimbursement 38:05 - Closing Thoughts on Sacroplasty and Osteoporotic Fractures --- RESOURCES BackTable VI Ep. 51- Sacroplasty: Principles & New Data in the Treatment of Sacral Insufficiency Fractures: https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/podcasts/51/sacroplasty-i-principles-new-data-in-the-treatment-of-sacral-insufficiency-fractures Seattle Science Foundation Annual Image Guided Interventional Spine Procedures Course: https://ssf.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=5&EID=1149 Dr. Doug Beall’s Twitter: @dougbeall Vertebral Augmentation: The Comprehensive Guide to Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty, and Implant Augmentation: https://www.amazon.com/Vertebral-Augmentation-Comprehensive-Vertebroplasty-Kyphoplasty/dp/1684200156 An Interim Analysis of the First 102 Patients Treated in the Prospective Vertebral Augmentation Sacroplasty Fracture Registry (Beall, 2023): https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(23)00356-1/fulltext

In this episode of the BackTable MSK Podcast, Dr. Jacob Fleming and Dr. Douglas Beall discuss the challenges and advancements in treating sacral insufficiency fractures (SIF), the importance of real-world data in evaluating treatment efficacy, and the need to increase awareness of sacral fractures and sacroplasty. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SYNPOSIS Dr. Beall emphasizes the underrecognition and undertreatment of sacral insufficiency fractures, pointing out the high mortality and chronic pain rates associated with non-treatment. He urges providers to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient is describing symptoms of pain with position changes with standing, sitting, and laying, has pubic rami fractures, or reports a history of pelvic radiation. Even with imaging, the diagnosis can remain elusive, since it is not commonly recognized on x-ray and may not show obvious cortical disruption on CT or MRI. We also review the current literature on sacroplasty efficacy in lowering patient-reported pain scores and adverse events associated with treatment versus conservative management. Dr. Beall speaks about the importance of real-world data collection in the form of patient registries and the insight that these resulting studies have on applications of sacroplasty in specific patient populations. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 03:01 - Sacral Fractures and Sacroplasty 15:17 - Treatment Options for Sacral Fractures 17:34 - Consequences of Untreated Sacral Fractures 28:32 - Sacroplasty Registry and Current Research 38:08 - Imaging Modalities: CT vs. Fluoroscopy 40:49 - Complications of Sacroplasty: Extravasation 43:21 - Bone Quality and Fracture Healing 45:42 - Growing Awareness of Sacral Fractures and Treatment Options --- RESOURCES Spontaneous osteoporotic fracture of the sacrum. An unrecognized syndrome of the elderly (Lourie, 1982): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7097924/ Percutaneous cementoplasty for pelvic bone metastasis (Marcy, 2000): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11094996/ Safety and Efficacy of Sacroplasty for Sacral Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Chandra et al, 2019): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31587952/ Percutaneous sacroplasty for osteoporotic sacral insufficiency fractures: a prospective, multicenter, observational pilot study (Frey et al, 2008): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17981097/ Sacroplasty: A Ten-Year Analysis of Prospective Patients Treated with Percutaneous Sacroplasty: Literature Review and Technical Considerations (Frey et al, 2017): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29149151/ Vertebral Augmentation: The Comprehensive Guide to Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty, and Implant Augmentation (Beall, 2020): https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ebooks/book/10.1055/b000000226 An Interim Analysis of the First 102 Patients Treated in the Prospective Vertebral Augmentation Sacroplasty Fracture Registry (Beall et al, 2023): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37207812/ Clinical Effect of Balloon Kyphoplasty in Elderly Patients with Multiple Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture (Liu et al, 2019): ​https://journals.lww.com/njcp/fulltext/2019/22030/clinical_effect_of_balloon_kyphoplasty_in_elderly.1.aspx

Musculoskeletal radiologists can be highly involved in cryoablation for desmoid tumors. Interventional radiologist Dr. Jack Jennings from Washington University in St. Louis shares the finer points of his approach to this procedure.  Desmoid tumor cryoablation cases require varying numbers of cryoablation probes, dependant on tumor morphology. The usual number of probes ranges from 5 to 10. To mitigate the risk of rhabdomyolysis, which increases with more than 10 probes, Dr. Jennings typically divides the procedure into two sessions.  His patients are generally admitted for pain control, monitoring for rhabdomyolysis, and management of inflammatory responses, with steroids administered both intraoperatively and postoperatively. Imaging is conducted at 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure, with Initial imaging sometimes showing the tumor as larger due to the inflammatory reaction and ablation zone. It is important that a multidisciplinary sarcoma tumor board, consisting of medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and musculoskeletal radiologists, assesses each case. The first consideration is whether the tumor can be resected, based on its proximity to adjacent tissue. Following this, patients are evaluated for candidacy in clinical trials and potential ablation therapy. This multidisciplinary approach leads to better medicine and patient outcomes, as treatment decisions are rarely straightforward and should not be made by a single practitioner. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Planning for Cryoablation Probes 02:32 - Clinical Management after Cryoablation 04:45 - Follow Up Imaging 05:52 - Challenging Cases 08:41 - Multidisciplinary Desmoid Tumor Treatment CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE BackTable MSK Ep. 7- Desmoid Tumors: IR’s Role in Diagnosis and Management https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/podcasts/22/genicular-nerve-ablation

Desmoid tumors are a type of benign sarcoma that can be locally aggressive and extremely morbid. Dr. Jack Jennings from Washington University in St. Louis discusses his experience in treating this condition. Surgical resection is considered the gold standard for treatment; however, the aggressive nature of these tumors can make resection challenging. To address this, Dr. Jennings’ institution began offering ablation for non-surgical candidates, becoming a major referral center for these cancers. Cryoablation has become the preferred option. It is particularly effective for uncomplicated desmoid tumors that are likely to have clean surgical margins. Ideal tumors for cryoablation are those that do not involve nerves and are located extra-abdominally or in the extremities. Cryoablation allows for visualization of a low attenuation ice ball and the ability to sculpt the ablation zone based on the tumor geometry, with a goal of achieving a 10mm or greater margin around the tumor. Thermoprotective strategies are essential to protect nearby structures during cryoablation, such as nerves and bowel. Carbon dioxide gas can be used, along with hydrodissection and sometimes balloons. The bowel is particularly sensitive to ice, so careful planning is required to avoid complications. CT is typically used for intraprocedural imaging, with the addition of ultrasound to visualize  superficial targets or to avoid streak artifacts. Some facilities also employ MR guidance for this procedure. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Evolution of Treatment for Desmoid Tumors 02:52 - Planning for Ablation 05:38 - Thermoprotective Strategies 07:30 - Carbon Dioxide Use 09:05 - Imaging Modalities for Ablation CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE BackTable MSK Ep. 7- Desmoid Tumors: IR’s Role in Diagnosis and Management https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/podcasts/22/genicular-nerve-ablation 

In this episode, Dr. Aron Chary provides an in-depth look into endovascular and minimally invasive treatments for pain management, specifically focusing on cryoneurolysis. He shares his experience of implementing the technology for both benign and malignant conditions in an independent private practice setting. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Boston Scientific Visual ICE Cryoablation System https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/products/cryoablation/visual-ice.html --- SYNPOSIS The discussion covers various aspects, including collaboration with Boston Scientific for the VISUAL ICE cryoablation system, Dr. Chary’s personal journey from academics at Emory to private practice in Memphis, the effectiveness of cryoneurolysis in different areas such as genicular nerve and palliative care, and the operational dynamics between hospital and outpatient settings. The doctors delve into the procedural specifics, patient response, and outcomes with cryoneurolysis, including Dr. Chary’s efforts to navigate insurance and reimbursement challenges. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 07:04 - Evolution of Pain Intervention Techniques 11:08 - Building a Pain Intervention Service 16:16 - Versatility of Cryoablation in Pain Management 23:54 - Expectations and the Future of Pain Management Research 31:41 - Cryoneurolysis Insights and Patient Management 42:10 - Techniques in Celiac Cryoneurolysis 52:33 - Pain Management in the Outpatient Setting --- RESOURCES Percutaneous CT-Guided Cryoablation of the Celiac Plexus: A Retrospective Cohort Comparison with Ethanol: https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(20)30349-3/abstract BT VI Episode 199 - Advanced Minimally Invasive Pain Interventions with Dr. David Prologo: https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/199/advanced-minimally-invasive-pain-interventions BT VI Episode 433 - Kyphoplasty Evolution: Steering Toward Targeted Therapy with Dr. David Prologo: https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/433/kyphoplasty-evolution-steering-toward-targeted-therapy Boston Scientific, VISUAL ICE: https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/products/cryoablation/visual-ice.html

Decisions that prioritize patient welfare can often be challenging with our physician bias toward action. Interventional radiologists Dr. Eric Keller and Dr. Sean Tutton highlight the importance of education in discussions about end-of-life care and futility. Dr. Tutton shares a poignant story illustrating the necessity of team-based approaches to futile procedures. They also discuss ethical considerations of IR procedures, the significance of proper consent, and the true costs of ‘expensive hope.’  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Importance of Training in End-of-Life Conversations 02:15 - Case Study: Ruptured AAA in a High Risk Patient 05:26 - Ethical Dilemmas in Interventional Radiology CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE BackTable MSK Ep. 27: Palliative Care in IR with Dr. Sean Tutton: https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/podcasts/27/palliative-care-in-ir

In this episode, Dr. Blake Parsons talks through the role of spinal cord stimulation in treating vascular issues and diabetic neuropathy. He also discusses the growing presence of vascular specialists in clinics, the transition from procedural work to clinical involvement, and the significance of building a strong patient-doctor relationship. The doctors highlight the effectiveness of Nevro 10 kHz therapy in providing long-term pain relief and sensory improvements for patients struggling with painful diabetic neuropathy, even after conventional treatments fail. Additionally, they touch upon reimbursement updates, the rise of outpatient care, and the future of spinal cord stimulation - emphasizing its potential beyond just pain relief to include improvements in patients’ overall quality of life, reducing risks related to diabetic foot wounds, and incidental falls. The need for a multidisciplinary approach in treating vascular and neuropathic conditions is also discussed, along with the role of interventional radiologists in managing these complex cases. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Nevro HFX Spinal Cord Stimulator https://www.hfxforpdn.com --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 06:00 - Demystifying Spinal Cord Stimulation for Pain Management 17:11 - Optimizing Patient Care: Trials, Techniques, and Insurance 26:03 - Leveraging Telehealth and Support Teams for Patient Success 30:22 - Challenges and Solutions in Managing Peripheral Neuropathy 35:19 - Collaboration and Referral Dynamics in Vascular and Interventional Radiology 39:19 - Exploring the Future of Neuropathy Treatment and Quality of Life Improvements 43:46 - Addressing the Challenges of Permanent Implant Procedures 48:46 - Role of Technology and AI in Patient Management 56:31 - Concluding Thoughts on Neuropathy Treatment and Practice Dynamics --- RESOURCES Nevro 10 kHz Therapy: https://nevro.com/English/en/providers/HFX-Advanced-Therapies/default.aspx Effect of High-frequency (10-kHz) Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial (JAMA Neurology RCT 2021): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33818600/ Long-term efficacy of high-frequency (10 kHz) spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: 24-Month results of a randomized controlled trial (SENZA-PDN RCT 2023): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37536514/ Electrical spinal-cord stimulation for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (Lancet RCT 1996): https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(96)02467-1/abstract

In this episode of the BackTable MSK Podcast, Dr. Dana Dunleavy interviews Dr. David Prologo about his perspective on current advancements in MSK interventions, including steerable spine needles, thermocouples for radiofrequency ablation, and the growing importance of advocacy and longitudinal follow up for patients with chronic pain. Dr. Prologo is an interventional radiologist at Emory University. Dr. Prologo starts by describing the evolution of interventional radiology’s role in MSK interventions. He explains that establishing solid referral networks is crucial to building this service line, and he gives examples of how new interventionalists can highlight their skills to others. Then, he describes a new steerable needle that allows operators to safely enter the vertebral body with a transpedicular approach and subsequently navigate directly to the location of interest. This device is especially useful when lesions are located in tricky areas where the trajectory of a straight needle would have difficulty reaching. He also discusses different devices for bone tumor ablation and his preferred methods for targeting lesions that are located at varying locations in the spine. For lesions below T5, he uses fluoroscopy for better visualization of the axial plane. For lumbar lesions, he emphasizes the importance of correlating and cross-checking vertebral levels with pre-procedural MRI. Dr. Prologo also discusses lessons learned from his extensive experience in spine interventions, especially from prior complications. He explains how thermocouple monitoring can give real time feedback on internal temperature during radiofrequency ablation, the necessity of understanding the ablation zone, and the importance of longitudinal follow up. He cites specific cases of patients struggling with chronic pain and how he advocated for each case. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Merit Spine https://www.merit.com/merit-spine/ --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 02:09 - Dr. Prologo’s Career and Leadership Roles 09:52 - Interventional Radiology’s Role in MSK Interventions 13:37 - A Primer for Steerable Vertebral Needles 21:40 - Increasing Standardization and Accessibility of Bone Tumor Ablation 26:37 - Advanced Pain Management in Interventional Radiology’ Book 30:24 - Thermocouples in Radiofrequency Ablation 35:45 - Prior Complications and Importance of Longitudinal Care 44:24 - SIR EDGE 2024 52:31 - Accessing Targets for Basivertebral Nerve Ablation 1:01:17 - The Role of Advocacy in Patient Care --- RESOURCES Osseoflex Steerable Needle: https://www.merit.com/product/osseoflex-sn-steerable-needle/ STAR Tumor Ablation System: https://www.merit.com/product/star-tumor-ablation-system/ Osteocool OsteoCool Radiofrequency Ablation System: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/products/spinal-orthopaedic/tumor-management/osteocool-ablation-system-rf.html OptaBlate Bone Tumor Ablation System: https://providers.strykerivs.com/products/optablate ‘Advanced Pain Management in Interventional Radiology’ by J. David Prologo and Charles E. Ray Jr: https://shop.thieme.com/Advanced-Pain-Management-in-Interventional-Radiology/9781684201402 Ablation zones and weight-bearing bones: points of caution for the palliative interventionalist: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24745905/ SIR EDGE 2024: https://www.sirweb.org/learning-center/meetings/sir-edge/ ‘The Catching Point Transformation’ by J. David Prologo: https://www.catchingpoint.com/

On this episode of the BackTable MSK podcast, co-hosts Dr. Chris Beck and Dr. Aaron Fritts review the basics of bone lesion biopsy, including patient selection, imaging modalities, and procedural steps. They begin with summarizing indications for bone lesions, which are most common in the setting of metastatic disease. Patients usually get referred for biopsy when a bone lesion is caught on CT imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. The doctors emphasize that imaging multiple areas is needed to find the most easily accessible lesion, which is sometimes located within a solid organ, rather than within bone. While PET imaging can be useful for confirmation of sclerotic bone lesions, patients usually cannot receive PET scans without an established cancer diagnosis. Dr. Beck highlights the fact that lytic lesions with soft tissue components are technically easier to access than sclerotic lesions and result in higher yield. He occasionally uses a soft tissue biopsy needle for these lesions. For sclerotic lesions, he prefers the OnControl or Stryker bone biopsy coaxial systems. With the coaxial system, it can be hard to adjust the biopsy tract after you have already started drilling, but he recommends obtaining multiple cores at different angles of approach. He also advises listeners to choose the shortest needle possible, since this makes it easier to control and image the needle within the lesion.The doctors also discuss biopsy of tricky locations. Sternal lesions carry the risk of lung injury and pneumothorax, so when faced with these, Dr. Beck picks an oblique tract that has a longer trajectory. For lesions located in proximal extremities, he secures the limb to minimize movement. Next, disc biopsies are discussed. Patients usually present with discitis osteomyelitis from prior back surgery, IV drug use, or idiopathic causes. It is important to distinguish between infection of the disc space versus chronic degenerative disc disease, which can be identified by comparison with prior imaging and lab workup. For the lumbar spine disc biopsy, fluoroscopy is Dr. Beck’s preferred imaging modality, and he reviews imaging landmarks. Dr. Fritts usually biopsies both bone and disc. Finally, they discuss post-procedural complications to watch for, such as chest x-rays in checking for lung injury and neurological exams to assess for new deficits. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 03:12 - Referrals and Imaging Techniques for Bone Lesion Biopsy 07:09 - Procedural Steps of Bone Lesion Biopsy 12:32 - Choosing Biopsy Tools 23:22 - Approach to Tricky Biopsy Locations 28:19 - Workup and Indications for Disc Biopsy 32:08 - Fluoroscopy vs. CT for Disc Biopsy 40:15 - Handling Biopsy Samples 48:03 - Post-Procedure Care and Complications --- RESOURCES Arrow OnControl Powered Bone Biopsy System: https://irc.teleflex.com/oncontrolsystem/ Stryker Bone Biopsy Coaxial System: https://www.stryker.com/us/en/interventional-spine/products/bone-biopsy.html BD Trek Powered Bone Biopsy System: https://www.bd.com/en-us/products-and-solutions/products/product-families/bd-trek-powered-bone-biopsy-system Jamshidi Evolve Bone Marrow Needle: https://www.bd.com/en-us/products-and-solutions/products/product-families/jamshidi-evolve-bone-marrow-needle BD Illinois Sternal/Iliac Bone Marrow Aspiration Needles: https://www.bd.com/en-ca/products-and-solutions/products/product-families/illinois-sternal-iliac-bone-marrow-aspiration-needles BD Mission Disposable Core Biopsy Instrument: https://www.bd.com/en-us/products-and-solutions/products/product-families/mission-disposable-core-biopsy-instrument Disc Biopsy Visualization Website: https://www.pediatricir.com/disc-aspiration-for-discitis.html

In this episode of the Back Table MSK Podcast, guest host and interventional radiologist Dr. Dana Dunleavy speaks with Dr. Majid Khan about building an academic interventional spine program and the need for nonvascular spine intervention fellowships. Dr. Khan is neuroradiologist and Director of Non-Vascular Spine Intervention at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Khan discusses his experience in spine interventions, and he believes that it has evolved into a subspecialty that now requires its own fellowship. He proposes a curriculum that involves integration of clinical care and learning from physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain management, radiology specialists. Then, Dr. Khan describes how he built his current department Johns Hopkins. This process required advocating for clinic time, negotiating for split time between interventional and diagnostic work, reaching out to referring specialists, and following up with patients. Throughout the episode, Dr. Majid also shares his perspectives on defining success in clinical and academic medicine, various ablation modalities, and the potential of neuromodulation in oncology. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 02:35 - Dr. Khan’s Journey and Training 07:37 - The Need for Nonvascular Spine Intervention Fellowships 09:27 - Importance of Clinical Preparation 15:17 - Multidisciplinary Training 21:10 - The Process of Building a Spine Interventional Practice 27:42 - Defining Success in Academic Medicine 33:43 - Various Ablation Modalities 41:27 - Devices for Mechanical Augmentation 50:18 - Basivertebral Nerve Ablation for Chronic Back Pain 52:25 - The Potential of Neuromodulation in Oncology 55:43 - Establishing an Evidence Base for Spine Interventions --- The BackTable MSK Podcast is a resource for practicing Musculoskeletal Specialists, covering tools, techniques, and expert guidance on medical and interventional care for musculoskeletal conditions. Get notified when new episodes drop! Subscribe to the BackTable MSK Podcast on your go-to podcast platform, and follow us on your social media platform of choice for regular updates. ► https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/subscribe

