In this engaging episode of the Life of Flow Podcast, hosts Dr. Lucas Rey and Dr. Miguel Montero-Baker welcome Dr. Jeffrey Dikis, a podiatrist specializing in sports and reconstructive surgery, to explore the intersection of podiatry and vascular surgery. The conversation dives into the practical challenges, collaboration opportunities, and the future of integrated medical care, with a focus on limb salvage, vascular screening, and multidisciplinary patient care models.

They also share personal insights from their podcasting journey, including the humorous story of how two vascular surgeons decided to start a podcast over drinks.

Resources Mentioned:

• Amputation Nation Documentary: amputationnation.org

• SALSA Model: Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (University of Arizona)

Back Table Podcast – A podcast for vascular professionals.

In this fun and candid episode, your hosts dive into audience questions, offering unfiltered opinions, insightful career advice, and entertaining banter. From choosing between private practice and academia to the challenges of fatherhood, the hosts explore personal growth, the importance of self-awareness, and balancing work with life. Tune in for laughs, life lessons, and an unapologetically honest perspective on the medical world (and string cheese).

In this episode of Life of Flow, we are honored to welcome Dr. Juan Parodi, the innovator who transformed the field of vascular surgery. Dr. Parodi shares his journey, from the early days of his medical career to the groundbreaking development of endovascular surgery techniques that revolutionized the treatment of aneurysms. With his unique blend of curiosity, innovation, and perseverance, Dr. Parodi discusses the challenges he faced and the incredible successes that followed, including his first successful surgery using a self-designed endoprosthesis.

We also delve into his personal philosophy on medical innovation, the transition from scientific to commercial success, and the importance of persistence in achieving breakthroughs. He provides insights into how medical professionals can foster creativity, bring ideas to life, and impact healthcare on a global scale. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a medical student, or someone interested in the intersection of technology and health, this episode is filled with wisdom and inspiration.

In this insightful episode of The Life of Flow Podcast, host Lucas Ferrer sits down with Pam Jordan, CEO of Pivot Business Group. Pam shares her expertise in helping entrepreneurs and healthcare providers, such as med spas and IV infusion clinics, increase profitability and reduce taxes. With her extensive background in financial strategy and business development, Pam provides actionable advice for physicians who are looking to diversify their income and build successful side ventures.

Guest Info:

• Pam Jordan
  CEO of Pivot Business Group
  Website: Pivot Business Group

In this episode of The Life of Flow Podcast, we are joined by Cesar Fuentes, the CEO and founder of Q Construction Solutions, to dive into the world of home building and renovations. Cesar shares invaluable tips on how to successfully manage contractors when remodeling your home, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring your project runs smoothly. From getting the best out of your contractor to practical advice on remodeling, Cesar provides expert insights that every homeowner should know before starting a renovation.

In this episode of the Life of Flow podcast, hosts dive deep into the cutting-edge world of limb salvage surgery with Dr. Michael Theodoulou, a podiatrist, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, and Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery at Cambridge Health Alliance. Dr. Theodoulou introduces listeners to an innovative approach called distraction angiogenesis, which is helping patients with severe lower extremity conditions that have left them with "no option" for treatment.

• Dr. Theodoulou on the Impact of Distraction Angiogenesis:"We’ve seen significant improvements in blood flow and healing in patients with no other options. The angiogenesis response from controlled fractures can be remarkable."

• Hosts on the Future of Vascular Surgery:"There’s a real intellectual curiosity here, and the results are exciting. Techniques like this could change how we approach limb salvage."

In this highly engaging episode of The Life of Flow Podcast, two experienced vascular surgeons, Miguel and Lucas, take listeners on an unscripted journey through a challenging case involving a patient with a complex cardiovascular history. They discuss the importance of collaboration among colleagues and highlight their thought processes while troubleshooting difficult cases. The episode touches on decision-making under pressure, clinical improvisation, and the unique challenges of vascular surgery. Expect transparency, candid opinions, and an in-depth look into the realities of medical practice.

In this episode, Miguel and Lucas dive into the details of an intriguing case involving a patient with a lower extremity ischemia, possibly exacerbated by a prior COVID infection and cardiovascular risks. The conversation covers the challenges and nuances of managing stenosis and plaque buildup in peripheral arteries, with an emphasis on using cutting-edge techniques such as atherectomy and drug-coated balloons.

Key Discussion Points:

• Patient Case Overview: The patient, a relatively healthy golfer with a history of prothrombotic events post-COVID, faced intermittent claudication and severe stenosis. The team walks through the case’s progression and their decision-making process.

• Medical Optimization Challenges: The hosts highlight the common issue of failed conservative treatments like medication and exercise programs. Miguel discusses the frustrations patients face when optimization fails, leading to pressure on surgeons for more aggressive interventions.

• Endovascular Techniques Explored:

• • Imaging Insights: The importance of ultrasound and IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound) in guiding procedural decisions is emphasized, especially in identifying the type of plaque (soft vs. calcified) and the need for debulking.

  • Atherectomy vs. Laser vs. Drug-Coated Balloon: Miguel shares his preference for the RotorX atherectomy device over other methods like laser, citing its versatility in treating soft plaque, clot, and stenosis. Lucas offers his perspective on alternative approaches.

  • Case Reflection: The episode’s dramatic twist occurs when a previously undetected lesion surfaces, prompting a reassessment of the procedure and further interventions.

• Patient Outcome: After a successful intervention with the RotorX device and a drug-coated balloon, the patient returned to golfing, demonstrating the real-world impact of these complex procedures.

• Humor & Hot Takes: Throughout the episode, Miguel and Lucas share lighthearted moments, including "dad jokes" and banter about their experiences in the medical field, making this technical conversation engaging for both seasoned professionals and learners.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of thorough imaging in vascular procedures.

• Why atherectomy devices, when used correctly, can be game-changers in treating challenging cases.

• How to balance conservative management with more aggressive interventions when dealing with peripheral artery disease.