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Gastrointestinal Vascular Disease
Treatment in Stockton, CA

Minimally invasive interventional radiology treatments for GI vascular conditions — TIPS, mesenteric ischemia, hemorrhoid embolization, and GI bleeding control.

Overview

When GI Symptoms Have a Vascular Root Cause

Many gastrointestinal conditions have a vascular root cause — and minimally invasive, image-guided procedures can treat them without the risks and recovery time of open surgery. At Aria Vascular, our board-certified interventional radiologists specialize in GI vascular conditions including mesenteric ischemia, portal hypertension and its complications, hemorrhoidal disease, and GI bleeding.

As the only comprehensive, multidisciplinary vascular center in San Joaquin County, we offer advanced endovascular solutions that identify and address the underlying vascular causes of GI disease — right here in Stockton, often when no other treatment has succeeded.

⚠ Frequently Misdiagnosed for Years

Conditions like mesenteric ischemia are often misdiagnosed as IBS, gastritis, or functional GI disorders for years before the vascular cause is identified. If you have persistent GI symptoms that haven’t responded to standard treatment, a vascular evaluation may reveal the answer. Call (209) 226-4300.

Conditions We Treat

GI Vascular Conditions We Treat

Aria Vascular specializes in four GI vascular conditions where interventional radiology offers unique and effective treatment options that are not available through gastroenterology or general surgery alone.

Mesenteric Ischemia

Often misdiagnosed as IBS or gastritis

Restricted blood flow to the intestines due to narrowed mesenteric arteries — causing severe pain after eating, fear of food, and significant weight loss.

Portal Hypertension

Elevated pressure in the portal vein

Elevated pressure in the portal vein — most commonly from cirrhosis — causing life-threatening complications that require specialized vascular intervention.

Hemorrhoidal Disease

Chronic bleeding or prolapse

Enlarged rectal veins causing persistent bleeding, discomfort, and reduced quality of life — now treatable without surgical excision through embolization.

GI Bleeding

When endoscopy cannot control bleeding

Bleeding anywhere along the GI tract that cannot be reached or controlled through endoscopy — treated with precision catheter-directed embolization.

Our Procedures

GI Vascular Treatments at Aria Vascular

For Mesenteric Ischemia

Mesenteric Angioplasty & Stenting

A catheter inserted at the wrist or groin is guided to the narrowed mesenteric artery using real-time X-ray imaging. A tiny balloon opens the blockage and a stent holds the artery open — restoring blood flow to the intestines. Most patients experience dramatic relief from post-meal pain within days and can resume eating normally shortly after.

For Portal Hypertension

TIPS — Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

TIPS is the gold-standard interventional procedure for managing life-threatening complications of portal hypertension. Through a catheter inserted in the neck vein, our interventional radiologists create a channel (shunt) inside the liver connecting the portal vein to the hepatic vein — rapidly relieving pressure in the portal system without open surgery.

TIPS is highly effective for controlling refractory ascites, preventing recurrent variceal bleeding, and managing hepatic hydrothorax. It also serves as a bridge to liver transplantation. Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days with close follow-up to monitor shunt function.

For Hemorrhoidal Disease

Hemorrhoid Embolization (Emborrhoid)

Hemorrhoid embolization is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical hemorrhoidectomy. Through a tiny catheter at the wrist, our interventional radiologists identify and selectively block (embolize) the superior rectal arteries supplying blood to the hemorrhoids — causing them to shrink without any incision in or around the rectum. No postoperative rectal pain. Home the same day.

For GI Bleeding

GI Bleeding Embolization

When GI bleeding cannot be controlled through endoscopy, catheter-directed embolization offers a precision alternative to emergency open surgery. Our interventional team performs mesenteric angiography — real-time X-ray imaging of the GI blood vessels — to precisely locate the bleeding vessel, then seals it with coils, particles, or specialized glue. Particularly valuable for elderly or medically complex patients who cannot tolerate surgery.

Know Your Options

Endovascular IR vs. Open Surgery — At a Glance

Factor	Endovascular / IR Approach	Open Surgery
Incision	Tiny catheter entry point	Large abdominal incision
Anesthesia	Local + sedation	General anesthesia
Hospital Stay	Same-day or 1–2 nights ✓	3–7 days or more
Recovery	Days ✓	Weeks to months
GI Bleeding Control	Catheter-directed precision	Exploratory surgery
Portal HTN Management	TIPS — no open surgery ✓	Surgical shunts — high risk
Hemorrhoid Treatment	No rectal incision ✓	Surgical excision with pain
High-Risk Patients	Often suitable ✓	Higher operative risk

