The Heart of Innovation with Kym McNicholas

New minimally invasive treatments for arthritis and chronic joint pain are giving some patients options beyond medications, injections and more invasive surgery. Vascular surgeon Dr. Daniel Nathanson explains Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), MSK embolization and how image-guided vascular techniques are being used to target inflammation and pain.

Dr. John Phillips and I welcome Dr. Daniel Nathanson of the San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute in San Francisco, California, for a fascinating look at how tools traditionally associated with vascular intervention are expanding into the treatment of musculoskeletal pain.

Dr. Nathanson is a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive, image-guided treatments. His work includes Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis as well as musculoskeletal or MSK embolization for chronic pain involving areas such as the shoulder, hip and other joints.

So how does embolization help arthritis pain?

Rather than replacing a joint, these procedures use a tiny catheter to reach abnormal blood vessels associated with inflammation. The goal is to reduce that inflammatory blood flow and, in appropriately selected patients, reduce pain and improve function. For knee osteoarthritis, GAE is being explored as a minimally invasive option for patients who continue to have pain despite conservative treatment and are looking for alternatives to knee replacement.

We also explore how this concept is moving beyond the knee. Dr. Nathanson discusses emerging applications of MSK embolization for chronic joint and tendon pain involving the shoulder, hand and wrist, hip, knee, Achilles tendon, plantar fascia and more.

If you are dealing with osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain or persistent joint pain, this conversation will help you understand where these newer minimally invasive treatments may fit, who may be a candidate, and why vascular specialists are becoming part of a rapidly evolving area of arthritis care.

Learn more about Dr. Daniel Nathanson and San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute: San Francisco, California Search: San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute / Dr. Daniel Nathanson

Need help with Peripheral Artery Disease or another opinion before an amputation? Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS

Find PAD clinical trials and research opportunities: PADTrials.org

Join The Great Circulation Challenge Help us walk the 60,000 miles of the human circulatory system together. SIGN UP: www.TheGreatCirculationChallenge.org

Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart for more conversations on new treatments, vascular disease, circulation, PAD, limb salvage and medical innovation.

Please LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE. If you know someone living with arthritis or chronic joint pain who is looking for treatment options, send them this conversation.

#Arthritis #Osteoarthritis #KneePain #GenicularArteryEmbolization #GAE #MSKEmbolization #ArthritisTreatment #JointPain #MinimallyInvasive #KneeArthritis #ChronicPain #VascularSurgery #DrDanielNathanson #MedicalInnovation

What does it take to heal a wound when poor blood flow is working against you?

Dr. Robert McLafferty has spent his career as a vascular surgeon working to save life and limb. But there's another side to him that we first introduced you to several months ago: he's also a songwriter and musician.

Now both worlds are coming together.

Dr. McLafferty is back on The Heart of Innovation as he prepares for Modern Wound Care Management (MWCM) in Washington, an interdisciplinary conference bringing wound care experts together to discuss real-world cases, treatment strategies and ways to improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-heal wounds.

He'll be joined by other speakers from the conference as we talk about what's changing in wound care and some of the latest strategies being used to help wounds heal.

This conversation is especially important for people living with advanced peripheral artery disease known as chronic limb-threatening ischemia, or CLTI.

When a patient with severely reduced blood flow develops a wound on the foot or leg, healing can become incredibly difficult. These are the patients at greatest risk for infection, tissue loss and amputation, and wound care cannot be separated from the underlying circulation problem.

We'll talk about:

• What's new in treating complex wounds • Why some wounds simply won't heal • The connection between blood flow and wound healing • What patients with PAD and CLTI need to understand about their wounds • The importance of interdisciplinary care in preventing amputations • Real-world cases and treatment strategies being discussed at MWCM • What patients and caregivers should be asking when a wound isn't getting better

And then we're changing gears.

Dr. McLafferty has officially released his first album!

When we last talked with him, music was the passion he pursued outside the operating room. Now he's taken that passion all the way to releasing an album while continuing his work to save life and limb.

We're going to hear how it happened, what inspired the music and what it feels like to finally put something so personal out into the world.

Saving limbs and making music. I can't think of many people who can say they're doing both.

If you or someone you love has PAD and a wound that isn't healing, rest pain, gangrene, or you've been told amputation may be necessary, call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline:

1-833-PAD-LEGS

We can help you understand your options, prepare questions for your doctors and identify resources for another evaluation when appropriate.

Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart for more conversations with physicians, innovators and patients working to change the course of peripheral artery disease and prevent unnecessary amputations.

The Heart of Innovation is hosted by Kym McNicholas.

This program is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Wound treatment and revascularization decisions depend on the individual patient and should be discussed with the treating medical team.

#WoundCare #PeripheralArteryDisease #PAD #CLTI #LimbSalvage #AmputationPrevention #VascularSurgery #ChronicWounds #WoundHealing #TheHeartOfInnovation

For years, Ginger had leg pain without knowing she had peripheral artery disease (PAD).

She was active, but the pain kept getting worse. Four years ago, it became so severe that she went to the emergency room. She was admitted, given anti-inflammatory medication and eventually referred for an orthopedic evaluation for a possible hip replacement.

That orthopedic surgeon changed the direction of her care.

While Ginger did have some arthritis, he told her the symptoms she was describing might be vascular.

An ABI test followed.

Ginger learned she had about 50% blood flow in one leg and 60% in the other.

The first vascular surgeon she saw was prepared to move forward with an angiogram and potentially balloons and stents.

Then Ginger got a second opinion.

That vascular surgeon offered her another option to consider first: a three-month walking program.

When Ginger started, she could barely make it to the mailbox without debilitating leg pain. She describes it as feeling like someone was squeezing the life out of her leg.

Walking around her block took 37 minutes.

She kept walking.

Today, Ginger is hiking, active and living her life. Her PAD hasn't disappeared. She can still have discomfort. But her symptoms are no longer lifestyle limiting.

I wanted Ginger to share her story on The Heart of Innovation because there are several lessons here that I think every person with PAD should hear.

Leg pain isn't always orthopedic.

Getting the right diagnosis matters.

A second opinion can change the course of your care.

And for appropriate patients with intermittent claudication, a structured walking program isn't simply advice to "walk more." Exercise therapy is an important part of PAD treatment that deserves a real conversation before deciding what comes next.

Ginger's story also isn't an argument against angiograms, balloons, stents or other procedures when they're medically appropriate. It's a reminder that PAD treatment should be individualized, and patients should understand their options.

If you have leg pain when you walk that gets better when you stop, don't assume it's simply aging, arthritis, your hip or your back. Ask whether your circulation should be checked.

And if you have PAD and have been told you need a procedure or are facing a possible amputation, you can call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline at:

1-833-PAD-LEGS

We help patients better understand their diagnosis, prepare questions for their physicians and explore options for additional evaluation when appropriate.

PAD Walking Program:
thewaytomyheart.org/pad-walking-program

Join The Great Circulation Challenge to get started walking as well during PAD Awareness Month in September: TheGreatCirculationChallenge.org

Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart for more patient stories and conversations about peripheral artery disease, circulation, limb salvage and cardiovascular health.

DISCLAIMER: This program is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Not everyone with PAD is an appropriate candidate for the same exercise or treatment strategy. Talk with your healthcare team about what is appropriate for your condition.

#PeripheralArteryDisease #PAD #Walking #IntermittentClaudication #PADAwareness #VascularDisease #SecondOpinion #ExerciseTherapy #Circulation #TheHeartOfInnovation

What does it take to cross a 100% blocked artery and open the door to treatment when others may think there are no options?

On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, I'm joined by my co-host Dr. John Phillips as we talk with Dr. Brett Bennett, an Interventional Cardiologist and CTO expert, about the challenging world of chronic total occlusions, also known as CTOs.

A CTO is a completely blocked artery, and crossing it requires skill, strategy, tools, and experience. Dr. Bennett shares what makes these cases so complex, how physicians approach them, what patients should understand, and why expertise matters when dealing with advanced coronary artery disease.

Dr. Bennett has a special focus on chronic total occlusion intervention and complex coronary intervention, and his work has helped his program become one of the top CTO centers in the Southeast. He is also actively involved in research related to coronary artery disease, novel coronary stents, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, antiplatelet therapy, and artificial intelligence in heart disease diagnosis.

If you or someone you love has been told they have a blocked artery, this is an important conversation.

Please watch, subscribe, and share so more patients and families can find this information.

