The Interventional Endoscopist

Episdode 33; The one where I interview Fritz Haller

Join me as I welcome Fritz Haller, CEO and co-founder of Endolastic, to the podcast. Discover the fascinating journey of this medical device innovator, a former world champion, and Olympic coach in whitewater slalom.
 
Fritz discusses his transition from a decorated athletic career and early experiences in medical devices at Cook Medical to founding Endolastic. Learn about Endolastic's core technology: a customized band ligation device designed to tackle new applications in interventional endoscopy.  Fritz explains how Endolastic is using this "rubber band gun" to address conditions like GERD, Obesity (Band Gastroplasty), and Type 2 Diabetes (Duodenal Mucosal Resurfacing), offering simpler, more affordable, and accessible alternatives to existing procedures.
 
Hear about the technical differences of Endolastic's bands and barrels, including the innovative "window lock" design and calibrated compression. Fritz shares insights into the company's regulatory strategy, aiming for specific treatment indications after an initial launch.
 
Drawing on his diverse background, Fritz reflects on the nature of innovation, the lessons learned from past failures like the "scope doc," and the disruptive power of simple, effective solutions. He offers valuable advice for physicians and industry professionals looking to bring their innovative ideas to market, including navigating industry relationships, securing patents, and utilizing contract manufacturers. The conversation also delves into his perspective on leadership, emphasizing enthusiasm and coaching over traditional titles.
 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of interventional endoscopy, medical device innovation, unique career paths, and the intersection of athletic discipline and entrepreneurial spirit.

Episode 32, The one where I Interview Dr. Sri Komanduri

Episode 31, In this episode, we look at redefining Gastroenterology: Mentorship, Innovation, and the Future of Interventional Endoscopy with Dr. Srinadh Komanduri
Episode Summary:In this episode of The Interventional Endoscopist, host Dr. Mankanwal Sachdev reconnects with his longtime mentor, Dr. Srinadh Komanduri of Northwestern University. The two dive into Dr. Komanduri’s unique training path, his role in building Northwestern’s interventional endoscopy program, and how the field of GI is shifting away from traditional definitions toward a more therapeutic and innovation-driven future.
The conversation covers the launch of Northwestern’s system-wide GI integration, the impact of tools like TissueCypher for risk stratification in Barrett’s esophagus, and the critical need to rethink GI fellowship structure. They also touch on barriers to technology adoption, the role of AI in operational efficiency, and how innovation can (and must) scale beyond a few experts to change care across systems.
Topics Covered:
Dr. Komanduri’s mentorship and hybrid fellowship experience
Building an interventional GI network across 11 hospitals
Moving beyond the “general GI” label
Risk stratification and innovations in Barrett’s esophagus care
AI’s role in reducing burnout and boosting clinical efficiency
Future models for GI training and specialization
Barriers to adoption and how to drive systemic innovation
Sponsored by:Castle Biosciences – maker of TissueCypher®, a test to predict esophageal cancer risk in Barrett’s esophagus

Episode 31, The one where I Interview Dr. Sachin Wani

I am excited to share insights from the Interventional Endoscopist podcast featuring Dr. Sachin Wani! The discussion centered on Barrett's esophagus, and strategies to improve detection and risk stratification
Key takeaways:• The rising incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma makes early detection crucial. Yet, survival rates remain low, highlighting the need for improved strategies
• PEEC and PEEN underscore the issue of missed lesions during endoscopy, emphasizing the need for high-quality exam.• PEEC (postendoscopy esophageal adenocarcinoma) refers to cancer detected before the next recommended surveillance endoscopy in patients with non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. • PEEN (postendoscopy esophageal neoplasia) is a composite endpoint of high-grade dysplasia or cancer detected before the next recommended surveillance exam
• A high-quality endoscopic exam is paramount, including meticulous inspection, standardized classification, and advanced imaging techniques like chromoendoscopy. • A 10-step approach to a high-quality exam includes identifying landmarks, spending adequate time inspecting the Barrett's segment, cleaning the distal esophagus, and using high-definition white light endoscopy and virtual chromoendoscopy
• While the Seattle biopsy protocol is standard, it has limitations due to sampling errors• WATS (Wide Area Transepithelial Sampling) can enhance neoplasia detection as an adjunct to the Seattle protocol by sampling the entire Barrett's segment.• AI (artificial intelligence) holds promise for lesion detection, improved diagnostic accuracy, and quality assessment of endoscopic exams. AI platforms may help identify visible lesions and predict histology, as well as assess the quality of the endoscopic examination.• The Tissue Cypher test can aid in risk stratification by analyzing biomarkers to predict the risk of progression to high-grade dysplasia. It can also predict prevalent high-grade dysplasia or cancer. 
• Dr. Wani also shared his journey into medicine, influenced by his family, and the challenges faced by foreign medical graduates. A key message was the importance of continuous improvement in endoscopic techniques and the integration of new technologies to combat esophageal adenocarcinoma
 
This episode was sponsored by Castle Biosciences the makers of the TIssue Cypher Test.

Episode 30: The one where I revisit Dr. Toufic Kachaamy

Join us for a deep dive into the world of endoscopic oncology with Dr. Toufic Kachaamy! This episode explores the rapidly evolving field of endoscopic oncology, highlighting its importance in cancer care and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration. My second visit with Dr. Kachaamy discussed his innovative endoscopic oncology course, now in its fourth year, designed to bridge the gap between gastroenterology and oncology. Learn about the course's unique format, diverse faculty, and focus on cutting-edge topics, including early cancer detection, multidisciplinary strategies for managing metastasis, and organ preservation techniques. Don't miss this insightful conversation with a leader in the field!
 
