Daniel Sheeran, MD Performs Virginia’s First Histotripsy & Percutaneous Heptatic Perfusion Procedures

In June, UVA’s Division of Interventional and Vascular Radiology completed 2 milestone procedures within the state: Virginia’s inaugural procedure for histotripsy, a novel non-invasive treatment for liver tumors; and its first case of percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) with the Hezpato Kit, a targeted chemotherapeutic for the treatment of a rare but aggressive metastatic cancer.

UVA Health is the first hospital in Virginia – and one of a handful of places nationwide – to offer histotripsy, which uses focused ultrasound to treat cancerous tissue. After a patient is put under general anesthesia, the ultrasound waves create a “bubble cloud” within tumors in order to irreversibly damage the cancer cells. The procedure is promising for shorter recovery time, involves no radiation or dose limit, is noninvasive, and can be performed on patients with health conditions that might prevent surgery.

Meanwhile, PHP offers a new option to patients with uveal melanoma that has spread to the liver.  Utilizing a blood-filtering system to deliver chemotherapy directly to the liver, the procedure requires a multi-specialty approach, a perfect match for the collaborative care at UVA.

“These procedures could not have been done without the hard work and dedication of many individuals,” said Associate Professor Daniel Sheeran, MD, who performed both procedures. “From our clinic, to nursing, to technologists, to the many people whose faces I never met – on pharmacy, pre-auth, facilities, and more.  We are so proud to be able to now offer these two promising therapies at UVA.”