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Dr. Michael Barraza on the BackTable VI Podcast

Dr. Michael Barraza

Interventional Radiologist

Dr. Michael Barraza is a practicing interventional radiologist (and all around great guy) with Radiology Associates in Baton Rouge, LA.

Listen to Dr. Michael Barraza on the BackTable Podcast

The BackTable Podcast is a knowledge resource by physicians for physicians. Learn from the experiences and expertise of Dr. Michael Barraza and get practical advice on how to build your practice by listening to the BackTable Podcast.

Ep 588 Breast Cryoablation: Techniques, Patient Selection & Outcomes with Dr. Robert Ward
00:00 / 01:04

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About Dr. Michael Barraza

Dr. Barraza spearheads strategic direction of BackTable and is a regular host of our podcast. Identifying the vast potential for BackTable as a one-stop hub to support his specialty, he volunteered as a consultant before officially joining the BackTable team in mid-2017. Dr. Barraza is a practicing interventional radiologist in Baton Rouge, LA. Outside of work, Dr. Barraza likes to do more work, make/raise kids, and create fantastic podcasts.

Podcasts Featuring Dr. Michael Barraza

VI

VI Episode #588

As breast imaging is becoming increasingly sensitive, is cryoablation the next frontier for treating small cancers or patients who are poor surgical candidates? Learn from expert Dr. Robert Ward, associate professor and program director of the Breast Imaging Fellowship at Brown University as he provides a contemporary overview of the innovative field of breast cryoablation.

VI

VI Episode #584

Is meningeal artery embolization the key to ending the cycle of chronic subdural hematomas? In this episode of the Back Table Podcast, Dr. Paul Gullota from Ochsner Health joins host Michael Barraza to share his technical insights on middle meningeal artery embolization, including patient workup, procedure technique, and post-operative care.

VI

VI Episode #579

This week’s episode is a masterclass on vascular anomaly treatment. Brush up on your malformations with Dr. Cliff Weiss, the Director of the Vascular Anomaly Center at Johns Hopkins. He shares next-level techniques, precision diagnostics, and his 'gold standard' approach to alcohol sclerotherapy.

MSK

MSK Episode #84

To ablate or not to ablate? That is the question. Learn how to tackle complex and unique cases of kyphoplasty and spinal ablation in part two of our discussion with Dr. Asad Baig and host Dr. Michael Barrazza.

VI

VI Episode #573

What tricks do you have up your sleeve to help you get through tough cases? In this special episode of the BackTable Podcast, Drs. Ally Baheti, Mike Barraza, and Chris Beck spotlight the most creative and practical pearls from the 2025 BackTable Tips & Tricks competition, showcasing standout submissions and clever techniques shared by their peers.

VI

VI Episode #569

From new techniques to evolving best practices–are you up to date with the latest developments in carotid artery stenting? In this episode, Dr. Wayne Olan, Interventional Neuroradiologist and the director of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery at George Washington University joins Dr. Michael Barraza for a discussion on the latest innovations and evolving techniques in carotid artery stenting.

MSK

MSK Episode #83

From patient selection to procedure technique–learn the key insights that shape a successful kyphoplasty and spine ablation practice. In this episode of the BackTable MSK Podcast, host Dr. Michael Barraza welcomes back Dr. Asad Baig, an Interventional Radiologist and director of the Interventional Spine Center at Columbia University. They discuss the latest developments at Columbia, focusing on exciting expansions in the interventional radiology and spine realms. The primary focus of their conversation is on advanced techniques in spine ablation and kyphoplasty, and the ideal patient profile for these treatments.

VI

VI Episode #560

Symptomatic gallstones that can’t be treated with surgery? Interventional radiology can help. In this episode of BackTable, Dr. John Smirniotopoulos, IR at MedStar Health, joins Dr. Michael Barraza to share the latest advancements and techniques in biliary endoscopy.

VI

VI Episode #558

Are your current stroke interventions in line with the latest clinical data? Dr. Blaise Baxter, interventional radiologist at Sutter Health, and Dr. Jim Milburn, interventional neuroradiologist at the Ochsner Health, join host Dr. Michael Barraza to discuss the latest advancements in stroke interventions.

VI

VI Episode #551

What would you do if your IR/DR practice underwent major ownership and staffing changes just one week after signing your first attending contract? In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Waqaar Diwan joins host Dr. Michael Barraza to share his experience facing exactly that challenge—and how it led to the eventual development of his own independent IR practice.

VI

VI Episode #546

Inside the American Board of Radiology (ABR) Core Exam: What’s in store for future IR/DR trainees? In this episode, Dr. Mike Barraza and Dr. Sabeen Dhand sit down with Dr. Quinn Meisinger, interventional radiologist and program director at UC San Diego, for a deep dive into the shifting landscape of the IR/DR training.

VI

VI Episode #528

Let’s talk liver ablations. This week’s episode of the BackTable Podcast provides a thorough review of modern microwave ablation methods, tools, and tech, featuring Dr. Asad Baig (interventional radiologist at Columbia University) and host Dr. Michael Barraza.

