Hormone Heroes with Dr. Kelly Hopkins

The Virden Method: Reinventing Pellet Therapy with Atraumatic Trocars with Dr. Charles Virden

Dr. Kelly Hopkins Episode 19

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Most pellet therapy complications are avoidable and Dr. Charles Virden says the problem starts with the tool. He reveals why sharp devices can damage tissue, drive pain, and create extrusions, and how his atraumatic trocar method is changing the way hormone pellet procedures are done.

In this episode of Hormone Heroes, Dr. Kelly sits down with board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Charles Verdon, owner of Verdon MD and founder of Atrocars to discuss a game-changing breakthrough in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Drawing from his extensive experience working with subcutaneous tissue in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Virden began studying how traditional pellet insertion techniques interacted with blood vessels, connective tissue, fat, and surrounding structures.

That exploration eventually led to the development of his atraumatic trocar approach, designed around moving through tissue rather than relying on a sharper instrument to create the pathway.

Together, Dr. Kelly and Dr. Virden break down:

  • How Dr. Virden’s background in plastic and reconstructive surgery influenced his approach to hormone pellet therapy
  • What led him to begin testosterone replacement therapy himself
  • Why he moved from testosterone injections to hormone pellets
  • Why the subcutaneous space matters during pellet insertion
  • The difference between sharp and blunt trocar approaches
  • How hydrodissection is used to prepare tissue
  • Why microvasculature and connective tissue matter during the procedure
  • How pellet positioning may affect the procedure and pellet absorption
  • Why male testosterone pellet procedures may require a different approach
  • Where Dr. Virden prefers to place testosterone pellets in male patients
  • How patient comfort influenced the development of the Atrocar system
  • Why aseptic technique remains essential during pellet procedures
  • The process of developing and patenting a new medical device
  • What Dr. Virden believes hormone providers should understand about pellet insertion
  • How better provider education can continue advancing hormone replacement care

Whether you're a HRT practitioner looking to improve patient outcomes or a patient seeking a better way to optimize your testosterone and estrogen levels, this episode is a must-watch!


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About the Podcast:

Hormone Heroes with Dr. Kelly Hopkins brings inspiring patient stories and expert conversations about hormone health. Each week, Dr. Hopkins, a functional medicine practitioner and hormonal wellness specialist interviews men and women whose lives have changed after bio-identical hormone therapy, along with leading functional medicine practitioners

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider.

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