Call to Action:

• Subscribe: @TheWayToMyHeart
• Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS
• Visit: TheWayToMyHeart.org
• Join: TheGreatCirculationChallenge.org for our PAD Awareness Month walking challenge
• Comment below with your questions about CTOs, coronary artery disease, or artery blockages
• Share this episode with someone who needs hope, answers, or another perspective

Hosted by: Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips

#HeartOfInnovation #CTO #ChronicTotalOcclusion #BlockedArtery #CoronaryArteryDisease #InterventionalCardiology #DrBrettBennett #HeartDisease #Cardiology #PatientAdvocacy #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips

One year ago, Mama Joyce was facing an above-knee amputation after peripheral artery disease had progressed to its most advanced stage, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, or CLTI. Her daughter, Jae, called the Global PAD Association's Leg Saver Hotline looking for one more chance. We helped facilitate Mama Joyce's transfer to an advanced multidisciplinary limb salvage team with the experience, tools, and techniques needed to take another look. Today, Mama Joyce is not only standing on that leg. She is walk, walk, walking! Now, her extraordinary journey has been documented in a peer-reviewed case report published in Vascular Disease Management by HMP Global. I am deeply honored to be a co-author alongside Dr. David Allie, Dr. Kerry Thibodeaux, and Dr. Amit Amin. Dr. John Phillips and I welcome Mama Joyce andher daughter Jae back to The Heart of Innovation one year after we first shared their story. We talk about the fight to get another set of eyes on her case, the imaging and advanced revascularization that helped restore blood flow, the multidisciplinary wound care that followed, and the determination of a patient and daughter who refused to give up hope. We also discuss why this publication matters. This is the first peer-reviewed case report we have co-authored documenting the role patient advocacy can play in helping someone facing amputation reach an experienced limb salvage team. Mama Joyce's outcome cannot be promised for every patient. But her story is a powerful reminder of why patients should understand their diagnosis, ask whether all appropriate imaging and treatment options have been explored, and seek an urgent second opinion from an experienced limb salvage specialist when time and their medical condition allow. Read the peer-reviewed case report: https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/vdm/case-report/extreme-limb-salvage-facilitated-patient-advocacy-multidisciplinary-care-and Watch our original conversation with Mama Joyce and Jae: https://www.youtube.com/live/2f95s6hZKsQ?si=62VmoO8gqs8AUTOz Facing an amputation or being told there are no other options? Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS or visit PADhelp.org. We help patients understand the questions to ask and connect with experienced limb salvage specialists for additional opinions. Subscribe to our youtube channel: @TheWayToMyHeart for more patient stories, physician conversations, and lifesaving information about peripheral artery disease. Join The Great Circulation Challenge and help us walk the 60,000 miles of the human circulatory system: https://padwalk.org/register.html Please share Mama Joyce's story. It may reach someone who needs to know that it is okay to ask questions, seek another set of eyes, and make sure every reasonable option has been explored. This program is for education and awareness and is not a substitute for medical advice. Every patient and medical situation is different, and outcomes will vary. Never delay urgent or medically necessary treatment while seeking another opinion. Always consult your own healthcare team. #PeripheralArteryDisease #LimbSalvage #PatientAdvocacy #legpain #legcramps #chroniclimbthreateningischemia #criticallimbischemia #peerreviewed #diabetes #PADsupportgroup #globalpadassociation

The human body contains approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels. This September, during PAD Awareness Month, Dr. John Phillips and I are inviting people around the world to help us walk every one of them together.

The Great Circulation Challenge is a free global walking challenge bringing together patients, physicians, clinicians, researchers, vascular industry teams, caregivers, families, and anyone who wants to improve their circulation.

We will follow the journey of a drop of blood through the human superhighway, beginning in the left side of the heart and traveling through the aorta, brain, arms, hands, legs, feet, veins, lungs, and back home to the heart.

Along the way, we will stop at the major milestones of the circulatory system and explain why every part matters, especially the arteries supplying the legs and feet.

Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, is poor circulation caused by plaque narrowing or blocking the arteries, most commonly in the legs. It is more prevalent and, when it reaches its advanced stages, can be deadlier than prostate cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer combined.

Yet millions of people do not know they have it.

Leg cramping, aching, heaviness, fatigue, slowing down while walking, cold feet, discoloration, numbness, and wounds that do not heal should never simply be dismissed as normal aging.

Walking is medicine.

For people living with PAD, structured walking can help improve circulation, build endurance, increase walking distance, and encourage the development of natural collateral pathways around blocked arteries.

Throughout September, every participant's steps will contribute to our shared 60,000-mile goal. After the global challenge is complete, participants will be invited to continue their own individual Circulation Journey until they personally reach 60,000 miles.