VI

VI Episode #527

Targeted, image-guided interventions can make a big difference for patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Learn how in this week’s BackTable episode featuring Dr. Clifford R. Weiss (Director of the Johns Hopkins Vascular Anomalies Center and HHT Center of Excellence) and host Dr. Michael Barraza.

VI

VI Episode #526

Teleradiology, artificial intelligence, and private equity takeovers—how do we navigate these rapid changes in the radiology landscape? In this episode, our co-hosts Dr. Ally Baheti and Dr. Mike Barraza bring Dr. Ben White back to the show to provide an update on the current radiology job market and share his insights on reclaiming value for the profession. Dr. White begins by reflecting on the changes since his last appearance with us in 2022, focusing primarily on the ongoing shortage of radiologists, which has lasted longer than anticipated during the pandemic, and the explosion of teleradiology.

Industry

Industry Episode #89

Teleradiology, artificial intelligence, and private equity takeovers—how do we navigate these rapid changes in the radiology landscape? In this episode, our co-hosts Dr. Ally Baheti and Dr. Mike Barraza bring Dr. Ben White back to the show to provide an update on the current radiology job market and share his insights on reclaiming value for the profession. Dr. White begins by reflecting on the changes since his last appearance with us in 2022, focusing primarily on the ongoing shortage of radiologists, which has lasted longer than anticipated during the pandemic, and the explosion of teleradiology.

VI

VI Episode #518

Do we finally have definitive data on the efficacy of prostate artery embolization (PAE)? Dr. Shivank Bhatia (interventional radiologist at University of Miami) joins host Dr. Michael Barraza to discuss the findings from his prospective 1,075 patient study on the long-term outcomes of PAE, the largest longitudinal, single-center, single-operator, prospective study in the United States.

VI

VI Episode #500

500 episodes of BackTable calls for a special reunion! The original hosts—Dr. Aaron Fritts, Dr. Chris Beck, Dr. Ally Baheti, Dr. Sabeen Dhand, Dr. Mike Barraza, and producer Kieran Gannon—come together to celebrate by reminiscing about the podcast’s origins and evolution. They discuss the challenges of improving the podcast, share funny behind-the-scenes moments, and highlight their favorite episodes. The team also offers insights into how they choose topics and reflects on their experiences with both virtual and in-person recordings. Finally, they introduce the new BackTable Studio and highlight the upcoming Creator Weekends.

VI

VI Episode #489

Historically, public recognition and understanding of IR has been limited, with a significant portion of patients unaware of interventional procedures and the field as a whole. How can we improve awareness of IR and minimally invasive treatment options? Dr. Mina Makary discusses this and his recent study on public perceptions of IR, with host Dr. Michael Barraza. Dr. Makary is a vascular and interventional radiologist and an Associate Professor of Radiology at The Ohio State University.

MSK

MSK Episode #60

Tumor embolization is a versatile procedure that can provide symptomatic and long-term benefits for patients. In this episode of BackTable MSK, host Dr. Michael Barraza discusses musculoskeletal tumor embolizations with Dr. Gina Landinez from the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, where she is helping to grow the MSK interventions program.

VI

VI Episode #487

Tumor embolization is a versatile procedure that can provide symptomatic and long-term benefits for patients. In this episode of BackTable MSK, host Dr. Michael Barraza discusses musculoskeletal tumor embolizations with Dr. Gina Landinez from the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, where she is helping to grow the MSK interventions program.

VI

VI Episode #485

Are you up-to-date on microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment? Dr. Zachary Berman and host Dr. Michael Barraza discuss this treatment modality. They cover the spectrum of pre-procedure imaging and planning, procedure steps, and tips for navigating difficult cases. Dr. Berman is a hepatobiliary interventional oncologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Radiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

VI

VI Episode #482

Get caught up on prostate artery embolization (PAE) best practices and learn the ins-and-outs of building a PAE program in 2024. Dr. Jason Hoffmann covers this and more, with host Dr. Michael Barraza. Dr. Hoffmann is an interventional radiologist and educator at NYU Langone Health.

VI

VI Episode #475

While GLP-1 agonists continue to gain popularity in the medical management of diabetes and obesity, Dr. Cliff Weiss is exploring bariatric arterial embolization (BAE) as an adjunctive therapy to help patients sustain weight loss. Dr. Weiss, the Director of IR Research at Johns Hopkins, joins the show to discuss the techniques and impacts of BAE for obesity treatment.

MSK

MSK Episode #49

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.

Articles Featuring Dr. Michael Barraza

VI

Evidence-based overview of stenosis treatment without surgery: antiplatelet therapy, carotid stenting, & TCAR.

VI

Review carotid endarterectomy vs stent, including patient selection, procedural risks, & long-term outcomes in stroke prevention.

VI

The 2025 thyroid radiofrequency ablation CPT code is 60660 with add-on code +60661. Learn more about this CPT code to ensure proper medical billing and coding.

MSK

The 2025 genicular nerve ablation CPT code is 64624. Learn more about this CPT code to ensure proper medical billing and coding.

