Minimally-Invasive Varicocele Treatment

VIE of greater Minneapolis specializes in treating varicoceles with innovative techniques.

98% success rate without surgery

UNDERSTANDING VARICOCELES

WHAT ARE VARICOCELES AND HOW COMMON ARE THEY?

Varicoceles are enlarged varicose veins around the testicle that can cause pain, swelling, and infertility. This condition affects 15 out of 100 men overall and 40 out of 100 men with known infertility.

Why Do Varicoceles Develop?

Are Varicocelese Harmful?

VARICOCELES SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF VARICOCELES

HOW ARE VARICOCELES DIAGNOSED?

DO VARICOCELES NEED TREATMENT?

TREATMENT OPTIONS

OPEN SURGERY (Varicocelectomy): open surgery to ligate (cut) varicocele veins. VIE does not perform surgery to treat varicoceles.

VARICOCELE EMBOLIZATION (Minimally Invasive): a tiny incision is made, and a catheter is guided into the veins supplying the varicocele. The non-functioning veins allowing blood to leak into the varicocele are closed using tiny metal coils, and the blood then drains out of the testicle through normal veins. Generally, the procedure takes less than 45 minutes. Patients will return to work or school the next day and are often back to complete activity in a couple of days.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

MEET THE SPECIALIST TO THE SPECIALISTS

Michael Cumming, MD

Dr. Cumming specializes in varicocele embolization. In his experienced hands, he has a 98% success rate of treating and embolizing the varicocele. In 94% of patients, venous reflux was entirely resolved, and the varicocele disappeared. In addition, 80% of patients reported complete resolution of their testicular pain. Dr. Cumming presented his varicocele embolization techniques at the Global Embolization (GEST) meeting in 2018 and 2019.

ROCHELLE WOLFE, MD

Dr. Wolfe was integral part in establishing one of the first independent free-standing vein centers in Central Minnesota. Her specialization in vascular disease and fibroid treatment, along with her passion for innovation in medicine led her to become the first physician in Minnesota to perform the UFE procedure through the wrist.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH THE SPECIALISTS

VARICOCELE EMBOLIZATION COMPAREd TO SURGERY

Both surgical and embolization techniques work well. However, outcomes largely depend on the skill of the person performing the procedure.

Varicocele embolization has several advantages over surgery, including:

Minimally Invasive - No large incisions, sutures, or general anesthesia
Faster recovery - normal activity immediately
Higher success rate for complete resolution
Bilateral resolution from one puncture site
Significantly lowered risk for complications
As effective as surgery in improving semen analysis & pregnancy rates

HOW IS VARICOCLE EMBOLIZATION PERFORMED?

Through a small incision, a catheter is guided into the veins supplying the varicocele. Then, the abnormal veins are eliminated through a procedure called embolization. The procedure typically takes less than 45 minutes, in a comfortable setting. Patients typically return to work or school the next day and are often back to complete normal activity within a couple of days.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR VARICOCLE EMBOLIZATION?

If you are experiencing pain caused by your varicocele, have infertility issues due to low sperm count or abnormal sperm, or have future fertility concerns, you are a candidate for this highly safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure.