Explore every episode of the podcast SoCCC Pre-Rounds: Bite-Sized Critical Care Cardiology Topics Delivered By Experts

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	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	SoCCC Pre-Rounds Trailer	23 Jun 2025	00:01:53
Hosted by members of the Society of Critical Care Cardiology (SoCCC) Pre-Rounds delivers bite-sized, high-yield episodes designed for medical students, residents, fellows, early-career cardiologists, allied health professionals and all enthusiasts of critical care cardiology navigating the complexities of the field. With only 160 critical care cardiologists in the U.S., mentorship is limited. SoCCC Pre-Rounds fills the gap with expert insights, clinical pearls, and real-world guidance on topics like cardiogenic shock, ECMO, and resuscitation. In short bite sized episodes, top leaders in the field answer key clinical questions—perfect for pre-round prep, night shifts, or sharpening your skills. Listen in. Level up. Join the SoCCC community.
	VT Storm: Taming the Electrical Tempest with Dr. Elliott Miller	08 Aug 2025	00:18:33
Welcome to the first episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, your new source for focused, practical conversations in critical care cardiology. In this episode, Dr. Balim Senman sits down with Dr. Elliott Miller to take you inside the real-world management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) storm, a high-risk emergency that demands both quick action and nuanced decision-making. They break down what defines a true VT storm, why recognizing polymorphic vs. monomorphic VT changes everything, and how to rapidly assess patient stability when every second counts. You’ll hear how to choose and dose first-line antiarrhythmics, why procainamide is still guideline-preferred but underused, and when lidocaine plays a role, plus what to watch for with toxicity. The conversation goes deeper than algorithms, highlighting when sedation, intubation, and mechanical support can help break the cycle, and when to escalate to advanced options like stellate ganglion blocks, overdrive pacing, or VT ablation. Real bedside pearls make this episode especially relevant for trainees and anyone wanting to feel more prepared during a cardiac emergency. Walk away with a clear, actionable framework to tackle VT storm with confidence, and practical reminders to always treat the root cause, not just the arrhythmia. Key Takeaways: Understand what VT storm really is and why the type (polymorphic vs. monomorphic) matters. How to assess if a patient is truly unstable and when immediate defibrillation is needed. How to choose first-line antiarrhythmics for stable VT, and why procainamide isn’t used as often as the guidelines suggest. When lidocaine is useful, and how to recognize early signs of lidocaine toxicity. What a stellate ganglion block is and when it’s a practical option for refractory cases. When to think about mechanical circulatory support or early VT ablation for patients not responding to meds. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:45] Episode topic introduction: VT storm [01:19] Definition of VT storm [02:36] Initial management: stable vs. unstable [03:00] Unstable VT: immediate actions [04:46] Stable VT: first-line medications [07:26] Lidocaine use and toxicity [10:48] Beta blockers in VT storm [11:27] Third-line and advanced interventions [12:05] Stellate ganglion block explained [15:07] Pacing and anti-tachycardia pacing [17:54] Episode wrap-up and closing Notable Quotes [05:31] "Amiodarone seems to drop from the sky and be in the fountains." — Dr. Elliott Miller [14:14] "I remember room 4 vividly. So this is HIPAA safe room 4 of my CICU, a patient in his 60s with sarcoid and he would VT on anything but procainamide anytime we tried to switch him off." — Dr. Elliott Miller [16:51] "Double sequential external defibrillation... I think it’s something you can keep in your back pocket for someone that’s in refractory V fib." — Dr. Elliott Miller Our Guest Dr. Elliott Miller Dr. Elliott Miller is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Yale New Haven Hospital. He specializes in critical care cardiology, with research focused on cardiac arrest, mechanical circulatory support, and CICU systems improvement. A nationally recognized educator, he has received multiple teaching awards and leads efforts to advance care for critically ill cardiovascular patients. Resource & Links Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Elliott Miller https://x.com/ElliottMillerMD https://www.soccc.org/ Dr. Balim Senman https://www.soccc.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/balim-senman- Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	The Basics of the Pulmonary Artery Catheter with Dr. Aniket Rali	06 Feb 2026	00:28:03
Did you know that pulmonary artery catheters are crucial for patients with unclear shock etiology? In this episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, Dr. Elliot Miller sits down with Dr. Aniket Rali, a dual-trained critical care and heart failure cardiologist at Vanderbilt, for a deep dive into the art and science of pulmonary artery catheterization, also known as the Swan-Ganz catheter. Dr. Rali demystifies the PAC by walking us through the fundamentals of when to use it, who should not get one, and how to interpret and troubleshoot the data it provides. Whether you're a resident inserting your first swan or a fellow refining your hemodynamic assessments, this episode will elevate your bedside practice. From contraindications and waveform recognition to zeroing, troubleshooting, and avoiding wedge-related complications, Dr. Rali shares high-impact pearls grounded in real-world CICU experience. Key Takeaways Use PACs when shock etiology is unclear; they're diagnostic, not therapeutic Avoid PACs in patients with endocarditis, thrombus, or proximal PE Know