BackTable Vascular & Interventional Ep. 630 Trauma Embolization Techniques Using Vascular Plugs with Dr. Nima Kokabi, Dr. Brian Funaki, and Dr. Alex Villalobos
Apr 3, 2026
Dr. Nima Kokabi, interventional radiologist at UNC known for vascular plug technique; Dr. Brian Funaki, interventional radiologist at UChicago with device evaluation experience; Dr. Alex Villalobos, interventional oncologist at UNC skilled in embolization workflows. They discuss modern vascular plug technologies, case-based trauma embolization approaches, microcatheter deliverability and sizing, and practical deployment tips and access strategies.
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Cost Influences Choice But Safety And Efficiency Prevail
- Cost matters but institutional context shifts choices toward safety and speed over strict cost savings.
- Dr. Kavi Krishnasamy notes lava plus one pushable coil can be cheaper; Alex Villalobos says institutions often give leeway if not grossly expensive.
LOBO Enables Single-Device Durable Occlusion
- LOBO plug excels where one-device durable occlusion and deliverability matter, like PAVMs and high-flow lesions.
- Nima Kokabi and Brian Funaki report LOBO often achieves occlusion with a single device if landing zone fits.
Abdominal Wall Hematoma Treated With Gel Foam And LOBO III
- Nima Kokabi used LOBO for an abdominal wall hematoma post-paracentesis with gel foam distally and LOBO III proximally.
- He delivered through a Sendero microcatheter and achieved occlusion in under 60 seconds.