Blue Collar I.C.'s - The Real World of Interventional Cardiology

In this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the conversation goes beyond devices and data to tackle one of the most misunderstood parts of interventional cardiology: the physician–industry relationship.Bill Dixon, Brian Brown, Todd Fuller, and Jordi Colada are joined by industry veterans Jessica McCormick and Reid Rucker for a candid discussion on what actually builds trust in the cath lab—and what gets reps quietly shut out. From emotional intelligence and timing to quotas, pressure, and reading the room, this episode breaks down the unwritten rules that define successful collaboration.The group dives into the differences between pharma and device culture, common mistakes on both sides of the table, and why adding value—not selling—earns long-term credibility. Honest stories, sharp humor, and real-world lessons make this a must-listen for physicians, reps, and anyone navigating high-stakes procedural medicine. Blue Collar IC_s 2-4-26

On this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the team takes an honest look at the growing challenge of recruiting and retaining interventional cardiologists. They break down why fellowship spots are going unfilled, how generational shifts in training and work-life balance are reshaping the field, and what practices must offer to attract top talent. The conversation also dives into call burden, volume, culture, radiation exposure, and orthopedic wear-and-tear—and how those realities influence career decisions. It’s a candid, real-world discussion about the future of the profession and what it takes to build sustainable IC teams.

On this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the crew welcomes interventional cardiologist Dr. Van Crisco for a deep, real-world discussion on carotid disease and the implications of the CREST-2 trial. The conversation breaks down how carotid stenting has evolved, where transfemoral carotid intervention fits today, and what operators need to know about patient selection, technique, and stroke risk. The doctors also dig into training gaps, credentialing challenges, and why experience matters more than algorithms when outcomes are on the line. Along the way, they share candid stories from the cath lab, debate new technology versus time-tested approaches, and reinforce the blue-collar mindset of doing what’s safest for the patient. It’s an honest, experience-driven look at stroke prevention from physicians who live it every day.

On this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the team breaks down their takeaways from two major conferences—TCT and VIVA—and what the newest technologies could mean for everyday interventional practice. The docs unpack emerging radiation-reduction tools like AeroShield, debate the safety and utility of high-pressure and cutting-balloon strategies, and discuss the evolving role of IVL, atherectomy, and drug-coated balloons. They also dive into the much-talked-about Storm-PE trial and why mechanical thrombectomy may finally have the data it needs to shift PE care nationwide. Along the way, they share candid opinions on bioresorbable scaffolds, clinical trial bottlenecks, and what innovations are truly worth the hype. It’s a fast-moving, highly technical episode full of real-world experience, skepticism, and excitement about where the field is heading next.

On this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the docs take a deep dive into the real-world evolution of pulmonary embolism intervention—from the early days of catheter-directed thrombolysis to today’s mechanical thrombectomy approaches. They walk through how treatment strategies have changed over the last decade, the devices that shaped the field, and why more operators nationwide need to adopt these lifesaving techniques. The team also shares dramatic on-table patient turnarounds, early complications they’ve learned from, and the importance of knowing when to escalate care. Along the way, they break down workflow, training gaps, and why community programs need to treat PE with the same urgency as heart attacks and strokes. It’s a technical, candid, and eye-opening look inside one of the fastest-growing areas in interventional cardiology.

On this episode of Blue Collar ICs, the team breaks down what really happens behind the scenes at cardiology conferences — from networking with peers and vendors to navigating the pressure of live cases and panel criticism. They share personal stories about career-defining conference moments, the thrill and terror of performing challenging procedures live on stage, and the evolving technologies shaping interventional cardiology today. The docs also dive into physician culture, engineering collaborations, and how new ideas make their way from brainstorming to bedside. In a powerful shift, the conversation turns to emotional resilience, handling patient loss, and the mental toll of life-and-death decision-making in the cath lab. They close with an inspiring look at the remarkable recovery of Florida State athlete Ethan Pritchard and the impact of multidisciplinary care. It’s a candid, wide-ranging episode that blends technical insight with humanity at its core.