Ep. 34 Understanding Cardiac Mass Removal: Techniques Using Continuous Aspiration with Dr. Abdallah El Sabbagh

From clot to clear flow, minimally invasive aspiration devices are PAVE-ing the way for safer treatment of endocarditis and cardiac masses. In this BackTable Cardiology episode, host Dr. Hady Lichaa sits down with Dr. Abdallah El Sabbagh to discuss percutaneous continuous-flow aspiration for right- and select left-sided endocarditis and cardiac masses. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by Angiodynamicshttps://9zfaiv.short.gy/cardiovascular-backtable --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction03:43 - Lessons in Fibroelastoma 12:01 - Imaging Workup14:24 - Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) vs Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE)17:52 - AngioVac System Components20:33 - Access Strategy, Sheath Size and Flow Rates23:41 - Adjunct Tools and Retrieval Options31:35 - Using Continuous Aspiration47:16 - Percutaneous AngioVac Vegetation Extraction (PAVE) Trial 53:17 - Future Devices Wishlist --- More about this episode Dr. El Sabbagh provides guidance on removing papillary fibroelastomas, emphasizing matching technique to mass characteristics and combining tools such as continuous aspiration with electrosurgical snaring to address adherent stalks. Their conversation covers patient selection for off-label endocarditis intervention, including intravenous drug use and Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) lead infections, use of aspiration as definitive therapy, and imaging/workflow preferences. Dr. El Sabbagh details the AngioVac system, access strategies, adjunct devices, mitigating complications, and registry outcomes. He touches on the need for prospective studies, including the Percutaneous AngioVac Vegetation Extraction (PAVE) clinical trial. To finish the conversation, Drs. Lichaa and El Sabbagh look ahead to building future devices and provide advice on creating multidisciplinary programs as well as training pathways. --- Resources Dr. Hady Lichaa’s Provider Profilehttps://healthcare.ascension.org/find-care/provider/1336267533/hady-lichaa Dr. Abdallah El Sabbagh’s Provider Profilehttps://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/el-sabbagh-abdallah-m-d/bio-20466764 Percutaneous AngioVac Vegetation Extraction (PAVE) to Remove Right Heart Vegetations in Patients With Infective Endocarditis - PAVE Clinical Trialhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07282002 --- BackTable Cardiology is the go-to podcast for interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and other healthcare professionals that manage cardiovascular conditions. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app