Renal / Urologic
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting millions of men, with causes ranging from psychological and hormonal factors to vascular disease.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting millions of men, with causes ranging from psychological and hormonal factors to vascular disease. For many men, the underlying problem is poor blood flow into or out of the penis.
At IR Centers®, our specialists offer advanced minimally invasive, image-guided treatments to restore healthy circulation and help men regain confidence, function, and quality of life.
Narrowed or blocked arteries in the pelvis or penis can prevent adequate blood from reaching the erectile tissue, leading to difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. This is often seen in men with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking.
In some men, blood enters the penis normally but drains out too quickly through abnormal venous channels. This “venous leak” prevents sustained erections and can cause frustration despite normal arterial inflow.
Traditional medications such as PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra®, Cialis®, etc.) often fail in these vascular causes. That’s where interventional radiology (IR) treatments can provide a breakthrough solution.
Using advanced imaging, our physicians can access the pelvic arteries through a tiny pinhole in the wrist or groin. Through a catheter, we identify narrowed arteries and use specialized techniques to restore blood flow (angioplasty, stenting, or embolization if abnormal shunts are present).
This helps improve arterial inflow and erectile function in appropriately selected patients.
For patients with abnormal venous drainage, our team performs targeted embolization of the leaking veins. By sealing these outflow channels with tiny coils or medical agents, blood remains in the erectile tissue longer, supporting more natural and sustained erections.
Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, require only local anesthesia and light sedation, and allow patients to go home the same day.
If you are struggling with erectile dysfunction and want to learn whether arterial disease intervention or venous leak embolization could help, schedule a consultation with our IR Centers® Men’s Health team today. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to restore your confidence and improve your quality of life.
Men with ED who have failed medications and are found to have a vascular cause—confirmed through imaging or specialized testing—may benefit from these procedures.
Studies and real-world data show promising results, with many patients reporting improved erectile rigidity and duration. Individual success depends on overall health, anatomy, and severity of disease.
No. These are minimally invasive treatments done under light sedation. Most men describe little to no discomfort during or after.
Patients usually return to normal activities within 24–48 hours. Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and monitor long-term success.