your waveforms; it's your only guide during bedside placement Always level and zero the transducer for accurate pressures Justify PAC use daily and remove once it’s no longer needed Troubleshoot waveform loss by checking positioning, clots, or tubing Avoid repeated wedging; use diastolic-to-wedge trends when possible Use chest X-ray to confirm safe placement and prevent complications In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [01:16] Pulmonary artery catheter basics [02:04] Indications for PA catheter use [06:57] Special considerations: left bundle and pacemaker leads [08:12] Bedside placement preparation and checklist [11:33] Presenting PA catheter data on rounds [12:03] Ensuring data accuracy and daily safety checks [15:17] Sequence for presenting hemodynamic data [16:23] Cardiac output measurement methods [18:31] Choosing between Fick and thermodilution [20:04] Limitations in shunt physiology [20:58] Troubleshooting PA catheter issues Notable Quotes [02:17] "At the end of the day, a diagnostic tool is not going to treat your patient. But if it provides you with additional information that helps you reach the right diagnosis, then it becomes a valuable tool." — Dr. Aniket Rali [09:07] "I firmly believe that the more you sweat in peace, less you bleed in war. And that holds true of any procedure." — Dr. Aniket Rali [10:07] "You really should not be putting in a bedside swan unless you have mastered the waveforms, because the waveforms are your only guidance as to which cardiac chamber you are in." —Dr. Aniket Rali [12:31] "I encourage trainees, next time they have a patient with a SWAN Ganz catheter in, to just have them move their arm or move the catheter up by a foot and down by a foot and see how the pressure readings change." — Dr. Aniket Rali [27:28] "Long live the swan." — Dr. Aniket Rali Dr. Aniket Rali Dr. Aniket Rali is a heart failure and critical care cardiologist at Vanderbilt University. She’s known for her expertise in hemodynamics, real-world application of advanced monitoring, and thoughtful mentorship of trainees learning the art of bedside right heart catheterization. Resources and Links Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Aniket Rali https://medicine.vumc.org/department-directory/Aniket-Rali https://www.linkedin.com/in/aniket-rali-md-facc-fccp-69ab15228 Dr. Elliot Miller https://x.com/ElliottMillerMD https://www.soccc.org/ Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	Navigating the Initial Hours of Cardiogenic Shock with Dr. Rebecca Mathew	02 Jan 2026	00:26:00
How do you diagnose cardiogenic shock quickly and accurately at the bedside? What should your first therapeutic move be? And how do you know if your resuscitation is working? In this episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, Dr. Simon Parlow sits down with Dr. Rebecca Mathew, Director of the Cardiac ICU at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and co-principal investigator of the CAPITAL Research Group. Together, they break down a clear, real-world approach to diagnosing, stabilizing, and treating cardiogenic shock from the moment the patient arrives. Drawing from frontline CICU experience and landmark trials such as CAPITAL DOREMI, Dr. Mathew discusses why history and physical exam still drive the diagnosis, how to approach congestion and perfusion, when inotropes actually help, and how to integrate invasive hemodynamics when available. The episode offers practical, bedside-ready guidance for clinicians managing shock in any setting. Key Takeaways Cardiogenic shock is best diagnosed through history, exam, and perfusion assessment, not lactate or invasive data alone. SCAI is the most practical framework, but Stage D should be assigned only after a failed therapeutic trial. Use inotropes only if hypoperfusion persists after decongestion; dobutamine quickly shows responsiveness. Swan-Ganz catheters help when available, but most shock worldwide is managed without invasive hemodynamics. Avoid early prognostication in the first 24–48 hours to prevent harmful self-fulfilling assumptions. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [01:06] Importance of initial medical management in cardiogenic shock [02:53] Defining cardiogenic shock and SCAI classification [05:27] Phenotypes and subtypes of cardiogenic shock [07:23] Caveats in SCAI classification [07:49] Bedside diagnosis and risk stratification [09:53] Physical exam: hyperperfusion and congestion [11:54] Initial management approach: decongestion and inotropes [14:17] Therapeutic targets and monitoring response [15:24] Inotrope selection and individualized therapy [16:55] Ongoing research and future directions [17:55] Therapeutic targets: clinical and biochemical markers [19:47] Mean arterial pressure (MAP) targets [21:01] Prognostic factors and risk scores Notable Quotes [03:21] “I think in its most basic sense, I think of cardiogenic shock as a clinical syndrome of clinical and biochemical hyper perfusion that’s due to a primary cardiac disorder.” — Dr. Rebecca [15:48] “People often ask me what inotrope I reach for, and despite having done the DoReMi trial and proving there’s no difference, I am anecdotally a big believer in dobutamine.” - Dr. Rebecca [22:10] “Once you’re in the throes of shock, I think we just need to focus on the tsunami in front of us and manage that.” [23:26] “The most exciting thing about cardiac critical care and managing cardiogenic shock is you are basically seeing physiology in real time." — Dr. Rebecca Dr. Rebecca Mathew Dr. Rebecca Mathew is a critical care cardiologist and Director of the Cardiac ICU at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. She leads major cardiogenic shock research programs, including the CAPITAL DOREMI trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the ongoing CAPI2 trial focused on early inotrope strategies. Her work spans clinical care, trial leadership, and translational shock physiology. Resources and Links Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Rebecca Mathew https://www.ottawaheart.ca/profile/mathew-rebecca Dr. Simon Parlow https://www.ottawaheart.ca/profile/parlow-simon https://www.soccc.org/ Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	ECPR: From Cannulation to Prognostication with Dr. Jason Bartos	05 Dec 2025	00:32:20
