Interventional Radiology

The UCSD Division of Interventional radiology (also known as IR) provides the full spectrum of minimally invasive, image-guided treatments of medical conditions that once required open surgery. By utilizing advanced imaging technology (X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans and other innovative methods), our interventional radiologists can see inside your body and treat complex conditions— including cancer and vascular disease — with unprecedented accuracy and faster recovery

Prostate Artery Embolization

Many men develop an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as they age. The symptoms associated with BPH include sudden urge to urinate, frequent urination, incomplete emptying, and weak stream. Traditional surgeries and treatments for BPH are effective but may be associated with side-effects, hospitalization, and painful recovery. In contrast, prostate artery embolization (PAE) provides a minimally invasive treatment alternative to patients with symptoms of BPH.

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Areas of specialization

Liver tumor therapy

We have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of liver tumors. We treat patients with primary liver cancer and patients with metastatic disease to the liver. The UCSD Interventional Radiology team has expertise in chemoembolization and radioembolization for liver tumors. We also perform RF ablation and microwave ablation for tumors in the liver. Some patients may also undergo portal vein embolization to improve their chances for a surgical resection of tumors in the liver.

Varicose veins treatment

We offer non-surgical laser treatment at UCSD. Studies at Weill Cornell Vascular in New York have shown that the EndoVenous Laser Treatment has a 98 percent success rate, and a long-term recurrence rate of less than 7%. These results surpass traditional surgical ligation and vein stripping, which require general anesthesia and up to two weeks of recuperation time.

Fibroids

We have one of the few Insightec Exablate MR-guided focused ultrasound units available in the country for the treatment of fibroids. Our radiologists work with the patient's doctors to determine if MR-guided focused ultrasound or uterine artery embolization would be the best treatment option. UCSD also has long-term experience in treating patients with uterine artery embolization.

Venous interventions

Patients with pelvic congestion syndrome, pelvic pain caused by ovarian vein reflux, can be treated with embolization of the ovarian veins, and when necessary, the internal iliac veins. Patients with varicocles (testicular vein reflux) are also treated minimally invasively with embolization on an outpatient basis. Other venous problems such as superior vena cava syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome, or extensive deep venous thrombosis can also be treated with minimally invasive interventional radiology techniques.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT)

We offer non-surgical embolotherapy for treatment of the arterial-venous shunts which are characteristic of HHT and are a referral center for patients with this condition.

IVC filters

The UCSD Interventional Radiology service has extensive experience in the placement and the removal of filters in the inferior vena cava.

Arterial-venous malformations of the peripheral circulation

Our physicians offer expert treatment for patients with arterial-venous malformations involving a variety of body areas. Depending on the patient's anatomy and the type of malformation, embolization, sclerotherapy, or other minimally invasive therapies may be appropriate. Our physicians will see the patient and obtain appropriate imaging to determine the optimal approach.

Peripheral vascular disease

Our physicians have notable expertise in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. We are happy to evaluate patients in the clinic, order appropriate studies to determine the extent of disease, treatment, and then follow patients, as appropriate.