TREATMENT

Varicocele Embolization

IMAGE-GUIDED EMBOLIZATION TREATMENT

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to block abnormal veins that contribute to a varicocele. For selected patients, it may help reduce discomfort, swelling, or fertility-related concerns without open surgery.
  • Treats varicoceles
  • Blocks abnormal veins
  • Uses catheter guidance
  • Minimally invasive option
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Evaluation & Next Steps

  • Clear severity assessment and next steps
  • Supportive care and recovery guidance
  • Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
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Quick Summary

Key takeaway: Varicocele embolization closes abnormal veins so blood is redirected away from the varicocele and toward healthier pathways.

The procedure may be considered for selected patients with pain, swelling, heaviness, fertility concerns, or recurrent varicocele after prior treatment. Planning depends on symptoms, exam findings, ultrasound results, vein anatomy, and overall health.

WHAT IS VARICOCELE EMBOLIZATION?

Varicocele embolization is an image-guided procedure used to treat a varicocele, which is an enlarged group of veins in the scrotum caused by abnormal or reversed blood flow. A thin catheter is guided through the veins to reach the abnormal vessels.

Once the target veins are identified, coils, plugs, liquid agents, or other embolic materials may be placed to block the abnormal flow. Blood is then redirected through healthier veins.

Varicocele embolization is not appropriate for every patient. The best treatment depends on symptoms, fertility goals, exam findings, ultrasound results, prior treatment history, and vein anatomy.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • Scrotal pain or heaviness
  • Visible varicocele
  • Fertility concerns
  • Recurrent varicocele
  • Suitable vein anatomy
A full evaluation helps determine whether varicocele embolization is appropriate based on symptoms, fertility goals, ultrasound findings, vein anatomy, and overall health.

Conditions Treated

Varicocele embolization may be considered when abnormal scrotal veins are causing symptoms or contributing to fertility concerns.

Varicocele

Enlarged scrotal veins can cause pain, heaviness, swelling, or fertility-related concerns.

Scrotal Discomfort

Aching, pressure, or heaviness may worsen with standing or physical activity.

Male Fertility Concerns

Some varicoceles may be associated with abnormal semen parameters or fertility evaluation.

Recurrent Varicocele

Varicocele symptoms can return after prior treatment and may need reassessment.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Blocks abnormal veins
  • May reduce discomfort
  • May reduce swelling
  • Avoids open incision
  • Outpatient option
Benefits depend on symptoms, vein anatomy, fertility goals, prior treatment, and follow-up care.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

Varicocele embolization is performed with imaging guidance. A catheter is guided to the abnormal veins, and embolic material is placed to block the faulty pathway.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Symptoms are reviewed
  • Ultrasound may be checked
  • Medications are reviewed

During the Procedure

  • A catheter is placed
  • Veins are mapped
  • Abnormal flow is blocked

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Monitoring is brief
  • Activity limits may apply
  • Symptoms are tracked

Risks / Considerations

  • Bruising can occur
  • Pain may occur
  • Varicocele may recur

Related Treatments / Alternatives

Depending on symptoms, anatomy, and fertility goals, varicocele embolization may be considered alongside broader embolization or surgical treatment options.

Embolization

A broader image-guided technique used to block targeted blood flow in selected conditions.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Embolization

A related venous embolization procedure used to close abnormal pelvic veins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks abnormal veins contributing to a varicocele and redirects blood flow through healthier veins.
A varicocele may cause scrotal pain, swelling, heaviness, visible enlarged veins, or fertility-related concerns in selected patients.
No. Embolization is performed through a small catheter access point, while surgical repair usually involves an incision to treat the abnormal veins.
Some patients with fertility concerns may be evaluated for treatment, but results vary. Fertility goals and semen analysis should be discussed during evaluation.
Risks may include bruising, bleeding, pain, infection, vein injury, coil or device migration, incomplete treatment, or varicocele recurrence.
The best option depends on symptoms, ultrasound findings, fertility goals, prior treatment history, vein anatomy, and overall health.

Locations

LVVIS offers vascular evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.

LVVIS West Side Consultation Office

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Consultations and vascular evaluations

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LV2 Limb & Vascular Division

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care

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LVVIS East Procedure Office

2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care

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LVVIS West Side Surgical Center

6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Advanced vascular and interventional procedures

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