Should we be using ECMO during cardiac arrest? In this episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, Dr. Balim Senman sits down with Dr. Jason Bartos, interventional and critical care cardiologist at the University of Minnesota and one of the nation’s leading voices on extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Together, they break down when and why to consider ECMO in cardiac arrest, the patient selection puzzle, and what truly impacts outcomes in the field. Dr. Bartos shares pearls from the ARREST trial and offers hard-won insights into what it takes to build an ECPR program that saves lives from timing and volume to sedation, TTM, and neuroprognostication. Whether you’re a trainee encountering ECPR for the first time or a team leader building a resuscitation program, this episode delivers essential guidance grounded in real-world experience. Key Takeaways ECPR = ECMO during or shortly after cardiac arrest; best for patients with witnessed arrest and refractory shockable rhythms Avoid ECPR in patients with poor baseline function, irreversible comorbidities, or prohibitive vascular anatomy Outcomes depend on systems: high-volume centers, early activation, and streamlined protocols improve survival Don’t oversedate; sedation is not required for ECMO; prioritize comfort and cannula safety Use 37°C TTM with aggressive fever prevention; ECMO allows precise temperature control Neuroprognostication takes time; wait beyond 72 hours, and don’t withdraw care too early some patients recover even after 30 days In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [00:45] Episode introduction & guest welcome [01:25] What is ECPR? [02:14] Rationale and data behind ECPR [03:13] Key ECPR trials and outcomes [08:56] ECPR patient selection & center volume [10:15] Selection criteria details [13:06] Absolute and relative contraindications [15:11] In-hospital ECPR activation & information gathering [16:21] Standardizing in-hospital ECPR response [18:22] Timing and team mobilization for ECR [19:56] Post-ECMO management: sedation & temperature [21:40] Sedation practices on ECMO [23:28] Temperature management evolution [25:29] Neuroprognostication after ECPR [29:13] Early predictors of poor neurological outcome Notable Quotes [01:34] "ECPR is extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It's the use of ECMO for patients with cardiac arrest." — Dr. Jason Bartos [25:40] "The danger to the patients in the ICU post-arrest is us. We really have the task of trying to determine and predict and inform family members of how their loved one is going to do in this worst circumstance of their life." — Dr. Jason Bartos [25:29] "Neuroprognostication is near and dear to my heart, partly because I think it's honestly the most important thing we do in the ICU for any post-arrest patient, but particularly for this population." — Dr. Jason Bartos Dr. Jason Bartos Dr. Jason Bartos is an interventional and critical care cardiologist at the University of Minnesota. He leads one of the nation’s highest-volume ECPR programs and is a founding member of the Center for Resuscitation Medicine. He is nationally recognized for his leadership in post-arrest care, real-world ECMO implementation, and advancing cardiac arrest science. Resources and Links Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Jason Bartos https://med.umn.edu/bio/jason-bartos https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-bartos-b6898441 Dr. Balim Senman https://www.linkedin.com/in/balim-senman-7561436b/ https://x.com/BalimSenmanMD https://www.soccc.org/ Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	The Hidden Heart Crisis: Managing Right Ventricular Failure with Dr. Ryan Tedford	07 Nov 2025	00:14:46
In this episode, Dr. Anthony Carnicelli sits down with Dr. Ryan Tedford, a top expert on right ventricular (RV) failure, to break down everything you need to know about this tricky condition. RV failure happens when the right side of the heart struggles to pump properly, messing with blood flow through the lungs and raising pressure in the veins. It shows up in a bunch of serious illnesses like pulmonary hypertension, left heart failure, and sepsis. Dr. Tedford walks us through how to spot RV failure using key measurements from right heart catheterization, like right atrial pressure and the pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi). He also shares a simple, practical approach to managing RV failure: avoid overloading the heart with fluids, lower the pressure, the right heart has to pump against with pulmonary vasodilators, and boost its strength with inotropes like dobutamine. And when things get really serious, mechanical support might be needed. The good news? The right ventricle is pretty resilient, and with the right care, patients can bounce back. Key Takeaways RV failure is a clinical syndrome due to dysfunction in any part of the right heart circulatory system, not just the RV itself. Don't skip hemodynamics: Right heart cath data is essential to distinguish RV from LV failure and guide therapy. Afterload reduction strategies include managing left-sided filling pressures and careful ventilator settings (avoid high PEEP and hyperinflation). The RV is more resilient than we think with the right therapy, recovery is often possible, even in severe cases. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [01:39] Defining right ventricular failure [02:14] Importance of the right heart in critical care [03:57] Role of hemodynamic evaluation [04:12] Key hemodynamic metrics for RV failure [05:19] Echo vs. hemodynamics in RV failure [08:01] Treatment strategies: preload, afterload, and contractility [10:04] Avoiding hypotension and ischemia [11:16] Stepwise vs. immediate mechanical support [12:07] Prognosis and recovery of RV failure [13:50] Closing remarks and takeaways Notable Quotes [02:02] "Although the RV is one of the biggest and perhaps most important components of the right heart circulatory system, actually any part of the right heart circulatory system can contribute to overall right heart failure." — Dr. Ryan Tedford [02:43] "If you go back, you know, 30 years or 80 years, in fact, the right heart has been largely ignored." — Dr. Ryan Tedford [04:04] "A comprehensive hemodynamic evaluation is really key. And I would say you really can't get it right without the right heart catheterization." — Dr. Ryan Tedford Dr. Ryan Tedford Dr. Tedford is a Professor of Medicine/Cardiology and holds the Dr. Peter C. Gazes Endowed Chair in Heart Failure at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). He directs the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Fellowship and serves as the section head of heart failure and medical director of cardiac transplantation. An internationally recognized researcher with over 200 publications, his work focuses on right ventricular function, pulmonary hypertension, and hemodynamics. Resources and Links Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Ryan Tedford https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-tedford-7163aa6/ Dr. Anthony Carnicelli https://www.soccc.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-carnicelli-926a0b88/ Mentioned Pragmatic approach to temporary mechanical circulatory support in acute right ventricular failure by Dr. Anthony Carnicelli Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	Post-Cath Instability: Rapid Evaluation and Management in the ICU	03 Oct 2025	00:21:51
What do you do when a patient returns from the cath lab hypotensive and unstable? In this episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, critical care cardiologists Dr. Ann Gage and Dr. Zach Il'Giovine join host Dr. Elliott Miller to break down the management of post-catheterization hypotensive emergencies. This conversation delves into rapid assessment, differential diagnosis, and life-saving interventions in the acute care setting. The experts emphasize the importance of taking a moment to gather context before rushing to the bedside. Was it a PCI, EP study, or structural intervention? This pause allows for a more focused differential diagnosis, covering complications such as vascular issues (groin hematoma, retroperitoneal bleed), cardiac tamponade, and acute stent thrombosis. A standout takeaway: manual pressure is your first-line tool for managing bleeding, and don’t hesitate to call the proceduralist early. They also highlight when to order a CT scan (pro-tip: non-contrast first) and the principles behind massive transfusion protocols. This episode offers actionable insights for handling hypotensive emergencies with confidence and precision. Key Takeaways Build a differential based on the cath details: arterial, venous, pericardial? Retroperitoneal bleed is high on the list for sudden post-cath hypertension. First move: Is the patient in extremis? If yes, act. If not, think. Groin pain or back pain? Start with pressure and basic labs. For massive bleeds: use balanced transfusions and proper IV access. Most important treatment for groin bleeds? Manual pressure. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [00:56] Meet the guests: Dr. Ann Gage and Zach Il'Giovine [02:09] Gathering info before seeing post-cath patient [03:46] Building the differential diagnosis [08:13] Physical exam and bedside assessment [09:57] Hemodynamic assessment and initial workup [16:00] Massive hemorrhage and transfusion protocols [17:05] Procedural complications and communication [19:55] Manual pressure crucial for groin bleeds [21:11] Conclusion and take-home messages Notable Quotes [04:06] "I was told once by a medicine resident that if you were a good resident, you would have two or three things on your differential, but if you were great, you would appear at the bedside with at least 10 things on your differential." — Dr. Ann [00:13:55] "Nothing really makes me madder than coming in the morning and seeing that the residents gave contrast to ten people, when if you've got a hemodynamically significant bleed, you do not need contrast." — Dr. Elliott [00:20:53] "On more than one occasion, manual pressure has saved lives." — Dr. Zach Dr. Ann Gage Dr. Ann Gage is a critical care and interventional cardiologist at Centennial Heart in Nashville. She bridges the cath lab and CICU with expertise in both patient care and procedural nuance. Dr. Zach Il'Giovine Dr. Zach Il'Giovine is a heart failure and critical care cardiologist at Centennial Heart. He focuses on managing complex ICU patients, procedural complications, and bridging multidisciplinary care. Resources and Links Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Ann Gage https://centennialheart.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-gage-b7036831 https://x.com/anngagemd?lang=en Dr. Zach IlGiovine https://centennialheart.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-il-giovine https://x.com/zilgiovinemd?lang=en Dr. Elliott Miller https://x.com/ElliottMillerMD https://www.soccc.org/ Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	The Basics of ECMO with Dr. Jason Katz	05 Sep 2025	00:23:13
In this episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, Dr. Simon Parlow sits down with Dr. Jason Katz, advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist, critical care leader, and president of the Society of Critical Care Cardiology, to dive into the real-world challenges of managing VA ECMO at the bedside. ECMO can be life-saving, but it’s also one of the most complex tools in the ICU. Dr. Katz breaks down what every trainee needs to know: the difference between VV and VA ECMO, when and how to decide who’s a candidate, and why every cannulation must come with an “exit strategy.” He shares practical insights on navigating the first critical days, staying vigilant for complications like Harlequin syndrome, and when left ventricular venting makes sense. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of managing a patient on VA ECMO, this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap so you feel more prepared the next time you see an ECMO consult roll into the CICU. Key Takeaways The difference between VV and VA ECMO and why VA supports both the heart and lungs. Classic indications for VA ECMO: when to consider it for refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. How to decide if your patient has a viable exit strategy, bridge to recovery, bridge to transplant, or bridge to decision. Harlequin syndrome (differential hypoxemia): What it is, how to detect it, and what to do about it. Pearls on left ventricular venting and unloading: when to consider a balloon pump, Impella, or atrial septostomy. Why multi-disciplinary shock teams are essential for real-time ECMO decision-making. In This Episode [00:00:00] Introduction [00:00:45] Episode sponsor & guest introduction [00:01:57] Defining and differentiating VV and VA ECMO [00:04:47] Indications and patient selection for VA ECMO [00:06:49] VA ECMO as a bridge and contraindications [00:10:02] Early management and complications of VA ECMO [00:14:14] Differential hypoxemia (Harlequin syndrome) [00:18:18] Left ventricular venting and unloading [00:22:34] Episode wrap-up and closing Notable Quotes [05:28] "If there's one thing that is consistent about places that are using VA ECMO is that there is no consistency." — Dr. Jason Katz [10:18] "You need to think about how you're going to get off the device, again, whether you're hoping for recovery or it's a bridge to an exit strategy like durable VAD or transplantation." — Dr. Jason Katz [13:48] "Transplantation as an exit strategy. But again, the longer these patients are on these devices, the ECMO is certainly the case. But for every temporary MCS device, the longer they're on these devices, the higher their risk for getting one of these complications." — Dr. Jason Katz [19:40] "Everything that unloads the heart or unloads the left ventricle is going to vent the left ventricle, but not everything that vents the left heart will necessarily unload or reduce the myocardial oxygen consumption." — Dr. Jason Katz Dr. Jason Katz Associate Chief of Cardiology, Bellevue Hospital; Program Director for Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Fellowship, NYU; President, Society of Critical Care Cardiology. Nationally recognized leader in advanced heart failure, critical care cardiology, and mechanical circulatory support. Resources and Links Become a member of the Community: ⁠⁠https://www.soccc.org/subscribe⁠⁠ Dr. Jason Katz https://x.com/jasonkatzmd?lang=en https://hfsa.org/jason-n-katz-md-mhs Dr. Simon Parlow https://www.soccc.org/ Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	Vasoactive Medications in the CICU with Dr. Elliott Miller and Dr. Anthony Carnicelli	03 Jul 2026	00:19:40
How do you choose the right vasoactive medication for a patient in cardiogenic shock? In this episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, hosts Dr. Anthony Carnicelli and Dr. Elliott Miller sit down for a practical, high-yield discussion on vasopressors, inotropes, and the real-world decision-making behind vasoactive medication management in the CICU. Designed for residents, fellows, and ICU teams, this episode breaks down the pharmacology, clinical evidence, and bedside application of commonly used vasoactive agents including norepinephrine, dopamine, epinephrine, vasopressin, phenylephrine, dobutamine, and milrinone. Dr. Carnicelli emphasizes a stepwise approach to vasoactive medication management: first understanding the pharmacology and intended physiologic effects, then learning how to apply those principles clinically in complex shock states. The conversation explores the limitations of existing cardiogenic shock data, including the aging SOAP II trial and the landmark DOREMI trial comparing milrinone and dobutamine. The discussion also dives into nuanced scenarios such as LVOT obstruction, severe aortic stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmogenic shock, and escalating vasopressor requirements that may signal the need for mechanical circulatory support. Packed with practical teaching pearls and candid reflections from the CICU, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for approaching vasoactive medications beyond algorithms and dogma. Whether you are pre-rounding before sunrise or managing a crashing patient overnight, this episode delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately at the bedside. Norepinephrine remains the preferred first-line vasopressor in most cardiogenic shock patients. Vasopressin is generally avoided in low-output cardiogenic shock due to pure vasoconstrictive effects. Pulmonary hypertension and arrhythmogenic shock may be scenarios where vasopressin is helpful. DOREMI demonstrated no major efficacy or safety differences between milrinone and dobutamine. Vasoactive medication management is often more art than science. [00:00] Introduction [01:51] A two-step approach to teaching vasoactive meds [03:30] The SOAP II trial: Norepinephrine vs. dopamine [06:41] Epinephrine as a first-line agent [08:19] When to avoid norepinephrine [09:57] Using vasopressin in cardiogenic shock [12:32] Phenylephrine in right heart failure [13:48] The DOREMI trial: Milrinone vs. dobutamine [17:32] Final thoughts and interdisciplinary