Transforming Treatment: Dr. Attef Mikhail on the Frontiers of Interventional Radiology

In this episode of PX Space host Linda Robinson Speaks with Dr. Attef Mikhail, a Board Certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist at Vascular and Interventional Associates in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.. His commitment to patient care has earned him multiple "Top Doctor" awards from Cincinnati Magazine. Known for his ability to make complex medical information accessible to patients, Dr. Mikhail specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vascular diseases and conditions

Linda and Dr. Mikhail discussed the significant advancements and impacts of interventional radiology (IR), particularly in oncology. Dr. Mikhail highlighted the rise of minimally invasive procedures that require less recovery time and are suitable for patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery, including the elderly or those who are poor surgical candidates. These procedures not only offer therapeutic and diagnostic benefits but also provide palliative care to relieve pain. Furthermore, there is a focus on educating both the healthcare community and the public about the capabilities and benefits of IR, as it is still a relatively unknown field. They also emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in oncology to enhance patient outcomes through combined expertise and integrated treatment approaches.

Dr. Mikhail explains three categories of treatments in interventional oncology, focusing particularly on arterial therapies and ablation for liver cancer, including primary and metastatic tumors. These treatments involve inserting a catheter to deliver radioactive beads or chemicals directly to the tumor or blocking the tumor's blood supply. He also discusses newer methods like oblation, where tumors are targeted with energy to destroy them. Additionally, these physical methods can enhance immunotherapy by exposing previously "cold" tumors to the immune system, making them "hot" and more susceptible to attack. Dr. Mikhail also touches on the integration of these treatments with other oncology approaches and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in developing effective cancer treatments.

Dr. Mikhail elaborates on the use of advanced medical imaging technology in interventional radiology, noting that today's medical monitors offer higher resolution than standard televisions and provide real-time visualization, which is crucial for guiding procedures precisely.

Dr. Mikhail discusses advanced interventional radiology procedures used for palliative care, particularly focusing on methods that alleviate severe pain in cancer patients. He describes how technologies like probes and needles can be used to target and freeze tumors and surrounding nerve fibers, which significantly reduces pain levels in patients. Furthermore, he explains the use of medical cement and percutaneous screws to stabilize bones affected by cancer, improving patients' mobility and quality of life. Dr. Mikhail also highlights the integration of these procedures with other oncological treatments to enhance their effectiveness and how these advancements have transformed patient care.