In this BackTable MSK episode, Dr. Jacob Fleming speaks with Dr. Joshua Hirsch about the current state of spinal interventional radiology. Dr. Hirsch is an interventional neuroradiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Hirsch discusses the past and future of spinal interventional radiology. He describes his experience in automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy as well as chemonucleolysis with DiscoGel. He also mentions the previous use of chymopapain and the future use of biologics and weight bearing imaging in the spine. Overall, Dr. Hirsch emphasizes the importance of utilizing precise imaging, understanding different safety profiles of each treatment, and breaking down boundaries between specialties. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 03:05 - Discussion on Intradiscal Therapies 05:11 - The Evolution of Percutaneous Discal Treatments 10:39 - The Role of Chemonucleolysis and Lessons from Chymopapain 14:55 - Deciding on a Percutaneous Approach 18:00 - The Emergence of the Spine Interventionalist 21:29 - Utility of Weight Bearing Imaging 24:15 - ESNR Spine Interventional Neuroradiology Hands-On Course --- RESOURCES Efficacy of an ethyl alcohol gel in symptomatic disc herniation (DiscoGel): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30527290/ Responsible, Safe, and Effective Use of Biologics in the Management of Low Back Pain: American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) Guidelines: https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=NjEwMQ%3D%3D&journal=118 European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR) Spine Interventional Neuroradiology Hands On Course (April 18-20, 2024: https://www.esnr.org/event-details/6903

In this BackTable MSK episode, host Dr. Jacob Fleming interviews Dr. Alan Sag about techniques and advancements in bone cryoablation. Dr. Sag is an interventional radiologist at Duke University Medical Center. To start, Dr. Sag discusses his current practice and collaboration with orthopedic surgeons. He highlights IlluminOss, a new photodynamic bone stabilization system that uses similar concepts to endovascular balloons. Then, the doctors move onto discussing cryoablation, which was recently cleared by the FDA for use in pain palliation in bone metastases. Dr. Sag describes the procedural steps of cryoablation, pneumodissection with carbon dioxide, when to use polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation, the value of same session biopsy, and education for referrers and patients. Cryoneurolysis and intrathecal pain pumps are also discussed, as they can offer additional pain relief for patients and reduce opioid dependence. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 03:20 - Collaboration with Orthopedic Surgery 08:57 - FDA Clearance for Cryoablation 14:47 - Cement Augmentation after Cryoablation 19:22 - Approach to the Cryoablation Procedure 26:57 - The Value of Same Session Biopsy 29:11 - Coordinating Cross-Specialty Oncologic Care 33:30 - Side Effects of Cryoablation 38:03 - Cryoneurolysis for Pain Reduction 45:40 - Skin Safety During Cryoablation 50:58 - Preferred Imaging Modalities 57:28 - Neuromodulation with Intrathecal Pain Pumps --- RESOURCES Symposium on Clinical Interventional Oncology (CIO): https://www.hmpglobalevents.com/cio BackTable VI Ep. 221- Building a Musculoskeletal Oncology Service Line with Dr. Alan Sag: https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/221/building-a-musculoskeletal-interventional-oncology-service IlluminOss Photodynamic Bone Stabilization System: https://www.illuminoss.com/eu BackTable VI Ep. 401- The MOTION Study: Cryoablation for Painful Bony Metastases with Dr. Jack Jennings: https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/401/the-motion-study-cryoablation-for-painful-bone-metastases BackTable VI Ep. 284- Ortho/IR Collaboration in Private Practice with Dr. Tony Brown & Dr. Daniel Lerman: https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/284/ortho-ir-collaboration-in-private-practice BackTable MSK Ep. 25- Advanced Minimally Invasive Pain Interventions with Dr. David Prologo: https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/podcasts/25/advanced-minimally-invasive-pain-interventions Pneumodissection for Skin Protection in Image-Guided Cryoablation of Superficial Musculoskeletal Tumors: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499669/ BackTable MSK 40- Innovating Pain Management: The Role of Spinal Cord Stimulators in Outpatient Care with Dr. Doug Beall https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/podcasts/40/innovating-pain-management-the-role-of-spinal-cord-stimulators-in-outpatient-care

In this episode, Dr. Jacob Fleming hosts an on-site interview with Dr. Muneeb Ahmed, president of the Society of Interventional Oncology (SIO) at the annual conference. Dr. Ahmed also serves as the Chief of IR at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. They discuss the development of interventional oncology (IO) as a subspecialty of interventional radiology and how the SIO conference has rapidly grown in the past few years. Dr. Ahmed highlights the annual conference as a way to expose trainees to interventional oncology early in their careers. The doctors focus on the MSK masterclass and the upcoming first breast cryoablation masterclass. Dr. Ahmed emphasizes that master class topics are chosen based on what the IO community needs, and they aim to provide comprehensive training so doctors can implement the procedures and increase patient access. Additional discussion highlights include the advancement of robotics, the growth of IO across the globe, and exciting new research presented at SIO 2024. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 03:40 - The Growth and Development of SIO 07:20 - Breast Cryoablation Master Class 11:53 - Teaching Across Different Practice Settings 17:21 - Interventional Oncology Around the World 20:59 - New Research Presented at SIO 2024 22:59 - The Role of Robotics in Interventional Oncology 27:15 - Closing Remarks and Invitation to Join SIO --- RESOURCES Society of Interventional Oncology (SIO): https://www.sio-central.org/ European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR): https://www.esnr.org/ Society of Breast Imaging (SBI): https://www.sbi-online.org/

In this episode of the BackTable MSK Podcast, guest host Dr. Dana Dunleavy interviews Professor Erich Osterberg, a climate scientist and geologist. Osterberg is a Professor of Climate Science at Dartmouth College. His current work is centered around ways to reduce carbon emissions associated with the practice of medicine. Through his experience with advising local decision makers, he has seen a shift from top-down initiatives to bottom-up action in industries such as healthcare. He highlights the power of medical professionals in demanding sustainable initiatives and reducing emission. He also discusses how various industries such as the military, face environmental challenges, as well as discover new opportunities as climate change occurs. The growth of renewable energy has stimulated change and new investments from the financial and political sectors. Osterberg focuses on working directly with people who are the most vulnerable to climate change. He urges listeners to start initiatives, get carbon audits, and be part of the shift towards sustainability. --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 07:31 - Challenges and New Opportunities with Climate Change 12:49 - Healthcare’s Impact on the Environment 15:33 - Identifying Ways to Take Action

In this episode, guest host Dr. Dana Dunleavy and guest Dr. Douglas Beall delve into the transformative potential of neuromodulation in the treatment of chronic pain, particularly for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Dr. Beall is an interventional musculoskeletal radiologist practicing at Oklahoma Spine in Edmond, Oklahoma. Dr. Beall recounts his journey, from his beginnings in the military to his experiences with navigating institutional resistance to his clinical practice, and finally the process of moving to private practice. He discusses the positive impact of spinal cord stimulation on patients with PDN and reflects on its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving neurologic function. He underscores the crucial role of interventional radiologists in managing PDN, while also advocating for the integration of these specialists in pain management clinics. Dr. Beall argues that interventional radiologists possess unique skill sets adept for neuromodulation, which opens up new treatment possibilities in the process. He shares insights on the evolution of spinal cord stimulation technology, reimbursement considerations, and the importance of clinical trials in refining treatment approaches. The episode ends with an invitation for interested physicians to participate in professional forums and learn more about this burgeoning field. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Nevro HFX Spinal Cord Stimulator https://www.hfxforpdn.com --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 02:30 - Challenges and Triumphs of a Solo Practice 14:44 - Evolution of Neuromodulation in Practice 17:05 - Impact of Neuromodulation on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy 31:53 - Unique Mechanism of High Frequency Neuromodulation 46:02 - Role of Interventional Radiologists in Neuromodulation 54:11 - Future of Neuromodulation in Interventional Radiology --- RESOURCES Douglas Beall, MD Research Gate Profile: https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Douglas-P-Beall-39583252 Long-term efficacy of high-frequency (10 kHz) spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: 24-Month results of a randomized controlled trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37536514/ High-Frequency 10-kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Refractory Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: 12-Month Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9256824/ Neuromodulation Interventions for the Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: a Systematic Review: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11916-022-01035-9 High-frequency spinal cord stimulation at 10 kHz for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy: design of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (SENZA-PDN): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13063-019-4007-y

In this episode of the Back Table MSK podcast, co-hosts and interventional radiologists Dr. Aaron Fritts and Dr. Chris Beck have an in-depth discussion about bone marrow biopsies, including their preferred techniques and devices, potential complications, and management of patient expectations. To start, they cover the typical referral pathway for biopsies, the majority of which involve hematology/oncology indications. Preoperatively, managing patient expectations is important to communicate, especially regarding sedation and pain control. The IRs also walk through the biopsy steps, anatomy of the ilium, and confirmatory imaging with CT and fluoroscopy. They also share their experiences with different biopsy needles such as the OnControl, Jamshid, and Trek systems. There are advantages to using a system that comes with a powered drill, but these can also increase patient anxiety. Additionally, it is important to consider the bone density of the patient when selecting the tool. A manual system may offer sufficient force for demineralized or osteoporotic bone. The hosts also discuss potential unintended outcomes of the procedure, including dry taps and entry into joints or sacral foramina. Finally, they review post-procedural care and patient emergence from sedation. --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 Introduction 03:36 Indications for Biopsy 05:40 Patient Consent and Sedation 13:58 Procedural Steps and Confirmatory Imaging 27:04 Comparison of Different Biopsy Tools 36:11 Dealing with Complications 41:00 Post-Procedural Care --- RESOURCES BackTable VI Episode 381- Anesthesia vs. Moderate Sedation: A Spectrum of Care with Dr. Vishal Kumar: https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/381/anesthesia-vs-moderate-sedation-a-spectrum-of-care OnControl Powered Bone Biopsy System: https://oncontrolsystem.com/ Jamshidi Evolve Bone Marrow Needle: https://www.bd.com/en-us/products-and-solutions/products/product-families/jamshidi-evolve-bone-marrow-needle Trek Powered Bone Biopsy System: https://www.bd.com/en-us/products-and-solutions/products/product-families/bd-trek-powered-bone-biopsy-system

Building a top-tier musculoskeletal (MSK) interventional service line involves taking risks, continuously learning, and always being available for your patients, according to Dr. Igor Latich, an interventional radiologist at the Yale School of Medicine. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SYNPOSIS He discusses his passion for MSK interventions and his collaborative efforts with orthopedic surgeons, radiation oncologists, and industry partners to develop his comprehensive service line. Dr. Latich provides examples of exploring new procedures, such as cervical ablations. His key advice for navigating new territories includes closely studying the patient’s anatomy, reviewing the literature on prior procedures, and communicating with industry partners about the necessary tools. Finally, Dr. Latich underscores the importance of establishing a strong clinical practice and being consistently available to patients to build trust and goodwill. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 05:33 Carving a Niche in MSK Interventions 16:30 Learning from Global Perspectives 19:48 Collaborations and Overcoming Challenges 24:20 Importance of Building a Clinical Presence 34:30 Learning New Procedures 39:17 Industry Collaboration and Device Innovation 44:22 Maximizing Availability and Support 53:16 Prioritizing Clinical Acumen and Learning

In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Jacob Fleming and guest Dr. Jack Jennings discuss advancements in interventional oncology, specifically regarding cryoablation for bone metastases. Dr. Jennings is an interventional musculoskeletal radiologist at Washington University School of Medicine and President of the American Society of Spine Radiology. They discuss the results of the MOTION Study, the benefits of industry collaboration, and the future of robotic guidance systems in interventional procedures. They also explain techniques like hydrodissection and pneumodissection in detail. With constant advancements in technology such as guidance navigation systems to reduce pain from bone metastases, it is crucial for interventional radiologists to adapt to these changes. At the end of the episode the doctors give a shout out to the upcoming Society of Interventional Oncology (SIO) 2024 meeting and the enriching opportunities that it offers for interventional radiologists. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Boston Scientific Visual ICE Cryoablation System https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/products/cryoablation/visual-ice.html --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 02:25 - Overview of the MOTION Study 04:23 - Benefits and Challenges of Cryoablation 09:37 - Results of the MOTION Study 12:13 - Future of Interventional Oncology 19:38 - Role of Imaging Guidance in Cryoablation 23:07 - Future of Robotic Guidance Systems 31:40 - Importance of Industry Partnerships --- RESOURCES Society of Interventional Oncology Annual Meeting, Long Beach, CA January 25th-29th: https://www.sio-central.org/Events/Annual-Scientific-Meeting/Registration Interventional Oncology MOTION Multicenter Study: https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-EU/medical-specialties/interventional-radiology/interventional-oncology/latest-evidence/motion-study.html Percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of painful metastases involving bone: multicenter trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23065947/ Cryoablation Needles from Boston Scientific: https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/products/cryoablation/visual-ice/visual-ice-cryoablation-needles.htm

In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Jacob Fleming and Dr. Alexa Levey have an in-depth discussion about the current uses and potential future applications of cryoneurolysis in interventional radiology. Dr. Levey is an interventional radiologist at the Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, TX. The doctors discuss how cryoneurolysis differs from radiofrequency (RF) ablation, highlighting the increased precision and gentleness to surrounding tissues. Dr. Levey describes the specifics of stellate ganglion procedures and cryoneurolysis techniques. They delve into the importance of research and collaboration in advancing the field, as well as the necessity of being patient-centered. They also address the need for financial discussions in medicine and the prospect for cryoneurolysis as desmoid tumor treatments. Additionally, Dr. Levey shares her journey in building a career as a female in a male-dominated space and emphasizes the importance of physician availability to patients and colleagues. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Boston Scientific Visual ICE Cryoablation System https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/products/cryoablation/visual-ice.html --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction to RF Ablation and Cryoneurolysis 03:20 - Dr. Alexa Levey’s Journey and Inspiration 07:00 - Building a Pain Practice 14:03 - Advantages of Cryoneurolysis over RF 21:09 - Patient Selection and Planning for Cryoneurolysis 32:02 - Understanding Patient’s Condition and Treatment Options 36:21 - Role of Stellate Ganglion Procedures in PTSD and Anxiety Management 37:48 - Challenges and Impact of Long COVID 41:34 - The Future of Cryoneurolysis in Medical Practice 54:55 - Future of Cryo Treatment in Medical Practice --- RESOURCES Safety and Effectiveness of Stellate Ganglion Cryoablation in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2023.09.030 Treating phantom limb pain: cryoablation of the posterior tibial nerve: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35801126/ Stellate Ganglion Block for Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Research Landscape: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8664306/ The Efficacy of the Stellate Ganglion Block as a Treatment Modality for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Active Duty Combat Veterans: A Pilot Program Evaluation: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33242072/ Stellate Ganglion Block in the Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review of Historical and Recent Literature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27739175/ Stellate ganglion block reduces symptoms of Long COVID: A case series: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8653406/ Stellate Ganglion Block Relieves Long COVID-19 Symptoms in 86% of Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10498998/

In this BackTable MSK episode, host Dr. Jacob Fleming discusses the future of musculoskeletal radiology with Dr. Glade Roper of VIP Specialists in Visalia, California. Dr. Roper is an MSK radiologist who specializes in minimally invasive procedures. The doctors explore the potential of musculoskeletal interventional radiology in private practice, with emphasis on the role of device companies’ training, marketing, and the role of minimally invasive procedures in a patient’s treatment algorithm. They also cover procedural topics such as endoscopic disc procedures and peripheral nerve stimulation. Dr. Roper highlights both the advantages and challenges of starting an outpatient-based lab (OBL). Throughout the episode, Dr. Roper shares the story of how he decided to pursue MSK radiology and his perspective on balancing his medical practice with his family life. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/Tnhqyf --- SHOW NOTES 0:00 - Introduction to the Podcast 3:00 - Dr. Roper’s Career Path in MSK Radiology 9:10 - Practicing in the OBL and ASC Settings 18:19 - Clinic Presence and Collaboration with Advanced Practice Providers 22:18 - Practice Marketing and Referral Patterns 32:18 - New Developments in Endoscopic Spine and Neuromodulation Procedures 43:30 - Patient Access to Procedures 52:58 - The Future of MSK Radiology Training Pathways --- RESOURCES Dr. Glade Roper’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/darthglader BackTable VI Ep. 211- Extraspinal Augmentation and the Future of Vertebral Augmentation with Dr. Douglas Beall: https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/211/extraspinal-augmentation-the-future-of-vertebral-augmentation Disc-FX: https://www.elliquence.com/education/patients/disc-fx-overview/ ReActiv8 Neuromodulation: https://mainstaymedical.com/

In this episode, host Dr. Dana Dunleavy interviews NFL player Taylor Rapp and neurointerventional radiologist Dr. Wayne Olan about the role of the Q collar in safeguarding the brain from impact. --- SHOW NOTES Taylor Rapp, a native of Washington state, pursued his college education at the University of Washington, where he also played football. He was later drafted by the LA Rams and played for them for a few years. Recently, Taylor made a move to Buffalo, NY, and now plays safety for the Buffalo Bills. He recounts his brain injury and severe concussion in 2021 while he was playing for the LA Rams. Later on, he heard about the Q collar from his agent and subsequently incorporated it into his gear in the following season. Dr. Olan discusses the origin of the Q collar, which was initially developed in the military to protect and minimize brain movement. He highlights a study from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where the role of the Q collar was examined utilizing Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), a type of MRI technique that specifically examines the white matter tract. Within a cohort of 500 athletes, 77% of athletes who wore the Q collage showed no evidence of shear injury whereas 73% of athletes who did not wear the collar showed gray-white matter shearing injury. He further discusses the mechanism by which the Q collar protects the brain from injury. It stabilizes the brain and minimizes movement by decreasing venous return to the brain by 30%, which he compares to wearing a necktie. He makes an important distinction that the Q collar does not occlude venous return, therefore, does not have significant clinical adverse effects. They end the episode by advocating for the significance of educating younger athletes about the risks of contact sports and enhancing safety across all sports. --- RESOURCES Neck Collar with Mild Jugular Vein Compression Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28437225/