REGISTER FOR THE GREAT CIRCULATION CHALLENGE THIS SEPTEMBER:

https://padwalk.org/register.html

Registration is free. You can join an existing team or create one for your family, physician, clinic, hospital, workplace, school, patient group, or community.

NEED HELP WITH PAD?

Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline:

1-833-PAD-LEGS 1-833-723-5347

Our team can help you better understand PAD, prepare questions for your doctor, explore walking resources, and connect with experienced vascular specialists when needed.

FIND A WALKING PROGRAM

Learn about supervised exercise therapy and structured walking programs for PAD:

https://www.thewaytomyheart.org/pad-w...

Subscribe to our channel and join us as we raise awareness, improve circulation, and work together to save life and limb.

#PeripheralArteryDisease #PADAwareness #PADAwarenessMonth #GreatCirculationChallenge #WalkingIsMedicine #ImproveCirculation #CirculatorySystem #VascularHealth #HeartHealth #LegCirculation #Claudication #LimbSalvage #SaveLimbsSaveLives #CardiovascularHealth #SupervisedExerciseTherapy #StructuredWalking #WalkForHealth #GlobalPADAssociation #TheHeartOfInnovation #LegSaverHotline

Could a "pulled muscle"... constipation... loss of appetite... or back pain actually be the warning signs of an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection?

The sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham has sparked an urgent national conversation about one of medicine's deadliest and most overlooked conditions.

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, I am joined by my co-host, Dr. John Phillips, and renowned vascular surgeon Dr. Sungho Lim from Rush University Medical Center to answer the questions millions of Americans are now asking:

• What exactly is an aortic aneurysm?

• What is the difference between an aneurysm and an aortic dissection?

• Why are so many people diagnosed only after a catastrophic emergency?

• What symptoms should never be ignored?

• Can back pain, abdominal pain, or chest pain be warning signs?

• Should people with high blood pressure be screened?

• Does family history matter?

• Why does the United Kingdom have a national abdominal aortic aneurysm screening program for certain men, while the United States takes a more limited approach?

This conversation is deeply personal for me.

My own mother died from an abdominal aortic dissection. Looking back, there were warning signs that seemed to fit other diagnoses. Her back pain was attributed to longstanding spine and sciatica problems. Her smaller meals and loss of appetite were thought to be related to Crohn's disease, even though it was in remission. She described what felt like a tearing sensation that was believed to be a pulled muscle.

Like so many families, we were left wondering:

Could this have been recognized sooner?

If you or someone you love has high blood pressure, a history of smoking, vascular disease, connective tissue disorders, or a family history of aneurysm or dissection, this is a conversation you should not miss.

Please remember: This program is for education only and should not replace medical advice. If you develop sudden severe chest, back, abdominal, or tearing pain, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

If this conversation helps even one family recognize the warning signs sooner, it will be worth it.

Need help finding a vascular specialist or getting a second opinion?

Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline:

1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347)

Our patient navigators help connect patients with experienced vascular specialists across the United States.

If you found this episode helpful:

• Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart

• Like this video

• Share it with your family and friends—you never know whose life it could save.

• Leave your questions in the comments. We may answer them in a future episode.

#AorticAneurysm #AorticDissection #HighBloodPressure #HeartHealth #VascularSurgery #CardiovascularHealth #HeartDisease #TheHeartOfInnovation #RushUniversity #PeripheralArteryDisease #PAD #LindseyGraham #KnowTheSigns #SaveALife

Healthcare workers spend their careers saving lives. But who is helping them before burnout costs them their own health, careers, and families?

On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I welcome Chelsea Ulmer, an emergency department trauma nurse, former CrossFit Games athlete, fitness coach, and founder of CodeBrew, a new wellness platform designed specifically for healthcare professionals.

After spending 13 years working in one of the most demanding environments in medicine, Chelsea realized traditional wellness advice simply doesn't work for people working overnight shifts, 12-hour schedules, chronic stress, and relentless emotional demands.

Instead of another wellness program built around perfection, she created something different.

We explore:

• Why healthcare burnout has become a global crisis • The hidden physical toll of caring for others every day • Why most wellness programs fail healthcare workers • How realistic nutrition, movement, sleep, and nervous system regulation can fit into real clinical schedules • The surprising role community plays in preventing burnout • Why sustainable habits matter more than extreme fitness • How CodeBrew is helping healthcare professionals reclaim their health

Whether you're a physician, nurse, EMT, respiratory therapist, technician, therapist, administrator, caregiver, or simply someone who cares about the future of healthcare, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on supporting the people we all depend on.

