BackTable Vascular & Interventional BackTable

In this episode, guest host Dr. Krishna Mannava interviews Dr. Bob Tahara about the significant multilevel impacts, ripple effects, and fallout of cyberattacks on the healthcare industry, specifically covering the recent cyberattack that targeted major clearinghouse, Change Healthcare.

Dr. Tahara is a vascular surgeon practicing in rural northwest Pennsylvania and President of Outpatient Endovascular Interventional Society (OEIS). Dr. Tahara shares his experiences as a solo vascular surgeon in rural Pennsylvania, highlighting the complexities of modern billing systems, the advantages of hiring a quality billing company, and the challenges posed by the consolidation of clearinghouses. The conversation also delves into the alarming ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, where 6 terabytes of patient data were compromised. This incident exposed vulnerabilities across the healthcare sector, from payment processes to electronic medical and prescription records. The doctors underscore the importance of cybersecurity preparedness, diversification of clearinghouses, and the role of physicians in advocating for more secure and efficient healthcare systems. They also touch on personal hobbies like Kendo to manage stress.

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Reflow Medical
https://www.reflowmedical.com/

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction
02:02 - Cyberattack on Change Healthcare: An Overview
06:37 - Impact of the Cyberattack on Healthcare Practices
09:50 - Understanding Clearinghouses in Healthcare Billing
14:30 - Fallout from the Cyber Attack: A Personal Account
16:40 - Navigating the Aftermath: Strategies and Solutions
22:54 - Value of Medical Records and Cybersecurity Measures
29:18 - Action Items and Advocacy for Physicians
35:00 - OEIS 2024 Meeting and Final Thoughts

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RESOURCES

OEIS Annual Meeting Schedule 2024:
https://oeisweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-AM-attendee-brochure-v4-FINAL-proof-lowres.pdf

BackTable Episode 349 - Cybersecurity for Physicians with Jason Newton, Esq:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/349/cybersecurity-for-physicians

In this episode, Dr. Omar Saleh and Dr. Mike Watts discuss the challenging aspects of vascular interventions in the OBL setting, focusing on ‘oh $#!%’ moments and how to address various complications. Both Dr. Saleh and Dr. Watts are vascular and interventional radiologist, practicing in Southern California and New Jersey, respectively.

The doctors share specific, challenging cases they’ve encountered, including device malfunctions and unexpected outcomes during procedures. Additionally, Dr. Saleh and Dr. Watts discuss the advantages of having hybrid OBL and hospital practices, the importance of being prepared for complications by having the right tools and strategies at hand, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The conversation also touches on the value of certain devices and techniques in managing complications effectively and ensuring patient safety.

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RADPAD® Radiation Protection
https://www.radpad.com/

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction
04:53 - Creative Solutions for Complex Vascular Cases
16:47 - Hybrid Practice: Balancing OBL and Hospital Work
21:39 - The Pros and Cons of Hybrid OBL-Hospital Practices
30:34 - Navigating Complex Medical Procedures
35:09 - Importance of Preparedness and Resourcefulness in Medical Emergencies
44:38 - Advice for Handling Complicated Medical Cases
49:26 - Concluding Thoughts and Looking Ahead to Future Conferences

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RESOURCES

BackTable VI Episode 384 - New Innovations in Closure Devices with Dr. Omar Saleh and Dr. Syed Hussain:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/384/new-innovations-in-closure-devices

BackTable VI Episode 121 - Office-Based Labs (OBLs) & What You Can Do in Them with Dr. Mike Watts:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/121/office-based-labs-obls-what-you-can-do-in-them

BackTable VI Episode 37 - Treating PAD in the OBL with Dr. Mike Watts and Dr. Omar Saleh:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/37/treating-pad-in-the-obl

In this episode, host Dr. Bryan Hartley takes us on a deep dive into the origin story and mission of Pulmera, a medtech company dedicated to transforming the field of bronchoscopic lung cancer diagnosis by retrofitting existing fluoroscopy machines into cone beam CT-like scanners. Dr. Hartley is a vascular and interventional radiologist and co-founded Pulmera, alongside interventional pulmonologist Dr. Harmeet Bedi at Stanford.