In this episode, host Dr. Jacob Fleming and Dr. Jason Cox interview musculoskeletal radiologist Dr. Jon Jacobson about the current uses and future role of musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SHOW NOTES To begin, Dr. Jacobson provides insight into his professional journey, from training at Henry Ford Hospital to his current practice at Lenox Hill in New York City. He reflects on the formative period of his career spent under the mentorship of Dr. Marnix Van Holsbeeck, who played a key role in his training over MSK ultrasound. Dr. Jacobson also discusses his specific areas of interest, in particular, microvascular imaging, especially in the context of assessing blood flow following the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. He underscores the need for further research and exploration on this topic. Next, Dr. Jacobson explores the significance of MSK ultrasound education across various specialties, emphasizing the mutual learning that takes place across different specialties. Dr. Jacobson has led an annual MSK ultrasound course in San Diego for nearly two decades. He believes that MSK ultrasound has the potential to be scaled up to a level comparable to MSK imaging with CT and MRI. He emphasizes the important role that a skilled technologist plays in this process. He advocates for investing in training efficient and experienced technologists. This includes designating a lead technologist with expertise who can train other newer technologists. Dr. Jacobson further addresses ultrasound-guided interventions such as joint, bursa, and tendon sheath injections. The conversation also delves into the different paradigms of interventional radiology, which can sometimes be viewed as the provision of a clinical service versus the performance of order-based procedures. Finally, Dr. Jacobson elaborates on his collaboration with a nonprofit organization called Imaging the World. Their primary mission centers around ultrasound in Uganda, with a particular emphasis on advancing shoulder ultrasound capabilities in remote and underserved areas, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Jacobson provides training to physical therapists and technologists in ultrasound procedures and ultrasound-guided injections. The next phase of these nonprofit’s efforts is directed towards underserved rural communities in North America. --- RESOURCES Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Education https://www.jacobsonmskus.com/

In this episode, host Dr. Jacob Fleming interviews Dr. Dana Dunleavy about spinal tumor ablation and vertebral augmentation. Dana is an interventional radiologist and Director of Windsong Interventional & Vascular Services. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SHOW NOTES Dana begins the discussion by reflecting on his upbringing in a small country town. His parents, his mother a midwife and his father a contractor, shaped his early experiences. His exposure to medicine began through his mother, particularly in witnessing childbirths. As he navigated his way through medical school, he contemplated various specialties, including orthopedic surgery, interventional radiology, and neurosurgery. He discovered incredible mentors in radiology and ultimately found his place in the field of interventional radiology. During his residency at Johns Hopkins, he sought externships in interventional spine and had the opportunity to immerse himself in this field for one month. He underscores the significance of participating in tumor boards and being a valuable contributor to the team in terms of diagnosis and treatment. He also emphasizes the value of calling consults when performing biopsies and the importance of meeting with the patient face-to-face and engaging in a thorough discussion of the treatment plan. Next, Dana delves deeper into the topics of bone tumor ablation and mechanical augmentation. He notes the importance of having a comprehensive understanding of the patient's anatomy and being well-versed in interventional tools. Cement extravasation is a feared complication of vertebral augmentation, so Dana discusses the role of implants as a means to establish structural support and mitigate the risk of cement leakage. In addition, he talks about his approach in combining ablation with mechanical augmentation so that the augmentation provides a structure after the ablation. Lastly, he discusses the use of advanced technology such as cone beam CT in trajectory planning. He shares his hybrid approach to performing bone biopsies, utilizing fluoroscopy during access and cone beam CT to ascertain accurate trajectory.

In this episode, Dr. Jacob Fleming interviews Dr. William Morrison, the medical director of Trace Orthopedics. Trace Orthopedics is developing a minimally invasive implantable device for tendon repairs. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Stryker Interventional Spine https://www.strykerivs.com --- SHOW NOTES William's passion for radiology traces back to his early love for art. In the initial stages of his career, he conceived the idea of a curved, steerable needle to navigate this L5-S1 space for discographies. After bringing the needle to market, its adoption was hampered by cost factors and the challenge clinicians faced in transitioning from traditional straight needles to the new design. Despite the initial challenges and disappointment with the needle's limited uptake, the product found a valuable application in celiac plexus blocks for pancreatic cancer and has shown to reduce surgical risks and complications compared to the traditional approach. After taking several years off from his innovation journey, William’s personal experience with a partial rotator cuff tear drove him back into action. At that time, the available treatment options were strictly rehabilitation-focused, severely limiting his activity. He crafted a device in his garage using materials from Home Depot to percutaneously anchor tendons. Taking his prototype to Jefferson, where the idea gained endorsement, he proceeded to obtain a patent and established the Trace Orthopedics company. The implanted device has the ability to withstand greater force compared to commonly used suture anchors and is a minimally invasive procedure that is both efficient and single-step. William's invention has garnered interest from various medical specialties. With FDA approval in sight, the device is expected to hit the market within the next year. During their last remarks, William addresses the persistent challenge of public awareness regarding the full scope of minimally invasive interventional practices within radiology when discussing potential investments. According to William, radiology currently stands at a critical juncture where the significance of imaging and research in driving product development has never been more crucial. --- RESOURCES Trace Orthopedics: https://www.traceorthopedics.com/

In this episode, host Dr. Jason Cox interviews Dr. Marnix van Holsbeeck, who is considered to be one of the godfathers of musculoskeletal ultrasound. --- SHOW NOTES Dr. Holsbeeck begins by reflecting on his early life in Belgium. Raised in a family of medical professionals, he started his career as a general practitioner at the age of 24, all while pursuing a comprehensive radiology training. His introduction to musculoskeletal ultrasound occurred during his tenure at his father's practice, where he discovered not only his affinity for radiology but also his deep passion for patient interaction. He soon realized that conducting ultrasound was the perfect intersection of both of his passions for radiology and patient care. He then provides a history of the origins of musculoskeletal ultrasound, dating back to its inception in 1979-1980. He shares his experiences from his time in gastroenterology, where ultrasound was beginning to be utilized for diagnosing gallbladder stones. It was during this time that he became captivated by the ability to correlate a patient's medical history with the findings of the ultrasound. Dr. Holsbeeck also elaborates on his journey on musculoskeletal ultrasound, recounting the numerous single-contrast arthrograms he conducted in conjunction with ultrasound during his training. As a practicing general practitioner, he recollects performing therapeutic joint injections and he recognized the need for image-guided procedures, specifically ultrasound-guided therapeutic joint injections. This approach offered superior precision and visualization of the joint space, further enhancing patient care. He also shares the development of the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound program at Henry Ford in Detroit, Michigan, upon his arrival in 1989. He initially began using ultrasound in the Emergency Department with regards to abscess aspiration and drainage. This approach was subsequently integrated into the field of orthopedics. Dr. Holsbeeck highlights the pivotal role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of tendon tears, underscoring its capacity to promptly assess whether surgical intervention is warranted for the patient. --- RESOURCES Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Society: https://www.musoc.com/

In this episode, guest host Dr. Jacob Fleming interviews Dr. Dan Nguyen about MSK and neurologic pain interventions, specifically how he evaluates and treats different types of headaches at his practice. --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/em9n8O --- SHOW NOTES Dr. Nguyen left academia and the East Coast 6 years ago, where he trained in neurointerventional radiology and pain intervention to open his own practice in Oklahoma City after visiting Dr. Beall. He now has a clinic where he sees musculoskeletal and neurologic pain patients. He enjoys the long term relationships he has built with many patients in his practice. He still does a degree of diagnostic work so as not to lose his skills. Next, Dr. Nguyen discusses how he evaluates and treats headaches as a neurological pain interventionalist. Understanding the neuroanatomy of the face is key. He tries to understand the presentation of the patient’s headaches, whether it is located above the eyebrow, near the ear or at the jaw. He treats cervicogenic headache, trigeminal neuralgia and occipital neuralgia with a diagnostic block, radiofrequency ablation and neuromodulation. He also treats migrainous headaches. After determining whether the pain is musculogenic or neurogenic, he does a trigger point injection or a test injection of the nerve, followed by RFA and neuromodulation. Dr. Nguyen tells us his approach to trigeminal neuralgia workup. There are three branches, and the Gasserian ganglion (trigeminal ganglion) lies deep to the foramen ovale. To approach it, he usually tries to target the most peripheral nerve branch. For V1, he evaluates the supraorbital, supratrochlear nerves, which you can see with ultrasound. For V2, he evaluates the infraorbital with ultrasound. The foramen rotundundum requires CT guidance to access. For V3 he evaluates the mental and alveolar nerves or the foramen ovale. He does diagnostic blocks, and if this provides relief to the patient they discuss radiofrequency ablation. He advises operators to take the longest path to the nerve to ensure the ablative needle is fully buried under the skin to avoid burns. He also discusses the rare outcome of anesthesia dolorosa which can cause facial numbness and pain after ablation of the Gasserian ganglion. He says that for most of his patients, they accept this potential risk due to the more likely possibility of relief from the excruciating pain they experience with trigeminal neuralgia. --- RESOURCES Dr. Nguyen Twitter: @neuroradiology Narouze: Interventional Management of Head and Face Pain https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4614-8951-1 American Society of Spine Radiology: https://assrannualmeeting.org American Society of Neuroradiology: https://www.asnr.org/annualmeeting/

