
Ep. 468 Advancements in Laser Atherectomy with Dr. On Topaz
07/30/24 • 67 min
How has Laser Atherectomy advanced over the years to treat patients with coronary and peripheral artery disease? Dr. On Topaz, renowned specialist in laser atherectomy, answers exactly that and much more in this week’s episode the BackTable Podcast. Dr. Topaz is an interventional cardiologist and a professor of medicine at Duke University.
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CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR
AngioDynamics Auryon System
https://www.auryon-system.com/
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SYNPOSIS
The doctors begin their discussion by comparing traditional Excimer laser and new Auryon laser technologies. The conversation also covers thrombus management, use of lasers in complex plaques, the latest research studies on laser atherectomy, and future developments in laser technology for varied medical applications.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
10:01 - Laser Atherectomy & Thrombus Management
21:59 - Laser Applications in Peripheral Arterial Disease
28:12 - Laser in Interventional Cardiology
41:17 - New Laser Technologies
47:50 - Research Findings and Clinical Trials
59:09 - Future Prospects and Applications
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RESOURCES
Book by Dr. On Topaz - Debulking in Cardiovascular Interventions and Revascularization Strategies:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128214510/debulking-in-cardiovascular-interventions-and-revascularization-strategies
Book by Dr. On Topaz - Lasers in Cardiovascular Interventions:
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-1-4471-5220-0.pdf
Book by Dr. On Topaz - Cardiovascular Thrombus: From Pathology and Clinical Presentations to Imaging, Pharmacotherapy and Interventions:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128126158/cardiovascular-thrombus
Paper from Dr. Giancarlo Biamino - The excimer laser: science fiction fantasy or practical tool?:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15760264/
Clinical Trial from Dr. John Bittl - Predictors of outcome of percutaneous excimer laser coronary angioplasty of saphenous vein bypass graft lesions. The Percutaneous Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty Registry:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8023778/
Paper from Dr. Warren S. Grundfest - https://journals.lww.com/coronary-artery/citation/1990/07000/laser_angioplasty.4.aspx
Paper from Dr. George S. Abela - Abrupt Closure After Pulsed Laser Angioplasty: Spasm or A “Mille-Feuilles” Effect?:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1540-8183.1992.tb00830.x
Solid state, pulsed-wave 355 nm UV laser atherectomy debulking in the treatment of infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease: The Pathfinder Registry:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38566525/
How has Laser Atherectomy advanced over the years to treat patients with coronary and peripheral artery disease? Dr. On Topaz, renowned specialist in laser atherectomy, answers exactly that and much more in this week’s episode the BackTable Podcast. Dr. Topaz is an interventional cardiologist and a professor of medicine at Duke University.
---
CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR
AngioDynamics Auryon System
https://www.auryon-system.com/
---
SYNPOSIS
The doctors begin their discussion by comparing traditional Excimer laser and new Auryon laser technologies. The conversation also covers thrombus management, use of lasers in complex plaques, the latest research studies on laser atherectomy, and future developments in laser technology for varied medical applications.
---
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
10:01 - Laser Atherectomy & Thrombus Management
21:59 - Laser Applications in Peripheral Arterial Disease
28:12 - Laser in Interventional Cardiology
41:17 - New Laser Technologies
47:50 - Research Findings and Clinical Trials
59:09 - Future Prospects and Applications
---
RESOURCES
Book by Dr. On Topaz - Debulking in Cardiovascular Interventions and Revascularization Strategies:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128214510/debulking-in-cardiovascular-interventions-and-revascularization-strategies
Book by Dr. On Topaz - Lasers in Cardiovascular Interventions:
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-1-4471-5220-0.pdf
Book by Dr. On Topaz - Cardiovascular Thrombus: From Pathology and Clinical Presentations to Imaging, Pharmacotherapy and Interventions:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128126158/cardiovascular-thrombus
Paper from Dr. Giancarlo Biamino - The excimer laser: science fiction fantasy or practical tool?:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15760264/
Clinical Trial from Dr. John Bittl - Predictors of outcome of percutaneous excimer laser coronary angioplasty of saphenous vein bypass graft lesions. The Percutaneous Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty Registry:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8023778/
Paper from Dr. Warren S. Grundfest - https://journals.lww.com/coronary-artery/citation/1990/07000/laser_angioplasty.4.aspx
Paper from Dr. George S. Abela - Abrupt Closure After Pulsed Laser Angioplasty: Spasm or A “Mille-Feuilles” Effect?:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1540-8183.1992.tb00830.x
Solid state, pulsed-wave 355 nm UV laser atherectomy debulking in the treatment of infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease: The Pathfinder Registry:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38566525/
Previous Episode

Ep. 467 Independent IR Practice in Rural America with Dr. Frederick D. Johnson
Bringing more interventional radiology to rural America would benefit many patients who currently do not have access to minimally invasive, image guided medicine. In today's episode, Dr. Frederick Johnson, an interventional radiologist practicing in Thomasville, Georgia joins us to discuss the unique dynamics and challenges of setting up and maintaining a successful rural IR practice.
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CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR
Medtronic ClosureFast
https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/c/cardiovascular/closurefast-rfa-system.html
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. Johnson provides insights into the professional service agreement (PSA) model that allows his practice to maintain autonomy while collaborating with the local hospital. The episode explores the complexities of recruiting to a rural setting, maintaining a broad case mix, ensuring financial stability, and fostering professional satisfaction. The conversation highlights the importance of redefining independence and the benefits of integrating collaboration into IR practices.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
02:29 - Dr. Johnson’s Background and Journey
11:46 - Professional Service Agreement (PSA) Explained
18:48 - Daily Operations and Structure
24:19 - Teamwork in Rural Healthcare
30:35 - Recruitment and Growth
33:33 - Compensation and Financial Incentives
42:05 - Benefits of Small Town Living
44:34 - Advice for Aspiring Rural Healthcare Practitioners
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RESOURCES
Vita Surgery/Vascular Website:
https://vitadr.org/
Next Episode

Ep. 469 Price Transparency in Healthcare with Dr. Keith Smith
Creating an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) with transparent, affordable pricing is possible and can go a long way in protecting our patients’ health, pockets, and futures. Dr. Keith Smith, founder of Oklahoma Surgery Center and the Free Market Medical Association, joins us to explain how to do it.
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CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR
Reflow Medical
https://www.reflowmedical.com/
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. Smith shares his journey of creating transparent and affordable healthcare pricing, the challenges faced due to government regulations and insurance companies, and the rapid growth of self-funded companies seeking value in medical services. He highlights the importance of simple, honest pricing and the impact of the Free Market Medical Association in connecting buyers and sellers. Dr. Smith also discusses the expansion of his model beyond Oklahoma and into new surgical centers, emphasizing the need for price transparency in healthcare.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction
05:06 - Challenges & Growth
14:18 - Self-Funding & Price Transparency
16:47 - Free Market Medical Association
21:44 - Government & Price Transparency
26:19 - Expansion & Future Plans
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RESOURCES
Oklahoma Surgery Center:
https://surgerycenterok.com/
Free Market Medical Association:
https://fmma.org/
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