If we want better patient care, we have to start by taking better care of the people providing it.

Subscribe for more conversations featuring the innovators transforming medicine: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWayToMyHeart

Learn more about The Heart of Innovation: https://theheartofinnovation.org

Know a healthcare worker who needs to hear this? Share this episode with them.

Leave a comment: What is the biggest challenge facing healthcare workers today?

#Healthcare #Nursing #Burnout #HealthcareBurnout #Wellness #EmergencyNurse #MentalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #CodeBrew #PhysicianWellness #NurseLife #HeartOfInnovation #HealthcareLeadership #LifestyleMedicine #Resilience

Happy 4th of July and Happy 250th Birthday, America!

This special PADdy's Plate episode of The Heart of Innovation is one you don't want to miss. Chef Eric is BACK and this time, he's in the kitchen! You may remember Chef Eric from a recent episode where co-host Dr. John Phillips dramatically improved his leg blood flow using Reflow Medical's SPUR retractable stent technology. Today, he returns as Chef Eric to show us how to make a healthier 4th of July BBQ that's as good for your arteries as it is delicious, featuring broccoli slaw, grilled veggies, and portobello lettuce wrap burgers.

Joining Chef Eric and your hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips is a special guest, Dr. Jean Chen, Diabetic Educator and retired podiatrist, who shares her top tips for a diabetes-friendly and artery-healthy Independence Day celebration.

🍽️ In this episode:

• Chef Eric's healthier 4th of July BBQ menu: Broccoli slaw, grilled veggies & portobello lettuce wrap burgers
• How Chef Eric went from PAD patient to cooking for your health
• Dr. Jean Chen's tips for keeping your 4th of July diabetes and artery friendly
• Why what you eat matters for your leg circulation and overall vascular health

Whether you're living with PAD, diabetes, or just want to make smarter choices this holiday weekend... this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode of The Heart of Innovation, the #1 healthcare innovation radio program in the San Francisco Bay Area and the #1 Women in Innovation Podcast in the nation: 👉 youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart

📞 Need help with PAD? Call our Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS — free support for patients and caregivers

🌐 Learn more & get resources:

• padhelp.org - PAD patient support, education & the Leg Saver Hotline
• PADtrials.org - find the latest clinical trials for PAD treatment options
• padwalkingprogram.org - Supervised Exercise Therapy & Structured Walking Programs for PAD patients

Men are paying more attention to their health than ever before. From peptides and testosterone therapy to protein intake, metabolic health, and longevity, a growing number of men are looking for ways to stay healthier longer and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Dr. John Phillips and I explore some of the biggest trends shaping men's health today and what they could mean for heart health, vascular health, performance, and quality of life.

As both an interventional cardiologist and owner of multiple Game Day Men's Health locations, Dr. Phillips shares what he's seeing firsthand from patients who are becoming increasingly proactive about prevention rather than waiting until problems develop.

We discuss:

• Why metabolic health has become a major focus for men • The growing interest in testosterone replacement therapy • What patients should know about peptides • The role of protein in maintaining muscle and long-term health • How these trends intersect with cardiovascular and vascular disease prevention • Common misconceptions surrounding men's health treatments • A new project Dr. Phillips is developing to help patients increase healthy protein intake

Whether you're interested in longevity, performance, prevention, or simply living a healthier life, this conversation offers a practical look at one of the fastest-growing areas in healthcare.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations exploring the future of medicine, cardiovascular innovation, vascular care, prevention, and emerging technologies.

🎙️ ABOUT THE HEART OF INNOVATION

The Heart of Innovation is hosted by Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips and features conversations with physicians, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and patients working to improve healthcare and patient outcomes.

📞 NEED HELP WITH PAD OR VASCULAR DISEASE?

PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347)

🌐 Learn More: https://padhelp.org

🌐 Clinical Trials: https://padtrials.org

🌐 The Way To My Heart: https://thewaytomyheart.org

👥 Join Our Patient Community: https://padsupportgroup.org

👍 If you enjoyed this conversation: • Like the video • Subscribe to the channel • Share with a friend or family member • Leave your questions in the comments for future episodes

#MensHealth #MetabolicHealth #Testosterone #Peptides #Longevity #HeartHealth #CardiovascularHealth #Protein #Prevention #TheHeartOfInnovation #JohnPhillipsMD #KymMcNicholas #VascularHealth #HealthcareInnovation #MensWellness

What if a doctor tells you there is nothing more they can do to fix your heart blockages, and you've run out of options? In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Interventional Cardiologist Dr. John Phillips introduce you to EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation)—a powerful, non-invasive "Hail Mary" technology that has been saving cardiac patients for decades but remains drastically underutilized in mainstream medicine.

