Research
- CLEVER
The UC San Diego Center for Learning and Excellence in Vascular and Endovascular Research (CLEVER)
The Center for Learning and Excellence in Vascular and Endovascular Research (CLEVER) is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of vascular care through innovation, rigorous clinical investigation and transformative education. Our mission is to improve outcomes for patients with vascular disease while training and mentoring the next generation of academic surgeons and physician-scientists.
At its core, CLEVER integrates cutting-edge clinical trials, real-world data science and quality improvement science to address some of the most complex and high-risk conditions in vascular surgery. Our work is focused on translating discovery into safer, more effective care — locally, nationally and internationally.
Research from CLEVER has been published in leading journals, including JAMA, Journal of Vascular Surgery, Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Journal of the American Heart Association, Circulation and Stroke, and has been presented at all major national and international meetings.
Through innovation, collaboration and mentorship, CLEVER is redefining what is possible in vascular and endovascular surgery. By combining rigorous science with a deep commitment to education and patient-centered care, we aim to build a future where vascular care is safer, more effective and accessible to all.
Our Mission
- Advance patient care through high-impact clinical research and innovation
- Redefine quality and safety in vascular and endovascular surgery
- Train and mentor future leaders in academic surgery, outcomes research and translational science
- Drive national and global change in how vascular care is delivered
Research Topics
- Complex aneurysm and dissection care
- Carotid artery disease and stroke prevention
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD), CLTI and limb salvage
- Dialysis access and venous disease
Areas of Interest
Clinical Trials and Innovation
CLEVER is a major contributor to national and international clinical trials, serving as a platform for evaluating the latest technologies and therapies in vascular and endovascular surgery. Our team has led and participated in more than 40 clinical trials and funded projects, shaping evidence that directly informs clinical practice and guidelines. We combine prospective clinical trials, large-scale registry and claims data analysis and advanced statistical and AI-driven methodologies to accelerate the translation of innovation into everyday patient care.
Outcomes Research and Quality Improvement
A defining pillar of CLEVER is our commitment to changing how vascular care is delivered. Through partnerships with national quality initiatives and large datasets, we:
- Identify gaps in care and variations in outcomes
- Develop and implement evidence-based quality improvement strategies
- Benchmark performance at institutional, regional, and national levels
- Promote safer, more efficient, and patient-centered care pathways
Our work has contributed to meaningful improvements in vascular outcomes and continues to influence practice standards across the country.
Education, Mentorship and Leadership Development
CLEVER is more than a research center — it is a training ground for future leaders in vascular surgery and research. We provide a structured and highly collaborative environment for:
- Undergraduate and medical students
- Fellows and residents
- Postdoctoral scholars and research trainees
- Early-career faculty
Through hands-on involvement in clinical trials, data science and scholarly work, trainees develop the skills necessary to lead academic programs, conduct high-impact research and shape the future of vascular care.
Our Team
Learn about the clinicians, researchers and scholars who drive CLEVER's research and mentorship endeavors.