Pulmera is developing a novel approach to enhance physicians’ ability to diagnose lung nodules accurately through innovative technology. Dr. Hartley shares insights into the challenges of existing diagnostic methods, the inspiration behind Pulmera, and the technology’s potential to combine the best of 3D imaging and endoscopy techniques. Dr. Hartley discusses the benefits for both patients and physicians, such as improved diagnostic yields and patient outcomes, and introduces an investment opportunity for the BackTable community to be part of this revolutionary project. The episode also explores the broader implications of this technology across various medical specialties beyond pulmonology.

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CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR

RADPAD® Radiation Protection
https://www.radpad.com/

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction
02:18 - Personal Journey: From Vanderbilt to Stanford Biodesign
06:11 - Pulmera’s Mission: Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy in Lung Biopsies
15:02 - Introducing a Game-Changing Technology for Bronchoscopic Procedures
22:09 - Challenges and Breakthroughs in Portable CT Imaging
27:44 - Economic Impact of Enhanced Diagnostic Procedures
29:48 - Building a Team and Securing Funding for Innovation
31:30 - Understanding Investment Opportunities and Equity Financing

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RESOURCES

Dr. Bryan Hartley’s email:
bryan.hartley@pulmera.com

Dr. Bryan Hartley’s cell:
423-432-0612

Pulmera:
http://www.pulmera.com/

Stanford Biodesign Fellowship:
https://biodesign.stanford.edu/programs/fellowships/innovation-fellowships.html

BackTable Innovation Episode #1 - Needs Driven Innovation with Dr. Todd Brinton (Stanford BioDesign):
https://www.backtable.com/shows/innovation/podcasts/1/needs-driven-innovation

BackTable Innovation Episode #30 - Host Stories with Dr. Bryan Hartley and Dr. Eric Gantwerker (Stanford BioDesign):
https://www.backtable.com/shows/innovation/podcasts/30/host-stories

BackTable VI Episode #422 - Pathology 101: Solid Advice for Percutaneous Biopsies with Dr. Andrew Sholl:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/422/pathology-101-solid-advice-for-percutaneous-biopsies

In this episode, Dr. Jos van den Berg discusses the benefits of joining the Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) Global Society, including discounts on Amputation Prevention Symposium (AMP) meetings, access to a specialized journal, and participation in Multidisciplinary CLI Network (MCLIN) discussion boards.

Dr. van den Berg is an interventional radiologist at University of Bern in Switzerland and Europe Office Chairman and Member of Board of Directors for CLI Global Society. Dr. van den Berg also serves as a reviewer and editorial board member of multiple high-impact scientific journals.

With members across the globe, the CLI Global Society emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to combat CLI, aiming to prevent amputation and death through education, patient advocacy, and awareness about CLI. Dr. van den Berg also sheds light on the complexity of CLI management in Europe due to varied reimbursement systems among countries and the society’s efforts to tackle these challenges. The episode also touches on the society’s future goals, including expanding its global presence and continuing to offer extensive resources and networking opportunities to its members.

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BD Advance Clinical Training & Education Program
https://page.bd.com/Advance-Training-Program_Homepage.html

Reflow Medical
https://www.reflowmedical.com/

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction
02:08 - Meet Our Guest: Dr. Jos van den Berg
05:42 - Deep Dive into CLI Global Society
07:53 - Exploring the Impact and Initiatives of CLI Global Society
14:42 - Challenges and Differences of CLI Management in Europe
21:08 - Innovations and Future Endeavors in CLI Treatment
23:45 - Closing Thoughts and the Importance of Membership

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RESOURCES

CLI Global Society:
https://www.cliglobalsociety.org/

Multidisciplinary CLI Network (MCLIN) Global CLI LIVE Meeting (every 2nd Friday of the month, 7am EST):
https://www.cliglobalsociety.org/education/mclin/#myaccount

AMP CLI Meeting:
https://www.hmpglobalevents.com/amptheclimeeting

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.

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CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR

Nevro HFX Spinal Cord Stimulator
https://www.hfxforpdn.com

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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

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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