In this deep-dive discussion, the team is joined by world-renowned cardiologist Dr. Richard Brown (consultant for Flow Therapy and former head of Johnson & Johnson's Save Legs, Change Lives program) and Jack Clifford, a cardiovascular patient and advocate who famously refused bypass surgery and used EECP to get back to running marathons.

• What is EECP? A complete breakdown of how this therapy uses synchronized pneumatic cuffs on your calves, thighs, and hips to act as a "passive exercise" pump for your heart.

• The Mechanism of Action: How inflating during diastole (heart resting) pushes blood back up to the coronary arteries, and deflating during systole (heart pumping) creates a vacuum that reduces the heart's workload.

• The Cellular Benefits: Why high-velocity blood flow triggers shear stress, stimulating endothelial cells to produce blood-vessel-dilating nitric oxide while reducing vessel-constricting endothelin-1.

• Advanced Cardiac Applications: Why EECP isn't just for epicardial blockages, but is a proven therapy for microvascular disease, improving ejection fraction, and reversing severe heart failure symptoms.

• Reimbursement & Controversy: The strict 2026 reality of Medicare coverage (restricted to Class 3 & 4 angina not amenable to further revascularization) and why many hospitals abandoned their EECP beds.

• The Amazon Warning: A crucial distinction explaining why over-the-counter compression sleeves or Normatec pants cannot replicate gated, medical-grade EECP therapy.

• Find an EECP Center Near You: eecplocator.com

• Jack Clifford's Patient Journey & Book: eecpbook.com

• Explore Flow Therapy Centers (Dr. Brown): flowtherapy.com

• Subscribe to The Way to My Heart: youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart

• Global PAD Association Help Hotline: If you suffer from leg pain, leg cramps, neuropathy, or can no longer walk as far as you used to due to "old age," it could be poor circulation from Peripheral Artery Disease. Call the LegSaver hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347).

• PAD Educational Resources: Learn more about leg circulation and get help at padhelp.org.

What are the warning signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and how is medical innovation changing how we treat blood clots today?

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kim McNicholas and interventional cardiologist Dr. John Phillips sit down with Richard Davis, an engineer and medical developer whose life was completely rewritten after being hit by a truck at 23 years old. Richard shares his gripping story of survival—from being pinned inside a vehicle to developing life-threatening blood clots, surviving severe pulmonary embolisms, and ultimately transitioning his expertise into creating vascular medical devices that save lives.

Discover how modern medical advancements are moving beyond standard medical therapy to actively remove clots and restore blood flow safely.

TIMESTAMPS & CHAPTERS

0:00 - The Accident That Changed Everything

2:15 - Living with an Undiagnosed Clotting Disorder

4:40 - Facing a Life-Threatening Pulmonary Embolism

7:10 - Moving Beyond Medication: Advanced Clot Removal

9:35 - How Patient Participation Drives Medical Innovation

12:00 - The Next Generation of Vascular Care

GET FREE MEDICAL SUPPORT & ACCESSIBLE RESOURCES

If you or someone you know is dealing with deep vein thrombosis, severe leg pain, swelling, or vascular complications, find absolute support with our completely free community connections:

• Free Vascular Resources & Specialist Connections: https://www.padhelp.org

• Learn More About Enrolling in Clinical Trials: https://www.padtrials.org

• Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347)

• Join the Private Facebook Support Group: http://www.PADsupportGroup.org

• Stream Live Radio Every Saturday Morning on AM 1220 KDOW or visit: https://www.theheartofinnovation.org #PulmonaryEmbolism #VascularHealth #BloodClotSurvival #MedicalInnovation #TheHeartOfInnovation #PatientAdvocacy #DVTPrevention

Could artificial intelligence identify Peripheral Artery Disease before patients face limb loss? Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a machine-learning model that analyzes a simple light-based signal from the toe to detect PAD with remarkable accuracy. This breakthrough has the potential to make PAD screening faster, more accessible, and eventually available on your smartphone. Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down with vascular surgeon Dr. Elsie Ross, cardiologist Dr. Mattheus Ramsis, and engineering PhD student Ava Faccetti to break down how artificial intelligence is transforming vascular health and what this could mean for millions living with undiagnosed disease.