VI

The 2025 CPT code for IVC filter placement is 37191. Learn more about this CPT code to ensure accurate medical billing and coding.

VI

The 2025 prostate artery embolization CPT code is 37243. Learn more about this CPT code to ensure proper medical billing and coding.

MSK

For the physician performing a genicular nerve ablation procedure, there are certain patient presentations, anatomical nuances, procedure techniques, and potential complications that you should pay close attention to. Dr. Smirniotopoulos shares some of his lessons learned in performing countless genicular nerve ablations, focusing especially on these topics.

MSK

Genicular nerve ablation is becoming an important procedure for any clinician working in pain management. It is often a preferred method for knee pain treatment by orthopedic surgeons, in part due to its minimally invasive nature and short recovery time.

VI

Through the lens of different case studies, Dr. Rehan Quadri underscores critical elements to successfully treating clot in transit, including pre-procedural planning and equipment competency. He also dives into two common challenges when treating clot in transit: concomitant pulmonary embolism and shunts.

VI

Variety in prostatic artery embolization (PAE) procedure techniques, such as catheter choice, endpoints, particle sizes, and use of coils or liquids can lead to inconsistent procedure outcomes. Interventional radiologist Dr. Sam Mouli explains his techniques and recommendations to better standardize prostatic artery embolization in practice.

VI

Dr. Rehan Quadri discusses the indications for treating patients with, what he calls, “clot in transit”. Using real examples from his experiences as a new attending at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Quadri outlines the clinical course for patients with clot in transit, from diagnosis to management.

VI

The rapid evolution of the PAE procedure has led to the utilization of various pre-procedural practices. Questionnaires, Uroflow, CT, MRI, and cone beam CT have been used, among other tools, to work up patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and plan treatment. Learn more about PAE procedure workup.

VI

Interventional radiologist Dr. Sam Mouli shares his view on the role of the PAE prostate procedure in the treatment of BPH, and explains when the PAE prostate procedure may be appropriate as a first-line therapy.

VI

When facing a complicated case of intracranial stenosis, should recanalization be attempted even if the procedure seems unlikely to be successful? Due to the safety of mechanical thrombectomy, even for complicated intracranial stenosis cases, many operators now recommend intervention and aggressive post-procedural management.

VI

The stent retriever and aspiration catheter are common tools for stroke thrombectomy, yet the indications for which is better is often ambiguous. Dr. Hannes Nordmeyer and Dr. Matthew Gounis advise on how to choose your procedure kit and discuss new technologies for tough fibrin rich clots, including the Cerenovus Nimbus.

VI

In this article, we address when to select balloon kyphoplasty over balloon vertebroplasty, different balloon access techniques, and how to deploy the ideal amount of kyphoplasty cement filling.

VI

This article aims to help you guide your patient through their pain while discussing the hows, whens, and whats of vertebral compression fracture treatment.

VI

Step-by-step guidance on how to perform a Prostate Artery Embolization Procedure. Review tools, techniques, pearls, and pitfalls.

VI

Step-by-step guidance on how to perform Liver Ablation. Review tools, techniques, pearls, and pitfalls.

VI

Interventional musculoskeletal radiologist Dr. Douglas Beall is a pioneer in MSK and spine intervention. Through continued innovation, he has expanded the boundaries of minimally invasive MSK/spine therapies, offering an expansive variety of procedures that are too numerous for us to list.

VI

Interventional radiologist Dr. Douglas Beall discusses how he implements new methods into spine intervention practice as well as the benefits of innovation both for patients and IR professionals.

VI

The importance of cementoplasty after RF ablation and how RF ablation with OsteoCool™ in a cementoplasty procedure compares with radiation and combination therapy.

VI

RF ablation for the palliative treatment of painful spinal lesions, highlighting patient selection, goals of therapy, and follow-up care.

VI

Imaging work-up prior to elective TIPS procedure, preferred tools for executing TIPS, and TIPS technique.

Get in touch!

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Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.

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Podcasts

Breast Cryoablation: Techniques, Patient Selection & Outcomes with Dr. Robert Ward on the BackTable VI Podcast
Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization: Procedure & Rationale with Dr. Paul Gulotta on the BackTable VI Podcast
How to Manage Vascular Anomalies: From Hemangioma to AVM with Dr. Clifford Weiss on the BackTable VI Podcast
Approaches in Complex Kyphoplasty Cases  with Dr. Asad Baig on the BackTable MSK Podcast
BackTable Tricks Competition 2025 with Dr. Aparna Baheti on the BackTable VI Podcast
Multidisciplinary HCC Care: Improving the Patient Experience with Combined Clinics with Dr. Tyler Sandow, Dr. Jonathan Mizrahi, Dr. Steven Young and Deondra Bonds-Adams on the BackTable VI Podcast

Topics

Academic Practice Podcasts
Angiography Podcasts
Aortic Dissection Podcasts
Arterial Revascularization Podcasts
Arterial Stenting Podcasts
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Podcasts

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