 
If you want to join us at the course here is the registration link : https://cme.cityofhope.org/content/2025-annual-advances-and-innovations-endoscopic-oncology-and-multidisciplinary#group-tabs-node-course-default6

Episode 29: The one where I interview Dr. Cadman Leggett

In episode 29 of the Interventional Endoscopist Podcast, join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Legett from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. We delve into his extensive experience in treating esophageal disorders, focusing on Barrett's esophagus. Dr. Legett shares his journey and training at Mayo Clinic, highlighting his expertise in leveraging artificial intelligence and precision medicine, such as the TissueCypher test, to enhance early detection and management of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer. The episode explores the challenges of diagnosing dysplasia, the transformative potential of AI in standardizing pathology, and improving patient care. Additionally, we discuss the role of molecular profiling in risk stratification and emphasize the critical need for ongoing research to optimize management strategies for Barrett's esophagus.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Castle Biosciences, the innovators behind TissueCypher, a test designed to predict esophageal cancer risk in patients with Barrett’s esophagus.

Episode 28: The one where I interview Dr. Stuart Akerman (part 2)

In this episode of The Interventional Endoscopist Podcast, Dr. Stuart Akerman joins host Dr. Mankanwal Sachdev to explore the evolving role of AI in gastroenterology and endoscopy. They dive into AI's impact on polyp detection, note writing, and patient engagement, and how it enhances both efficiency and care quality. Dr. Akerman reviews leading AI systems like GI Genius, Magenta, and Scalp, while discussing their potential to improve adenoma detection rates and reduce withdrawal times. Together, they address ethical concerns, AI fatigue, and the importance of balancing technology with human touch. Tune in to hear how AI is reshaping the future of GI practice.

Episode 27: The one where I interview Dr. Stuart Akerman (part 1)

In this episode of The Interventional Endoscopist, Dr. Mankanwal Sachdev and Dr. Stuart Akerman explore the pivotal role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) and its impact on both patient care and physician work-life balance. Dr. Akerman, a physician advisor for Endosound, shares how EUS has transformed his practice. He also reflects on his unique journey from a career in finance to becoming a physician, his mentorship under Dr. Mickey Goldschmidt, and his current role at Digestive Health Associates of Texas (DHAT), where he balances general gastroenterology with interventional endoscopy. This episode highlights the value of mentorship and the evolving role of medical technology in enhancing patient outcomes
 
This is part one of a special two part episode

Episode 26: The one where I interview Dr. Douglas G. Adler

In this episode of The Interventional Endoscopist Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Doug Adler, Director of the Center for Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy at Porter Adventist Hospital. We discuss his transition from a 20-year academic career to a hybrid practice model, blending private practice with academic responsibilities—a trend gaining traction among interventional endoscopists.
Dr. Adler shares his journey from medical training at Cornell and the Mayo Clinic to becoming a leader in therapeutic endoscopy. He reflects on his mentors, his passion for procedural medicine, and the future of the field, including exciting new techniques like endoscopic retrograde appendiceal therapy (ERAT).
This episode offers valuable insights for young physicians navigating career transitions, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of interventional endoscopy.

Episode 25: The one where I interview Dr. Jason B. Samarasena

In the latest episode of The Interventional Endoscopist Podcast, Dr. Jason B. Samarasena, a prominent figure in the field of endohepatology, shares insights into his background and the innovative developments in this emerging specialty. Dr. Samarasena delves into the evolution of endohepatology, highlighting the potential it holds for transforming patient care. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Portal Pressure Gradient (EUS-PPG), a cutting-edge procedure that Dr. Samarasena helped to pioneer. He explains the technique, its clinical applications, and its importance in assessing portal hypertension non-invasively. This conversation offers valuable perspectives on the future of endoscopic interventions in hepatology, emphasizing the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and technological advancements in improving patient outcomes.
 
 
Links:
Dynamic suction: a novel technique to optimize EUS-guided liver biopsy
My method for liver biopsy processing
Dr. Samarasena's Linkedin profile
EUS-guided portal pressure gradient measurement with a simple novel device: a human pilot study
Youtube Video of Podcast
 
 

Episode 24: The one where I Interview Scott Haack, Executive Global R&D Director of Micro-Tech Endoscopy

In this exciting episode of "The Interventional Endoscopist," I sit down with Scott Haack, a renowned inventor and innovator in the gastrointestinal (GI) space. With a career dedicated to advancing endoscopic technology and improving patient outcomes, Scott shares his journey, the challenges he has faced, and his vision for the future of GI procedures.
Tune in as Scott delves into the intricacies of his groundbreaking work, offering insights into the latest innovations and the impact they have on both practitioners and patients. Whether you're an endoscopist, a medical professional, or simply fascinated by medical technology, this episode promises to be an enlightening and inspiring listen.
Join me for a deep dive into the world of GI innovation and discover what drives the passion behind Scott Haack's remarkable contributions to the field.
 
Video of Podcast: https://youtu.be/p2p0gGiVLHI
for those who transitioned to the video to watch the innovations discussed by Scott, please forward to 38:00