FULL RESEARCH DISCUSSION: Altmetric: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-026-02655-w/metrics DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-026-02655-w

People who think they have PAD can call the Global PAD Associaton's Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS to learn more and get assistance finding a testing site or treatment.

#peripheralarterydisease #padsupport #legpain #legcramps #ABItest #vasculardiseasediagnosis #paddiagnosis #ucsandiego #newpadresearch #globalpadassociation

Can staying active really help reverse Type 2 diabetes?

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, Emmy Award-winning journalist Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips sit down with multi-Emmy Award-winning CBS San Francisco Bay Area sports anchor Vern Glenn to talk about his personal journey reversing Type 2 diabetes — and why golf became far more than just a game.

For Vern, the golf course became part of a larger commitment to movement, consistency, fitness, and long-term health. Walking the course, staying active, and building daily habits around exercise helped him take control of his blood sugar and inspire others to rethink what healthy living can look like.

That mission is also what inspired the Vern Glenn Invitational Celebrity Golf Tournament. The event brings together former and current stars from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and beyond — many of whom continue participating in events like this not just for competition, but to stay active, connected, and healthy long after their professional playing careers end.

Vern believes seeing athletes continue to prioritize fitness sends an important message: movement matters at every age. Whether it's walking 18 holes, staying social, or simply finding activities that keep you moving, the goal is building habits that support heart health, circulation, weight management, and better metabolic health over time.

We also discuss the growing connection between exercise, obesity, cardiovascular disease, circulation, and diabetes prevention and reversal.

⛳ SIGN UP FOR THE VERN GLENN INVITATIONAL: https://www.vernglenninvitational.net/

👇 TELL US IN THE COMMENTS 👇 Has walking, golf, or exercise helped improve your health, blood sugar, or circulation?

👍 LIKE THIS VIDEO 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on innovation, heart health, PAD, diabetes, longevity, and lifestyle medicine 📢 SHARE this episode with someone who needs motivation to get moving again

📞 Need help navigating Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), diabetes-related circulation issues, or limb salvage options? Visit: PADHelp.org ☎️ Call the PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS

#Diabetes #Type2Diabetes #Golf #VernGlenn #DiabetesReversal #Fitness #HeartHealth #Walking #LifestyleMedicine #Longevity #PAD #Exercise #TheHeartOfInnovation

She lost her leg in a traumatic accident… and turned it into a mission to help others find strength, identity, and purpose again.

This is the story behind Less Leg More Heart — and why it matters for every patient facing limb loss or PAD.

I'm talking with Tina Godfrey Hurley, founder of Less Leg More Heart, alongside Dr. John Phillips, about what happens after amputation — physically, emotionally, and mentally — and how patients rebuild their lives in ways most people never see.

Tina's journey started with a devastating accident that led to limb loss at a young age. Today, she's helping others navigate trauma, identity, mental health, and recovery through her nonprofit and advocacy work.

We're getting into: • What patients really experience after limb loss • The emotional side of recovery doctors don't always see • How identity, confidence, and purpose evolve after trauma • Why community and support systems change outcomes • What PAD patients can learn from the amputee community

If you've ever thought, "no one understands what this feels like," this conversation will hit home.

🎥 SUBSCRIBE for real conversations that go beyond medicine: https://www.youtube.com/@thewaytomyheart

🆘 NEED HELP NOW? 📞 PAD Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS

🌐 TRUSTED RESOURCES https://padhelp.org https://padsupportgroup.org

#PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #Amputation #LimbLoss #VascularHealth #PatientStories #TheHeartOfInnovation #PADAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #LessLegMoreHeart

A silent killer hiding in plain sight — and you may not know you're at risk.

I talk with a CEO living with this genetic heart condition and what it means for you.

Dr. John Phillips and I talk to one of the most respected minds in tech, Phil McKinney, former CTO of Hewlett Packard and now CEO of CableLabs, to talk about something far more personal than innovation:

A genetic heart condition he didn't know he had.

It's called apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy where the heart muscle thickens, particularly at the tip of the heart. That thickening can interfere with blood flow and increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms.

And here's what you need to know:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects about 1 in 500 people...many of whom don't even know they have it.

For some, the first sign is a life-threatening event.

Phil was fortunate. His condition was caught early.

Not everyone gets that chance.