In this episode, guest host Dr. Shamit Desai interviews Dr. Keerthi Prasad about his path to starting an IR practice alongside interventional pain specialists. --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/TQUUf1 --- SHOW NOTES This unique collaboration started after Dr. Prasad finished fellowship. He describes the support and investment that his anesthesiologist partners provided in helping him launch IR service lines in their existing practice. On the pain management side, he primarily performs vertebral augmentation, DRG stimulation, and nerve blocks. He has also expanded his services into vein care, since venous disease is often concomitant with PAD, wound care, and pain. Dr. Prasad emphasizes the value of focusing on specific procedures and disease states in order to provide the best and most up to date clinical care possible. This can also set you apart from other competitors and help patients identify you as their vascular specialist. Dr. Prasad delves into the infrastructure of their centers. Their high volume of patients requires close coordination of all office and medical staff. To retain highly trained medical staff, he recommends investing in their training, minimizing office politics, and granting sufficient autonomy. Since 2016, the Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care has expanded to multiple locations in northwest Indiana. Dr. Prasad closes the episode by speaking about practice marketing and forming new referral networks. He emphasizes the importance of identifying if there is a true clinical need to perform each procedure and following up with patients and referring doctors. --- RESOURCES Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care: https://www.discover-cpc.com/

What is the difference between palliative care and hospice? Dr. Sean Tutton clarifies the distinctions and interactions between the two. He explains that palliative care focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life, while addressing common misconceptions about it. Dr. Tutton also provides insights on the role of palliative care physicians and emphasizes the importance of integrating palliative care into treatment plans for patients with terminal or chronic diseases. Additionally, the conversation offers practical advice for interventional radiologists on how to communicate effectively with patients about their conditions and treatment goals. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Defining Palliative Care  03:20 - Challenges in Palliative Care Referrals 06:44 - Practical Approaches for Interventional Radiologists 07:51 - Effective Communication with Patients 09:24 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE BackTable MSK Ep. 27: Palliative Care in IR with Dr. Sean Tutton: https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/podcasts/27/palliative-care-in-ir

In this episode, guest host and interventional radiologist Dr. Dana Dunleavy interviews neurointerventional radiologist Dr. Wayne Olan about growing neuroIR and IR through a neurosurgery department. Wayne serves as the Director of Interventional and Endovascular Neurosurgery at George Washington University Medical Center. --- SHOW NOTES First, Wayne tells us more about his training, journey in academia, and role in building robust neuroIR and IR service lines through his leadership of the neurosurgery department at his institution. Wayne also shares how powerful being involved in interdisciplinary clinics can be in growing the scale, reach, and impact of minimally-invasive image guided interventions. These collaborations include neuroIR/neurosurgery for neuro clinic and IR/ gynecology for fibroid clinic. Dana and Wayne then discuss how neuroIR and IR has evolved over the years, highlighting watershed moments and key innovations. They discuss sacroiliac joint interventions in detail and how MSK has become one of IR’s newest subspecialties. Wayne shares his history of playing and coaching lacrosse, and he also tells us about the Q-Collar and his role in serving on the company’s board of medical advisors. The device has been shown to protect the athletes’ brains from concussive and subconcussive impacts by increasing internal jugular vein pressure. We conclude the episode with some parting wisdom from Wayne regarding career paths, navigating reimbursements and insurance as a neuroIR or IR, and finding joy and purpose at and outside of work. --- RESOURCES SI-Bone, iFuse TORQ Device: https://si-bone.com/providers/solutions/trauma/ifuse-torq SI-Bone, iFuse Triangle Device: https://si-bone.com/providers/solutions/ifuse Stryker, Spine Jack Device: https://www.stryker.com/us/en/interventional-spine/products/spinejack-system.html Q-Collar Company web-page: https://q30.com/ Q-Collar Studies / Research Briefing: https://q30.com/pages/fda-reviewed Boston University CTE Clinic: https://www.bu.edu/cte/

In this episode, host Dr. Eric Keller interviews Dr. Sean Tutton about palliative care as an interventionalist, how he became interested in palliative care, and why he believes it is a crucial aspect of patient care in interventional radiology. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR RADPAD® Radiation Protection https://www.radpad.com/ --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/OYDxfn --- SHOW NOTES The role of palliative care is to talk with patients about their goals, make them comfortable, optimize medical management, help patients understand their diagnosis, and coordinate care. Though palliative care involvement does not mean a patient is close to death, many palliative care patients will enroll in hospice at some point. Once in hospice, life-prolonging therapies are no longer pursued. Hospice care is a benefit of Medicare. It has support such as home care, and it can be expensive but is covered by the government. Due to this, there are guidelines that need to be adhered to. Frequently, palliative interventional pain procedures such as a celiac plexus block or neurolysis may not be covered so patients may have to come off hospice to get the procedure, then go back on. Next, we talk about how an IR can start to incorporate these ideals and practices into their daily work. Dr. Tutton emphasizes that you don’t need to do the fellowship. You can start rounding with palliative care, go to their conferences, and establish relationships. Having residents and fellows rotate with palliative care is a great way for future IRs to learn how to practice with a palliative care mindset, and also to educate palliative care on the minimally invasive options that IR can offer to patients such as nerve blocks and ablations. By adopting palliative care ideals as an interventionalist, you can help your patients achieve better pain control, improve their cognition and reduce narcotics use. Dr. Tutton recommends all IRs understand the medical management of post-op pain for any procedure they perform. He provides a standard medication regimen for a patient having an ablation. He uses Tylenol 1g pre-op and gabapentin 300-600mg 48-72hrs before the procedure and intraoperative steroids and NSAIDs such as Decadron 8-10mg and Toradol 10-30mg. All of these have level 1 data, help reduce narcotic requirements, and help with post-op nausea and pain. He discharges patients on a Medrol dose pack, ibuprofen, Tylenol, and gabapentin for a couple of days. Doing a nerve block can help as well, he frequently does ankle, digital, intercostal, and hypogastric blocks for his MSK and palliative interventions. --- RESOURCES Ep.199: Advanced Minimally Invasive Pain Interventions with Dr. Prologo https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/199/advanced-minimally-invasive-pain-interventions Ep. 68: RF Ablation for Bone Metastases with Dr. Levy and Dr. Bagla https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/68/rf-ablation-therapy-for-bone-metastases

Dr. David Wood, interventional radiologist and chief medical officer of Advantage IR, tells us about his experiences with geniculate artery embolization (GAE) practice building in the office-based lab (OBL). --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/oIF49Q --- SHOW NOTES In this episode, host Dr. Michael Barraza interviews Dr. David Wood, interventional radiologist and chief medical officer of Advantage IR, about building office based labs (OBLs), the untapped potential of the geniculate artery embolization (GAE) market, and how to build patient referrals for new OBLs. We begin by discussing why Dr. Wood chose to do geniculate artery embolization (GAE) in his OBLs. He says that GAE makes a great procedure for an office setting because it is relatively easy, only requiring a C arm with digital subtraction angiography (DSA). It is also a quick procedure with little side effects and low rates of complications. He says that patients who get GAE are a unique patient population because they know they have arthritis, and have exhausted conservative measures or declined treatment options that they have been offered, which are often quite invasive. Dr. Wood says his GAE patients are mostly self-referred. He has marketing liaisons for local clinics, but what he has found most effective is TV commercials in English and Spanish, because this reaches the populations that need the most help. His patient population for GAEs consists mostly of self referred patients, as well as referrals from PCPs and occasionally orthopedic or sports medicine providers. Regarding how Dr. Wood evaluates which patients to treat, he says that he began by using the point of maximal tenderness as described by Sandeep Bagla and required MRI before patient selection. He now uses primarily X-ray and only treats pain rated at least 5 out of 10. He does not do GAE in patients who have had knee surgery or with a history of significant PAD or calcification seen on preoperative X-ray. He generally tells patients they can expect up to a 70% improvement of pain after geniculate artery embolization. --- RESOURCES BackTable Ep. 27: Geniculate Artery Embolization for OA with Dr. Sandeep Bagla and Dr. Ari Isaacson https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/27/geniculate-artery-embolization-for-osteoarthritis BackTable Ep. 85: Genicular Artery Embolization for OA with Dr. Jafar Golzarian https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/85/genicular-artery-embolization-for-oa Bagla GAE Publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31837946/ Padia GAE Publication: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8542160/