approaches [07:37] " Even if you're defending the MAP with epinephrine, you'll get this characteristic rise in lactate, which is concerning, to say the least." — Dr. Elliott Miller [15:36] "The fact that in a randomized trial there was no evidence of efficacy difference, no difference in survival, but also no difference in safety profile…that speaks volumes." — Dr. Anthony Carnicelli on the DOREMI trial [17:07] "If you choose milrinone and you've made a mistake, you're going to have to live with that mistake for a lot longer than dobutamine." — Dr. Elliott Miller [18:51] "Vasoactive medication management is a bit more of an art than it is a science. So experience goes a long way." — Dr. Anthony Carnicelli Resources and Links Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Anthony Carnicelli https://www.getcare.muschealth.org/providers/anthony-carnicelli-1376956714 https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-carnicelli-926a0b88 Dr. Elliott Miller https://x.com/ElliottMillerMD https://www.soccc.org/ Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	The Story of DanGer Shock and the Future of the Microaxial Flow Pump with Dr. Jacob Møller	05 Jun 2026	00:15:24
After more than two decades without a major positive randomized trial in cardiogenic shock, is the evidence finally catching up to the technology? In this episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, Dr. Simon Parlow sits down with Dr. Jacob Møller, critical care cardiologist and professor at the University Hospital Copenhagen, to unpack microaxial flow pumps and the landmark DanGer Shock trial. Dr. Møller shares how persistence, collaboration, and a bit of luck helped drive a breakthrough in a field that has long needed one. They explore how these devices work at the bedside, from unloading the left ventricle to reducing myocardial oxygen demand, and what that means in real-world care. The conversation also dives into the challenges of running a high-stakes trial in critically ill patients, along with practical insights on patient selection, complications, lactate trends, and weaning strategies. It’s a sharp look at one of the most important recent advances in cardiogenic shock and where clinicians are still forced to operate without clear evidence. Microaxial flow pumps unload the left ventricle: By reducing preload and stroke work, they may lower myocardial oxygen demand and support recovery in shock states. The DanGer Shock trial changes the landscape: It’s the first major positive randomized trial in cardiogenic shock in over 20 years, targeting a highly selected STEMI population. Patient selection is everything: Only a small fraction of shock patients were eligible, highlighting how precise clinicians must be when applying this therapy. Weaning starts earlier than we thought: The most critical window may be the first 12–24 hours, with earlier reassessment for device removal. Evidence is still evolving: Outside of trial populations, clinicians must rely on judgment when considering use in non-STEMI or non-ischemic shock. [00:00] Introduction to SoCCC Pre-Rounds [00:57] Live from ACVC 2026: introducing Dr. Jacob Møller [01:15] What are micro axial flow pumps and how do they work? [03:52] The origin and evolution of the DanGer Shock trial [06:39] Trial results and why they were unexpected [07:48] Expanding beyond STEMI: real-world patient selection [09:44] Monitoring patients: lactate and hemodynamic trends [10:20] Early management challenges and complications [11:36] Rethinking weaning strategies [12:05] Role of guideline-directed therapy during support [12:57] Lessons from running a major clinical trial [14:03] Building a research culture in critical care [07:51] "After seeing the results of DanGer, we have probably become a little bit more liberal in using the device in other forms of ischemic, like non-STEMI shock." — Dr. Jacob Møller [09:46] "We look at trajectories, and we look a lot at lactate. Lactate has to go down in these patients; otherwise, something is wrong." — Dr. Jacob Møller [10:33] "You look at the trajectory, so if it goes from 1.5 and starts going down, then you know there's something wrong." — Dr. Jacob Møller [13:57] "I'm working in a very small cardiac ICU; we only have seven beds, but we randomized more than 100 patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest every year." — Dr. Jacob Møller Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Jacob Møller https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-eifer-m%C3%B8ller-1b2398300/?locale=en https://www.rigshospitalet.dk/ Dr. Simon Parlow https://www.ottawaheart.ca/profile/parlow-simon Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	Keeping It Cool: The Evidence, the Controversy, the Future of TTM with Dr. Andrea Elliott	01 May 2026	00:22:17
In this episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, Dr. Balim Senman and Dr. Andrea Elliott, a cardiologist and critical care physician at the University of Minnesota, dive into the evolving landscape of targeted temperature management (TTM) after cardiac arrest. They explore how temperature control strategies have shifted from early hypothermia trials to modern fever-avoidance methods, with ongoing debates around TTM in critical care. Dr. Elliott discusses landmark studies like Bernard, HACA, TTM, Hyperion, and TTM2, highlighting their impact and limitations. The conversation delves into the real-world application of temperature targets, considering patient severity, neurologic injury, and the unique challenges posed by ECPR patients. Dr. Elliott also covers the physiological costs of hypothermia, common complications, and practical aspects of managing shivering, devices, and protocols. Whether you're a trainee or an experienced clinician, this episode offers evidence-based insights and practical guidance for optimizing post-arrest care. TTM is for comatose survivors: Only patients who remain unresponsive after ROSC benefit; awake patients do not. Fever prevention matters most: Trial data on hypothermia vs normothermia are mixed, but fever (>37.7°C) is consistently harmful and must be aggressively avoided. One size does not fit all: Patients with longer downtimes or more severe neurologic injury may benefit more from active cooling. Allowing spontaneous hypothermia is reasonable. ECPR patients are different: Prolonged CPR and ECMO-based temperature control make them physiologically distinct from patients in major TTM trials. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [02:16] Historical background of TTM [03:13] Early human studies and mechanisms [04:17] Landmark trials Bernard and HACA [06:06] TM1 Hyperion and TM2 trials [10:25] Patient selection for TTM [11:39] Personalized temperature targeting [13:21] Management of hypothermic and normothermic patients [15:47] TTM in ECPR and ECMO patients [18:09] Drawbacks and risks of hypothermia [19:19] Protocols and cooling devices [21:59] ECPR-specific cooling techniques Notable Quotes [16:04] "ECPR patients by definition have had refractory arrest, not attaining ROSC. So that 20- 25 minute time is blown out of the water. Our ECPR population has an average of 60 minutes of CPR time, so more than double. So the time for that neurologic injury is extensive." — Dr. Andrea Elliott [18:43] "You can actually get into trouble if with some under-resuscitation and some patients, if you get them too cold too quickly, and so you'll have to give extra volume back."— Dr. Andrea Elliott [22:37] "The most important thing is to make sure that you avoid fevers in our ECPR patients. We also use cooling towers, so we basically cool the fluid or the blood that is in the tubing outside of the patient so that it goes through a cooling bath."— Dr. Andrea Elliott Resources and Links Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Andrea Elliott https://med.umn.edu/bio/andrea-elliott https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-elliott-5575b4267/ Dr. Balim Senman https://www.linkedin.com/in/balim-senman-7561436b/ https://x.com/BalimSenmanMD https://www.soccc.org/ Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	The POCUS Revolution: Why Echo Belongs in Every ICU with Dr. Hatem Soliman	03 Apr 2026	00:19:25
In this episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, Dr. Simon Parlow is joined by Dr. Hatem Soliman, a leading expert in critical care echocardiography, for a deep dive into the game-changing role of point-of-care ultrasound or POCUS in resuscitation and cardiac intensive care. Together, they unpack how resuscitative echocardiography can help identify reversible causes of cardiac arrest, like pericardial tamponade or tension pneumothorax, and even guide real-time chest compression placement to improve CPR effectiveness. Dr. Soliman highlights two must-have views: the apical five-chamber for stroke volume and the short-axis great vessels view to assess RV function and pulmonary pressures. If you're looking to sharpen your bedside skills and bring more precision to your resuscitation toolkit, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Key Takeaways Move beyond the IVC: Hepatic, portal, and renal vein Doppler give a clearer picture of systemic venous congestion than IVC alone. Cardiac output needs context: Doppler VTI can mislead unless combined with views like apical five-chamber and timing indices like isovolumetric contraction time. Every echo parameter has a pitfall: Never interpret one measure in isolation; always integrate findings with clinical judgment. His go-to views in shock? Apical 5 chamber (LVOT VTI) and parasternal short axis of great vessels (PA flow) to assess perfusion and RV afterload. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction to the podcast [02:24] Role of echo in cardiac arrest [03:43] Training and cautions with echo in CPR [06:19] Key skills for new trainees in critical care echo [07:33] Physiological assessment in critical care echo [09:21] Multi-organ ultrasound and venous congestion [11:45] Systemic venous congestion in post-ICU patients [12:18] Comprehensive cardiac output assessment [15:50] Pitfalls and dangers of critical care POCUS [17:18] Favorite echo views in cardiac ICU Notable Quotes [06:33] "Critical care echo is actually complex... you need to further proceed from this basic level to intermediate and then advanced levels in which you will be able to assess physiological changes in the heart." — Dr. Hatem Soliman [09:22] "The practice of multi-organ ultrasound and looking beyond the chest cavity for congestion is a very important advancement in point-of-care ultrasound." —Dr. Hatem Soliman [17:24] "If I have two views to look at in a very short time... the apical five chamber view to get the LVO TVTI because that immediately gives you a clue about stroke volume and cardiac output." — Dr. Hatem Soliman Dr. Hatem Soliman Dr. Hatem Soliman is a cardiac intensivist at Harefield Hospital and senior lecturer at King’s College London. He serves on the executive board of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the editorial board of JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. A global educator and author of key POCUS textbooks, Dr. Suleiman is renowned for advancing the use of bedside echocardiography in critical care to improve hemodynamic assessment and patient outcomes. Resources and Links Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Hatem Soliman https://www.escardio.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hatemsoliman/ Dr. Simon Parlow https://www.ottawaheart.ca/profile/parlow-simon Mentioned Doyen A. et al. Portal Doppler Ultrasound in Congestion Assessment (André Denault’s work) JACC Imaging, Journal of Cardiovascular Ultrasound European & American Resuscitation Guidelines Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.
