Venous Leak Embolization: A Minimally Invasive Solution for Common Cause of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting millions of men worldwide. While many treatment options exist, some men may not respond well to conventional treatments like oral medications or injections. In select cases, a minimally invasive procedure called venous leak embolization may offer promise.

What is Venous Leak Embolization?

Venous leak, also known as veno-occlusive dysfunction, is a common cause of ED. It occurs when the veins in the penis are unable to properly trap blood during an erection, leading to difficulty maintaining firmness.

Common complaints include a chronic soft erection insufficient for sexual intercourse, position-dependent erectile rigidity, difficulty achieving erections, difficulty maintaining erections without constant manual stimulation, loss of penile length and girth, and a soft glans during erection.

Venous leak embolization is a procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It involves inserting a small catheter into to the affected veins near the penis.  Tiny coils, sclerosing agents or specialized glue is  then injected to block these veins, allowing adequate trapping of blood to restore erectile function.

Benefits of Venous Leak Embolization:

 * Minimally invasive: Compared to surgery, embolization requires only a small needle puncture and has a shorter recovery time.

 * Effective: Studies have shown significant improvement in erectile function for many men after the procedure.

 * Safe: Embolization is generally a safe procedure with a low risk of complications.

 * Outpatient procedure: Patients can go home the same day as the procedure.

Who is a Candidate for Venous Leak Embolization?

Venous leak embolization may be an option for men who:

 * Have ED caused by venous leak.

 * Have not responded well to other treatments.

 * Are in good overall health.

What to Expect During the Procedure:

 * Local anesthesia: The area where the catheter is inserted will be numbed.

 * Mild to Moderate sedation: You may be given medication to help you relax.

 * Real-time imaging: The interventional radiologist will use real time X-Ray imaging guidance to find the culprit vein,  position the catheter and inject the embolic agents.

 * Monitoring: You will be monitored for a short time after the procedure.

Recovery:

 * Most men can return to normal activities within a few days.

 * You may experience some mild discomfort or bruising at the needle site.

 * Your doctor will provide specific instructions on resuming sexual activity.

Is Venous Leak Embolization Right for You?

If you are struggling with ED and have not found success with other treatments, venous leak embolization may be an option worth considering before resorting to more invasive surgical traetments such as an impllant. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if this procedure is right for you.

Would you like to learn more about venous leak embolization?

You can make an appointment with Dr. Golowa at (212) 991-9991