We talk with interventional radiologist Dr. David Prologo about minimally invasive pain interventions, multidisciplinary pain management, and how he built a successful pain practice. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR RADPAD® Radiation Protection https://www.radpad.com/ --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/GzA4Iu --- SHOW NOTES In this episode, host Dr. Michael Barraza interviews Dr. David Prologo, director of interventional radiology at Emory about minimally invasive pain interventions, multidisciplinary pain management, and how he created a booming practice that is well known by patients and providers nationally. Dr. Prologo begins by discussing his training in obesity medicine and how his interests in pain management developed. He discusses his book, The Catching Point, which explores weight loss culture and the fault of society and medical providers in placing the blame on patients and the new options available in IR for weight loss. He says his interest in pain management was similar to his interest in obesity medicine. He was curious about how he could use his tools and skills as an IR to treat obesity and pain with minimally invasive procedures. Next, they discuss how IR fits into the multidisciplinary team that plays a role in pain management. He explains that the combination of technology and an IRs position in the hospital makes them ideal for the job. He says a key is to maintain relationships with all other specialties by focusing initially on procedures that other specialties don't perform, in order to build rapport. He also notes that the procedures he performs result in rapid pain reduction and greatly decrease length of stay which is a huge incentive for hospitals and other specialties to seek out IR and make referrals. Finally, the two discuss the types of patients Dr. Prologo treats, and the procedures he does. He divides patient population into neoplastic versus non neoplastic pain, and spine versus non spine pain. He sees 90% of patients in clinic for procedure planning. Dr. Prologo emphasizes the importance of advocating for patients and continuing to see them even if they do not need an IR procedure. He discusses his 8, 3, 3, 3 method for percutaneous cryoneurolysis and discusses the various outcomes he is able to achieve in pain reduction. Dr. Prologo minimizes non responders by doing test blocks, understanding central desensitization, and selecting patients for procedures appropriately. --- RESOURCES Interventional Cryoneurolysis: An Illustrative Approach: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33308581/ Focused Cryo: https://gra.org/company/213/Focused_Cryo.html Nantes criteria for pudendal neuralgia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17828787/ The Catching Point https://www.catchingpoint.com David Prologo Website: https://www.drprologo.com/about

Interventional radiologist Michael Barraza talks with orthopedic spine surgeon Thomas Andreshak about his approach to vertebral augmentation for compression fractures, including unipedicular vs. bipedicular approach, technique pearls, and post-procedure care. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Medtronic Kyphon https://www.medtronic.com/kyphoplasty --- SHOW NOTES In this episode, orthopedic surgeon Dr.Thomas Andreshak and our host Dr. Michael Barraza discuss kyphoplasty technique, including different methods of imaging, approaches, sedation, and follow-up. Dr. Andreshak starts with obtaining a standing X-ray because it allows him to better observe cases of spondylolisthesis. He describes both unipedicular and bipedicular approaches, noting that the unipedicular approach can allow for greater cost savings, less cement used, and lower radiation exposure. The doctors also review the stages of bone healing: hematoma formation, fibrocartilage formation, bony callus formation, and bone remodeling. Dr. Andreshak warns against overfilling the vertebra, which creates stiffness and puts stress on the adjacent endplate. Finally, they discuss follow-up and considerations for future treatment if pain persists. --- RESOURCES Consulting Orthopedic Associates: https://consulting-ortho.com/ Kyphon Assist: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/products/spinal-orthopaedic/vertebral-augmentation/kyphon-assist.html

Neurosurgeon Dr. Nam Tran from Moffitt Cancer Center talks with us about RF ablation for painful spinal metastases, including patient selection and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Medtronic OsteoCool https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/products/spinal-orthopaedic/tumor-management/osteocool-ablation-system-rf.html --- SHOW NOTES In this episode, neurosurgeon Dr. Nam Tran and our host Dr. Michael Barraza discuss minimally invasive procedures to treat both primary spine tumors and spine metastases. Dr. Tran describes the flexibility that kyphoplasty and spinal ablation can grant patients who are not suitable candidates for open surgical decompression. These minimally invasive procedures can reduce hospital stays from 4-5 days to just one night. Dr. Tran views ablation not only from a palliative pain reduction perspective, but also from an oncologic perspective that aims to reduce tumor burden. Dr. Tran says the ideal candidate for ablation is a patient who has isolated disease to the anterior column of the spine. With larger lesions, Dr. Tran relies on his neurosurgical background to take an aggressive approach in treating the entire vertebra. The doctors also discuss research studies that have made ablation more widely accepted and available (all articles are linked below). --- RESOURCES OPuS One Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33129427/ CAFE Study: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT00211237

In this episode, host Dr. Michael Barazza interviews Dr. John Smirniotopoulos about genicular nerve ablation, an innovative treatment option for the management of osteoarthritis. --- SHOW NOTES Dr. John Smirniotopoulos is an assistant professor of clinical radiology in the IR department at MedStar Georgetown University and MedStar Washington Hospital Center in DC. He developed the idea of genicular nerve ablation after consulting with his orthopedic colleagues at Georgetown about various pain interventions. He then formulated a treatment algorithm that begins with a conservative approach, using a nerve block for ablation. If the initial response is limited, a second ablation can be performed within six months. However, if the patient experiences only a short-term response, genicular artery embolization may be considered. Genicular nerve ablation proves to be a valuable therapy for patients who are not yet ready for knee replacements or need to postpone the procedure due to factors like high BMI or recent organ transplant. The therapy uses fluoroscopy or ultrasound to target four trunks of nerves, including the superomedial genicular, superolateral, inferomedial, and the suprapatellar nerves. The procedure is done under conscious sedation, and Dr. Smirniotopoulos aims for 50% pain reduction with his patients which is usually reached at six weeks. Dr. Smirniotopoulos and his team recently conducted a study to evaluate the outcomes of genicular nerve ablation. The results indicated a significant reduction in both the WOMAC score, which measures pain and functionality, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, which is a subjective measure of pain. Surprisingly, they discovered that age over 50 was the biggest predictor of positive outcomes, contrary to their initial expectation that BMI would play a more significant role. They attribute this finding to a higher prevalence of advanced OA in the older age group. Additionally, patients under 50 may have more sports-related injuries such as meniscal tears, leading them to return to high-intensity activities sooner than older patients. Dr. Smirniotopoulos has also seen success in performing nerve ablation in the hip, shoulder, SI, and intervertebral joints. This wide application of the procedure makes it a valuable and versatile treatment option for patients. --- RESOURCES Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation: Is There a Predictor of Outcomes?: https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(22)01597-4/fulltext

Dr. Sabeen Dhand chats with Interventional Radiologist Shankar Rajeswaran from Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago about a novel minimally invasive treatment of unicameral and aneurysmal bone cysts. --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/PzYQjW --- SHOW NOTES In this episode, pediatric interventional radiologist Dr. Shankar Rajeswaran joins host Dr. Sabeen Dhand to discuss a novel minimally-invasive treatment for unicameral and aneurysmal bone cysts. Pediatric interventional radiology is a rapidly growing field, and Dr. Rajeswaran describes how it has evolved in complexity and innovation over the course of his career. Dr. Rajeswaran says that there is a significant challenge that pediatric IRs must overcome-- treating children with IR devices that were originally designed to be used in adults. As a result, he emphasizes the need for creativity and flexibility in this field. Next, we define and differentiate between unicameral and aneurysmal bone cysts. Both can be benign; however, they carry the risk of causing pain, bone fracture, and growth deformities. Dr. Rajeswaran outlines the current standard of care, which includes monitoring and curettage and bone grafting. Then, he describes a new method of treatment, which involves needle injection of doxycycline to burn the walls of the cyst and bone paste to help generate new bone. This method can be applied to unicameral bone cysts and aneurysmal bone cysts, and it leaves no scarring. He also discusses the recurrence rate for various treatment methods. Overall, Dr. Rajeswaran encourages anyone interested in pediatric IR to reach out to doctors in the field for shadowing opportunities and guidance. --- RESOURCES Society for Pediatric Interventional Radiology: https://www.spir.org/ Lurie Children’s Hospital blog article over novel treatment of bone cysts: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/interventional-radiology-cutting-edge-procedure-puts-brooklyn-back-in-the-game/

In this episode, Dr. Jacob Fleming interviews Dr. Majid Khan, a spine interventionalist and expert in neuroimaging, about microwave ablation, a new treatment modality that has garnered significant attention. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Boston Scientific Lab Agent https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/customer-service/ordering/lab-agent/contact.html?utm_source=oth_site&utm_medium=native&utm_campaign=pi-at-us-labagent-hci&utm_content=n-backtable-n-backtable_site_labagent_1_2023&cid=n10013205 --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/1YOW1H --- SHOW NOTES Dr. Khan completed his radiology residency in New York and his fellowship in neuroradiology at John Hopkins. As he progressed in the field, he observed a significant shift in spinal care towards interventional methods and began to study these techniques, which included radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation for treating spinal tumors. However, when he treated cases of prostate cancer spine metastases, he realized that RFA was challenging, due to the high bone impedance of osteoblastic lesions. This obstacle piqued his interest in microwave ablation, an alternative technique that employs an electromagnetic wave to induce rapid oscillation of hydrogen atoms in water molecules. This oscillation generates frictional heat, leading to coagulative tumor necrosis. Unlike RFA, microwave ablation significantly reduces bone impedance, making it a promising solution for these cases. Dr. Khan cautions that special care must be taken when operating in areas near nerves due to the elevated temperatures. To ensure safety, he recommends the use of a probe within the frequency range of 900 MHz to 1.2 GHz and the incorporation of thermocouplers as a safeguard during the ablation process. Furthermore, Dr. Khan delves into the indications for ablation based on the extent of tumor metastasis. In cases of oligometastatic disease, he advises a more aggressive treatment approach by extending the ablation zone beyond the actual tumor size. On the other hand, when dealing with diffusely metastatic disease, the primary goal of treatment shifts towards pain reduction. The two conclude their discussion with Dr. Khan’s advice for physicians planning to utilize microwave ablation. He advises them to approach their initial 5-10 cases judiciously, in an effort to minimize the risk of complications that may adversely impact their self-confidence. Having adequate self confidence enhances the likelihood of achieving successful outcomes. For those looking for a valuable resource in the field, Dr. Khan has recently published a comprehensive textbook that features contributions from experts in the field. --- RESOURCES “Assessing long-term locoregional control of spinal osseous metastases after microwave ablation”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35963064/ Vertebral Augmentation: https://shop.thieme.com/Vertebral-Augmentation/9781684200153 Image Guided Interventions of the Spine https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-80079-6

Dr. Steven Yevich from MD Anderson Cancer Center talks with us about his approach to Treatment and Management of Painful Extra-spinal Bony Metastases. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Medtronic OsteoCool https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/products/spinal-orthopaedic/tumor-management/osteocool-ablation-system-rf.html --- SHOW NOTES In this episode, Dr. Steve Yevich joins Dr. Michael Barraza to discuss treatment of extraspinal painful bony metastases. Dr. Yevich tells us about his training in interventional oncology at Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus in Paris, and we discuss how he adjusted to identify the individual needs of the hospital when he came back to the US. We explain how to go into a case with either curative or palliative intent. Dr. Yevich shares when he would do soft tissue ablation around nerves and the location of the metastases he commonly treats. We emphasize the anatomic considerations to determine if ablation for the extraspinal bony metastases is feasible. We discuss some of the advanced techniques Dr. Yevich learned in Paris and the two types of cases that may need pre-ablation embolization. We discuss advancements in technologies and devices that have allowed for more creative solutions in IR.

