Minimally-Invasive Varicocele Treatment

VIE of greater Minneapolis specializes in treating varicoceles with innovative techniques and no surgery.

98% success rate without surgery

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Minimally-Invasive Varicocele Treatment

VIE of greater Minneapolis specializes in treating varicoceles with innovative techniques and no surgery.

98% success rate without surgery

98% success rate without surgery

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FIND OUT IF YOU ARE A CANDIDATE

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MEET THE SPECIALIST TO THE SPECIALISTS

VIE- Michael Cumming, M.D Page Image

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.

VIE- Dr.Wolfe Physician Overview Headshot (3)

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

VARICOCELES SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT

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.

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

UNDERSTANDING VARICOCELES

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.