Our Advantage

Why Central Valley Patients Choose Aria Vascular

What Matters	The Aria Vascular Advantage
Full range of GI IR procedures	TIPS, mesenteric angioplasty, hemorrhoid embolization, and GI bleeding control — all available locally in Stockton
Board-certified IR + vascular surgery team	Complex GI vascular conditions benefit from our multidisciplinary team working together — no need for separate specialist referrals
Treats conditions others miss	We specialize in vascular causes of GI disease — including mesenteric ischemia and portal hypertension complications — that are frequently overlooked
Local Central Valley access	No need to travel to Sacramento or the Bay Area for TIPS or advanced GI vascular procedures
Coordinated with your GI team	We work directly with your gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and primary care physician for integrated, seamless care

Your Care Journey

What to Expect at Aria Vascular

Initial Consultation

A thorough review of your GI symptoms, medical history, prior workup, and existing imaging. We discuss the vascular causes of your condition, explain all treatment options clearly, and order any additional imaging needed for procedure planning.

Your Procedure

Most GI IR procedures are performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. Mesenteric angioplasty, hemorrhoid embolization, and GI bleeding embolization are typically same-day. TIPS requires a 1–2 day hospital stay for post-procedure monitoring. Our team walks you through every step.

Recovery & Follow-Up

Mesenteric angioplasty patients often experience pain relief within days and resume eating normally soon after. Hemorrhoid embolization patients return to activities in 1–2 days. TIPS patients receive follow-up Doppler ultrasound to assess shunt function. All care is coordinated with your gastroenterologist or hepatologist.

Serving the Central Valley

GI Vascular Care Near You

Aria Vascular serves patients throughout San Joaquin County and the broader Central Valley. We accept referrals from gastroenterologists, hepatologists, primary care physicians, and surgeons throughout the region. To refer a patient, call (209) 226-4300.

Stockton

Modesto

Lodi

Tracy

Manteca

Turlock

Merced

Elk Grove

San Joaquin County

Common Questions

GI Vascular Disease FAQs

What is mesenteric ischemia and how is it treated?

Mesenteric ischemia occurs when blood flow to the intestines is restricted — most commonly due to narrowed mesenteric arteries. Chronic mesenteric ischemia causes severe post-meal abdominal pain, weight loss, and fear of food. At Aria Vascular, we treat it with minimally invasive mesenteric angioplasty and stenting — restoring blood flow without open surgery. Most patients experience significant pain relief within days.

What is a TIPS procedure and when is it needed?

TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) is a minimally invasive procedure that creates a channel inside the liver to relieve pressure in the portal vein — used to treat life-threatening complications of portal hypertension including recurrent variceal bleeding, refractory ascites, and hepatic hydrothorax. Performed through a catheter in the neck vein, most patients are discharged within 1–2 days.

Is hemorrhoid embolization effective for treating hemorrhoids?

Yes. Hemorrhoid embolization is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for chronic hemorrhoidal bleeding and prolapse in patients who haven’t responded to conservative measures. The procedure blocks blood supply to the hemorrhoids — causing them to shrink — without any rectal incision. Studies show significant improvement in bleeding and symptoms in the majority of patients, with very low complication rates. Best suited for grades II–III hemorrhoids with persistent bleeding.

Can interventional radiology stop GI bleeding without surgery?

Yes. Catheter-directed embolization is a highly effective minimally invasive option for GI bleeding that cannot be controlled endoscopically. Using mesenteric angiography, our team precisely identifies the bleeding vessel and seals it — avoiding emergency open surgery. This is particularly valuable for elderly or medically complex patients who cannot tolerate major surgery.

How do I know if my abdominal pain is caused by a vascular problem?

Mesenteric ischemia is often misdiagnosed for years as IBS, gastritis, or other functional GI conditions. Key clues include pain consistently occurring 15–60 minutes after eating, unintentional weight loss, and fear of eating. If you have been evaluated without a clear diagnosis and have vascular risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes), a vascular evaluation may identify a treatable cause. Call (209) 226-4300.

Does Aria Vascular accept insurance for GI vascular procedures?

Yes. Aria Vascular accepts Medicare and most major insurance plans. TIPS, mesenteric angioplasty, and GI bleeding embolization are covered procedures for qualifying patients. Hemorrhoid embolization coverage varies by plan — our team will verify your benefits prior to your procedure. Call (209) 226-4300 for insurance questions.

GI Symptoms That Won't Resolve?

Schedule a GI vascular consultation — the answer may be in your blood vessels, not your gut.

Procedures We Offer

Practice Information

Address

1611 W March Lane Stockton, CA 95207

Hours

Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sat–Sun: Closed

Phone

(209) 226-4300

Fax

(209) 227-1477

Related Services

GI Symptoms That Won't Resolve? The Answer May Be Vascular.

Many gastrointestinal conditions have a vascular root cause that goes undetected for years. Aria Vascular specializes in finding and treating the vascular source — using minimally invasive techniques right here in Stockton.

Gastrointestinal Vascular Disease Treatment in Stockton, CA