Intentional probe selection is an important part of any ablative procedure. This MSK Brief focuses on tools for genicular nerve ablation. Dr. John Smirniotopoulos shares his perspectives on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation probes, including the Cool Leaf probe and its benefits. He goes on to explain the procedure, including ablation techniques, motor stimulation tests, and handling potential complications such as synovitis and hemarthrosis. TIMESTAMPS 00:12 - Choosing the Right Probe 01:29 - Cryoablation vs. RFA: Pros and Cons 02:32 - Ablation Techniques and Strategies 04:42 - Motor Stimulation and Safety Measures 05:51 - Potential Complications and Mitigation 07:50 - Patient Counseling and Follow-Up CHECK OUT THE FULL EPISODE BackTable MSK Ep. 22- Genicular Nerve Ablation https://www.backtable.com/shows/msk/podcasts/22/genicular-nerve-ablation

In this episode, Dr. Jacob Fleming interviews Dr. Alok Sharan about low back awake spinal surgery. This innovative approach offers patients a more pleasant surgical experience compared to traditional surgery under general anesthesia. Not only does it provide better patient outcomes, but it also reduces the need for opioid pain medication and allows for improved mobility after the procedure. --- EARN CME Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/3kWFrM --- SHOW NOTES Dr. Sharan began his career in academic medicine at Montefiore, where he gained valuable experience in caring for individuals with severe back problems requiring spine surgery. During his time at Montefiore, Dr. Sharan recognized the changing landscape of healthcare and decided to pursue a healthcare MBA. This unique combination of medical expertise and business knowledge led him to transition to private practice. Dr. Sharan explains that awake spinal surgery offers several benefits for patients undergoing spine procedures. It enables patients to mobilize and recover from surgery more quickly, leading to faster overall recovery times and decreased risk of delirium. Additionally, patients have the opportunity to return home on the same day as the surgery, promoting a more convenient and comfortable experience. Awake spinal surgery also helps reduce the reliance on narcotics for pain management, with patients typically only needing narcotics for around four days compared to the usual four to six weeks with surgeries performed under general anesthesia. Due to the improvement in patient outcomes and the tremendous cost-efficiency of the procedure, awake spinal surgery is an appealing option for individuals requiring spinal fusions and other procedures. Dr. Sharan's entrepreneurial drive has led him to create a comprehensive preoperative education program. His patients are provided with virtual reality headsets to simulate and experience the day of surgery and the actual surgical procedure. The aim is to alleviate any fears or anxieties the patients may have prior to undergoing surgery by immersing them in a realistic virtual environment. This approach helps to prepare patients mentally and emotionally, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable surgical experience. Dr. Sharan is now sharing his techniques with surgeons around the world and anticipates this technique being implemented in many fields in the future. --- RESOURCES Awake Spinal Fusion: https://awakespinalfusion.com Doc Social: https://doc.social Dr. Sharan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alok-sharan-6a612610/

Interventional Radiologist Jason Levy and Radiation Oncologist Amir Lavaf discuss the benefits of a Multidisciplinary Approach in the Treatment of Spinal and Bone Metastases. --- SHOW NOTES In this episode, Dr. Jason Levy and Dr. Amir Lavaf join Dr. Michael Barraza to discuss their multidisciplinary approach to treating spinal metastases. We examine the collaborative efforts between IR and radiation oncologists, and we break down the indications for treating spinal metastases. We discuss pain control and local control rates, and how doctors are working to improve them. Dr. Levy and Dr. Lavaf tell us why they are able to get better survival numbers when they approach the primary and metastatic disease at the same time. We explain how to work with tumor boards and different groups of doctors to make spinal metastases treatment easier. We discuss how to reduce risk of delayed skeletal events and radiation failure after spinal metastases treatment. We go over some of the challenges of working with the tumor board, and why it is important to develop relationships with medical oncologists and the importance of continuing systemic therapies. --- RESOURCES BackTable Podcast Episode 68: RF Ablation Therapy for Bone Metastases https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/68/rf-ablation-therapy-for-bone-metastases

In this episode, host Dr. Jacob Fleming interviews one of his attendings Dr. Bhavya Shah about the remarkable features of focused ultrasound technology and its applications. They discuss its dynamic nature, allowing for a wide range of applications. --- SHOW NOTES Dr. Bhavya Shah is a neuroradiologist at UT Southwestern in Dallas, TX and the director of their transcranial-focused ultrasound lab. While in residency at Boston MIT, he studied the radiology applications for nerve regeneration and expanded his scope of practice during his fellowship at Stanford. Dr. Bhavya Shah explains the use of low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), particularly in the context of movement disorders including essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. LIFU is used to identify the appropriate targets in the brain in relation to the disease and may be used to alter how neurons behave. In contrast, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is utilized to ablate and destroy tissues typically after the localization of the intended treatment area. Dr. Shah developed a way to identify targets in the brain for treatment with focused ultrasound with the use of four-tract tractography in cadavers. Using this technology, the brain can be thinly sliced into sections which could then be registered off an MRI back to the path using block face photography, allowing the identification of white matter tracts that enter and leave the thalamus. With these tracts identified, neuroradiologists can first stimulate the localized area with LIFU to confirm the location, then ablate using HIFU. The procedure lasts approximately 30-45 minutes as the patient remains awake. Remarkably, patients with essential tremor usually experience benefit immediately following the procedure as patients with Parkinson’s have symptom improvement within days to weeks. After two hours of observation, patients are discharged assuming no side effects. Side effects are uncommon but can include numbness and tingling around the mouth or fingertips as well as muscle weakness. Beyond its use for movement disorders, the adaptable nature of focused ultrasound technology shows promise for a broad range of applications, particularly for the use of neuropsychiatric conditions. Dr. Shah offers the potential for the use of HIFU as a wearable device that delivers constant stimulation modulated by biofeedback, potentially eliminating the need for MRI for the procedure. Dr. Shah and Dr. Fleming end the discussion with how radiology has evolved over the years and the importance of keeping an open mind working in a multidisciplinary team. They emphasize the gravity of patient engagement and the central goal of medicine and improving the standard of care should always be aimed at benefiting the patient. --- RESOURCES MRI–Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Essential Tremor: https://thejns.org/view/journals/j-neurosurg/138/4/article-p1028.xml Trial of Globus Pallidus Focused Ultrasound Ablation in Parkinson’s Disease: https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2202721 Long-term effects of bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation on gait disorders in Parkinson's disease: a clinical-instrumental study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37208527/ Magnetic Resonance Image Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy. A Single Center Experience With 160 Procedures: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8894664/

En este episodio de BackTable, las Dras. Gina Landinez y Ana María Fernández Martínez hablan sobre el intervencionismo musculoesquelético y las técnicas para la embolización del hombre rígido. --- SHOW NOTES La Dra. Fernández Martínez explica su trayectoria en el campo de intervencionismo musculoesquelético y la oportunidad de entrenarse en Japón. Luego entra en detalles técnicos, describiendo cómo obtiene acceso usando su microcatéter para entrar a las articulaciones que quiere tratar. Explica que estas arterias son de un calibre muy pequeño, así que necesita herramientas diferentes para los procedimientos esqueléticos. También, ella describe el efecto que tiene la embolización en las fibras nerviosas y la inflamación para restaurar la vascular normal. Adicionalmente, las doctoras explican quienes son los pacientes ideales para la embolización de un hombro rígido. Dra. Fernández Martínez distingue síntomas de un hombro rígido, como la limitación de la vida diaria y la movilidad, y hace la distinción entre esta patología y la artritis. Habla también del tiempo ideal para la embolización para optimizar los resultados y la importancia de la rehabilitación con la fisioterapia. Próximo, la doctora explica los beneficios inmediatos y a largo plazo que ve en sus pacientes. Usualmente, se pueden ver los efectos de la embolización tres meses después del procedimiento si el paciente participa en la fisioterapia, y el máximo beneficio ocurre a los seis meses. Repetición del procedimiento es posible también. Finalmente, las doctoras hablan sobre las complicaciones de la embolización, que incluyen un hematoma en la zona de punción. Dra. Fernandez Martinez termina el episodio alentando a sus colegas radiólogos intervencionistas a explorar la embolización musculoesquelética.