	Cardiac Tamponade in the ICU: Diagnosis, Echo, and Management with Dr. Courtney Bennett	06 Mar 2026	00:14:58
In this episode of SoCCC Pre-Rounds, Dr. Balim Senman sits down with Dr. Courtney Bennett, a critical care cardiologist and echocardiographer at Mayo Clinic Rochester, to unpack the bedside recognition and management of cardiac tamponade. The conversation emphasizes tamponade as a clinical diagnosis, highlighting key physical exam clues such as tachycardia, hypotension, elevated JVP, pulsus paradoxus, and electrical alternans. Dr. Bennett explains the physiology of ventricular interdependence and why the rate of pericardial fluid accumulation matters more than volume alone. The episode also explores how point-of-care echocardiography supports but does not replace clinical judgment, distinguishing early findings like inflow variation from late signs such as chamber collapse. Management strategies are discussed in real-world terms, including when to urgently drain an effusion, how to stabilize patients with fluids and vasopressors while awaiting intervention, and common pitfalls like inappropriate diuresis. This episode delivers practical, high-yield guidance for clinicians managing undifferentiated shock in the cardiac ICU. Key Takeaways Tamponade is a clinical diagnosis: Pericardial effusion alone does not equal tamponade without hemodynamic compromise Tachycardia often comes first: Hypotension and shock may follow as compensation fails Small, rapidly accumulating effusions can be fatal, while large chronic effusions may be well tolerated Echo supports, not replaces clinical judgment: Chamber collapse suggests late disease; inflow variation may signal early tamponade Drain emergently when unstable: Approach and urgency depend on patient trajectory, not imaging alone In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [01:11] Definition of cardiac tamponade [01:50] Physical exam findings in tamponade [03:25] Pulsus paradoxus: definition and mechanism [04:57] Etiologies of pericardial effusion [05:43] Volume vs. hemodynamic instability [06:40] Clinical vs. echo diagnosis of tamponade [08:09] Echocardiographic findings in tamponade [10:02] Management: tamponade vs. stable effusion [12:10] Stabilizing the pre-tamponade patient [13:23] Fluid vs. diuretics in tamponade Notable Quotes [01:28] "This is a diagnosis when a patient has pericardial effusion. So excess fluid around the heart that's causing them to have hypotension, low blood pressure, and part of that actually could be what we would describe as Beck's triad." — Dr. Courtney Bennett [12:38] "So first and foremost, I would start with IV fluid resuscitation bolus. I don't think there's a well-defined amount that we should use. 500 a liter of fluid. You have to use your clinical assessment because many of our patients may also be peripherally volume overloaded as well. But typically in this scenario, fluid is really the upfront management."— Dr. Courtney Bennett [13:48] "Sometimes I work with learners who think that because there's an excess of fluid around the heart, we should be giving diuretics. That's not the case because diuretics will decrease the preload and actually worsen the hypotension."— Dr. Courtney Bennett Resources and Links Become a member of the Community: https://www.soccc.org/subscribe Dr. Courtney Bennett https://alumniassociation.mayo.edu/colleague-notes/courtney-bennett-d-o/ Dr. Balim Senman https://www.linkedin.com/in/balim-senman-7561436b/ https://x.com/BalimSenmanMD https://www.soccc.org/ Supported By: This episode is made possible by unrestricted support from Zoll LifeVest — thanks for keeping high-impact education free for our community. Disclaimer This podcast is not medical advice, just candid, practical discussions about what your hosts do every day in the CICU. Always consult your supervising team and current guidelines before applying any interventions.

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