ISTH Podcasts

How can we make anticoagulation care safer and more consistent? In this episode of the ISTH Pulse Podcast, Dr. Geoff Barnes speaks with Youssef Bessada and Nibal Chamoun about antithrombotic stewardship, global challenges in anticoagulation management and a new ISTH–Anticoagulation Forum collaboration aimed at advancing safer care worldwide. If you're attending the ISTH 2026 Congress in Paris, be sure to check out the various antithrombotic stewardship activities and presentations. For more information, click here: https://www.isth.org/news/727979/Spotlight-on-Antithrombotic-Stewardship-Activities-at-ISTH-2026-Congress.htm

Cancer-associated thrombosis remains one of the most complex and high-burden complications facing patients with cancer and the clinicians who care for them. Darko Antic, M.D., a leading hematologist from Serbia, discusses the real-world challenges of diagnosing and managing thrombosis in patients with cancer, particularly those with hematological malignancies. Together with host Julia Sandrin Gauer, Ph.D., they discuss the clinical impact of cancer-associated thrombosis, the hurdles clinicians face in everyday practice and how risk stratification tools such as the THROLY score can support clinical decision-making. Dr. Antic also shares insights from his frontline experience across diverse healthcare settings, including his leadership with the Serbian Lymphoma Group (SLG) and his role in advancing education through the SLG Podcast, offering a unique perspective on collaborative learning in hematology and oncology. Listen to the SLG podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@SrpskaLimfomskaGrupa/videos

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is one of the most urgent diagnoses in hematology where every minute counts and laboratory data is critical. In this episode, experts Long Zheng and Ravi Sarode discuss the critical role of the laboratory in diagnosing and managing TTP, with a special focus on the complexities of ADAMTS13 testing. Together, they unpack the latest ISTH guideline updates, compare current testing approaches and share practical strategies to improve collaboration between clinicians and laboratory teams. Learn more at www.isth.org/page/ttpguidelines.

What does it take to turn fundamental science into meaningful advances in patient care? Today, we hear from Marie Hollenhorst, M.D., Ph.D., a physician-scientist working at the intersection of patient care and research. She discusses her early curiosity about blood science and shares some of the latest research from her lab in the U.S., including the 2024 ISTH Fundamental Research Career Development Award–funded project. Dr. Hollenhorst reflects on what the award has meant for her career, the importance of sustained investment in fundamental research and her experience mentoring an ISTH Training Fellow.

Our host sits down with the Lord Ajay Kakkar, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Thrombosis Research Institute, as he reflects on his professional journey and the key moments that shaped his career, including his unique experiences working at the intersection of medicine and government with the U.K. Parliament. He also shares the profound influence of his late father, Vijay Kakkar, M.D., and how family legacy has informed his own approach to mentorship and governance. Tune in to this thoughtful conversation on science and service.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains one of the most complex and high-stakes emergencies in medicine. In this episode of the ISTH Pulse Podcast, we’re joined by Stavros Konstantinides, M.D., to explore why gaps in PE treatment persist and how emerging evidence may help close them. Dr. Konstantinides breaks down the current landscape of PE management, the limitations of anticoagulation alone and the real-world impact of variability in care. Plus, listeners will hear results from STORM-PE randomized controlled trial, which could influence frontline clinical practice and patient access to advanced PE therapies. Please note that this episode is supported by Penumbra.

Join guests Dr. May Anne Cheong and Dr. Thita Joy Chiasakul to learn how digital platforms are transforming the way scientific research is communicated and elevated across the global thrombosis and hemostasis community. As Social Media Editors of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (JTH), they unpack the strategies that help researchers cut through the noise with clear, impactful messaging that resonates worldwide. The conversation also explores emerging best practices for using AI responsibly in publishing to strengthen the visibility and integrity of scientific work. Learn more about JTH at jthjournal.org.

In this episode, we explore groundbreaking new research from Stanford University that could revolutionize the way thrombectomy procedures are performed. Renee Zhao, Ph.D., discusses an innovative “milli-spinner” device, designed to improve precision and success rates in clot removal. Hear how Zhao and her team are using soft robotics to make new breakthroughs that could transform patient outcomes. Read more about this new research here: https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202508180 and watch these videos to learn more about the milli-spinner procedure: Overview video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8--vxLNgu4Y Mag milli-spinner swims in blood vessel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0V7k2_b3eA Mag milli-spinner "eats" a clot: www.youtube.com/watch?v=00HUJu_O7SM

Hospital-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a leading cause of preventable death for hospitalized patients. In this episode, experts Lai Heng Lee (Singapore) and Beverley Hunt (United Kingdom) share an important update on the state of hospital-associated VTE prevention worldwide, as well as discuss gaps in care and opportunities for improvement. Learn more about hospital-associated VTE at www.worldthrombosisday.org.

In this special episode of the ISTH Pulse Podcast, we teamed up with the World Thrombosis Day campaign to spotlight the powerful voice of patients in shaping awareness, research and change. Our guest is Carol West, blood clot survivor, advocate and the 2024 World Thrombosis Day Patient Ambassador of the Year. Carol shares her personal journey through her clot story, advocacy efforts and her mission to ensure the patient perspective is heard. From navigating diagnosis to driving global awareness, Carol’s story is one of resilience, advocacy and hope. Please visit worldthrombosisday.org to get involved.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a complex autoimmune clotting disorder and its treatment remains one of the most debated topics in hematology. In this episode, host Geoffrey Barnes sits down with Deepa Jayakody Arachchillage, founder of the APS Clinic at Hammersmith Hospital and Chair of the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of APS management, including whether direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have a role to play, the challenges of balancing clotting and bleeding risks, and how clinicians can apply the latest guidance to patient care.

What is the ISTH Guidelines and Guidance Committee and how does it influence global patient care? In this episode, Fionnuala Ní Áinle, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of the ISTH Guidelines and Guidance Committee, reveals the critical role of the committee in shaping clinical practice worldwide, the process behind developing evidence-based guidelines and information about upcoming projects. Listeners will also hear about Ní Áinle’s personal insights from her career as a clinician and researcher in Ireland. Learn more: www.isth.org/page/guidancedocuments https://www.isth.org/general/custom.asp?page=guidelines

In this special late-breakthrough episode of the ISTH Pulse Podcast, recorded live at #ISTH2025, host Dr. Geoffrey Barnes sits down with Dr. Robert Sidonio, Jr. to discuss groundbreaking results from a Phase 3 clinical trial of rurioctocog alfa pegol in previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe hemophilia A. Dr. Sidonio breaks down the study design, clinical outcomes, and what sets rurioctocog alfa pegol apart from other FVIII therapies. The conversation explores the potential impact on early treatment strategies, quality of life, and the future of prophylactic care in hemophilia management. Tune in for first-hand insights from one of the leading investigators in the field—and learn how these findings could help shape clinical practice for patients and families around the world.