Dr. Christopher Beck

Port removal is a common procedure amongst interventional radiologists. In order to minimize risk of infection and ensure a speedy recovery, it is important to understand how to successfully perform this routine procedure as a budding IR.

Port removals are often a time for celebration for patients as well as providers. However, ports can sometimes become infected or encased in granulation tissue.

Percutaneous iliofemoral venous stenting demands precise selection of tools and stents tailored to each clinical scenario. This article explores the strategic approaches for stent placement and sizing in both non-thrombotic and post-thrombotic conditions, aiming to enhance patient outcomes.

Iliofemoral vein stenting is explored in depth, focusing on critical aspects of procedural preparation and post-operative care. Learn more about medication strategies, patient discomfort management, imaging follow-ups, and the importance of regular surveillance for successful long-term outcomes.

Iliofemoral venous disease demands specialized diagnostic and management approaches. Learn about patient referral patterns, crucial diagnostic methods, and key strategies for effective treatment compliance.

There are a diversity of thrombectomy devices that are viable for arterial thrombectomy, including Boston Scientific AngioJet, Penumbra Indigo, AngioDynamics Auryon, and BD Rotarex. Each device has utility in different clinical scenarios. Learn more about effective arterial thrombectomy device selection.

Interventional radiologist Dr. Alexander Ushinksy details his procedural technique for arterial thrombectomy in acute limb ischemia, including patient preparation, imaging, heparinization, wire placement, and post-operative care.

IR Dr. Alexander Ushinsky shares expert advice on building a thriving peripheral vascular practice with a successful acute limb ischemia program.

Dr. Alexander Ushinsky provides an in-depth look at his protocol for working up acute limb ischemia, covering physical examination, Rutherford classification, imaging, and labs. Learn more!

The key to a successful needle lung biopsy procedure is proper preparation. Interventional radiologist Dr. Robert Suh shares his approach to patient prep for lung biopsy, including pain control.

Pneumothorax is a common complication during a lung biopsy procedure. Dr. Robert Suh describes two distinct methods, BioSentry plug and blood patching, to manage this complication, and considerations for each approach.

Dr. Nima Kokabi shares his approach to renal artery embolization in trauma, detailing the benefits of radial vs femoral access, the renal artery embolization devices that he prefers, and the specifics of his renal embolization procedure technique.

Renal trauma can present significant challenges for new interventional radiologists, from understanding biopsy risks and potential iatrogenic injuries, to the intricacies of imaging techniques and choosing between different treatment options. Learn more about the importance of targeted renal biopsy, the role of two-phase arterial and venous CT scans in diagnosing renal bleeds, and the nuanced decisions behind interventions such as embolization and partial nephrectomy.

Interventional radiologist Dr. Josh Kuban shares his workflow with the NeuWave microwave ablation system and provides his review of specific features, including the system interface, the ability to draw customizable margins, and the ability to upload mid-procedural scans.

Along with the speed and efficiency associated with microwave ablation, the introduction of NeuWave’s ablation confirmation software significantly modifies the microwave ablation procedure workflow, allowing the use of multi-probe techniques, and larger ablation zones.

Dr. Ruff urges all healthcare providers to clarify the exact contrast agent and the timeline of the allergic reaction. She discusses premedication for contrast allergy and different intake protocols.

Contrast dye allergy is the correct term, not iodine allergy. Radiologist Dr. Cullen Ruff suggests that the term "iodine allergy" should no longer be used in the medical field.

Blood patching began to emerge in the early 2000’s as a technique to reduce the incidence of chest tube placements subsequent to pneumothoraces, and has since been adopted in lung biopsy procedures. Blood patching is a technique in which the operator introduces the patient's own blood into the pulmonary space to promote coagulation of air passages created upon biopsy.

As an operator, two key challenges of the microwave liver ablation procedure are navigating the background liver parenchyma and determining the extent of lesion ablation possible without compromising liver function. Dr. Driss Raissi, an Interventional Radiologist at the University of Kentucky discusses how to navigate these challenges and shares his liver ablation procedure techniques in this BackTable Article.

CT guided lung biopsy can be quite challenging. There is a risk of injuring the many pulmonary and intercostal vessels, the time consuming process of sticking the nodule, and determining what patients are viable candidates. Abdominal radiologist Dr. Fred Lee discusses the techniques his practice has used to improve their CT guided lung biopsies.

The standard liver ablation zone for hepatocellular carcinoma is half a centimeter to one centimeter, but where does this standard come from? This article discusses the current liver ablation zone guidelines and explores an alternative approach.

Prostate artery embolization technique may vary depending on which arterial access site is chosen (radial vs femoral). Different PAE techniques may also be utilized to minimize off-target embolization.

Understanding the variations in prostate artery embolization anatomy is crucial for improving technical success, reducing the chance of re-vascularization and minimizing non-target embolization. The variations in origin of the prostate artery can be sorted in a classification system.

Dr. Parvez Mantry shares different methods of portal hypertension and ascites management and treatment. These complications arise from loss of liver architecture and liver synthetic dysfunction. For severe ascites, paracentesis or a transplant may be needed. Learn more!