We break down what this condition actually is, why it's often missed, and how something as simple as knowing your family history could change your outcome. If there's heart disease in your family, or unexplained symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or fainting, those are not things to brush off.

This is about awareness. It's about asking better questions. And it's about catching something early enough to do something about it.

🔔 CALL TO ACTION (your ecosystem)

👉 If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. Start by learning more: PADhelp.org 👉 Talk to a patient navigator: 1-833-PAD-LEGS 👉 Join our community: padsupportgroup.org 👉 Subscribe for more real conversations that could help you protect your health — or someone you love

#HeartHealth #SilentKiller #GeneticRisk #HCM #HypertrophicCardiomyopathy #KnowYourRisk #HeartOfInnovation #HealthcareInnovation #PADAwareness #VascularHealth

I'm interviewing a vascular surgeon who has PAD… and the doctor who treated him. Get ready for an inside look at what medicine looks like from both sides.

Dr. John Phillips and I are talking to Dr. Kevin Lurie, a vascular surgeon from Alaska who was recently diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease and treated for blockages below the knee.

We're also talking to Dr. Amr El Serghany, the vascular surgeon from Hawaii who performed the procedures using the Reflow Medical retractable stent.

Patients say it all the time: "If doctors had PAD, they would understand the pain." Now you'll hear from one who does… and the doctor who treated him.

This conversation goes deeper than anything we've done before: • What it's like for a doctor to become the patient • The reality of PAD pain and limitations • How treatment decisions are made in real life • What changes when the physician understands the experience firsthand • How this is reshaping the way both doctors approach care This is where clinical expertise meets lived experience — and it changes everything.

🎥 JOIN THE LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE Want to be part of the conversation or join us live?

📧 Email: [email protected] to get the private studio link

⏰ Every Wednesday — join our weekly show

🆘 NEED HELP NOW? If you're dealing with leg pain or navigating a PAD diagnosis: 📞 Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347) We'll help guide you to answers, support, and next steps

🔗 ESSENTIAL PAD RESOURCES Main Website: https://padhelp.org

Clinical Trials: https://padtrials.org Support Community: https://padsupportgroup.org

🚶‍♂️ START WALKING AS MEDICINE Join our free PAD walking program: https://padhelp.org

📣 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 👍 Like this video if it helped you 💬 Comment your experience — we read everything 📤 Share with someone who needs this 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about PAD

#PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #CollateralNation #VascularHealth #PADAwareness #WalkingAsMedicine #SaveALimb #PatientStories #VascularSurgery

We are going to be talking about the extent to which doctors save legs. Dr. John Phillips and Kym McNicholas talk about the latest advances in limb saving care. We will share real stories from the front lines of fighting for life and limb.

What if the pain you're told is "just a muscle cramp" is actually a life-altering vascular emergency?

In this high-impact episode of The Heart of Innovation, Kym McNicholas sits down with interventional cardiologist Dr. Hady Lichaa and his patient, Camille, to discuss a Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) diagnosis that was almost missed until it was too late.

Camille was a mom just trying to walk to her car after her son's baseball game, but the claudication pain was so severe it brought her to tears. Despite visiting the Emergency Room twice, she was sent home with muscle relaxers while her leg was actively dying.

In this episode, we unpack:

• The ER Red Flags: Why leg pain is often misdiagnosed as muscle cramps or venous clots.

• Arterial vs. Venous: The critical question a Nurse Practitioner asked that saved Camille's leg.

• The Reality of Bypass Surgery: The complex journey of multiple surgeries and complications.

• Smoking & Vascular Health: The honest truth about the role of smoking and the "Aha!" moment that led Camille to quit for good.

• Limb Salvage: How to find the right specialist when you are weeks away from an amputation.

This is more than a patient story; it's a manual for self-advocacy. If you have leg cramping while walking, heavy legs, or non-healing wounds, do not wait.

RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH: 🚶 FREE WALKING PROGRAM: https://padhelp.org 📞 LEG SAVER HOTLINE: 1-833-PAD-LEGS (Speak to someone who understands) 👥 WARRIOR COMMUNITY: PADsupportGroup.org (12,000+ members) 📧 RESULTS REVIEW: Email your ABI or Ultrasound results to [email protected] for educational insight.

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. We do not diagnose; we help you understand terminology to have better conversations with your doctor.

#PAD #PeripheralArteryDisease #MedicalMisdiagnosis #LimbSalvage #VascularHealth #SaveMyPiggies #KymMcNicholas #DrHadyLichaa