Varicocele Embolization

About Varicocele Embolization

Varicocele embolization is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that treats varicoceles — enlarged veins in the scrotum that can cause testicular pain, swelling, and male infertility. At M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group in Forest Hills, Queens, Dr. Amir Salem performs varicocele embolization as a safe, effective alternative to traditional surgical repair. A varicocele is present in approximately 15% of all men and up to 40% of men being evaluated for infertility. The condition occurs when the valves inside the veins of the spermatic cord malfunction, causing blood to pool and the veins to dilate. This pooling raises testicular temperature, which can impair sperm production and testosterone levels. During varicocele embolization, Dr. Salem threads a thin catheter through a small puncture — typically in the wrist or neck — and uses real-time imaging to guide tiny coils or a sclerosing agent into the affected vein, redirecting blood flow through healthy vessels. The procedure takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, requires only local anesthesia and light sedation, and patients return home the same day. Recovery is significantly faster than surgical varicocelectomy, with most men returning to normal activities within one to two days and experiencing improvement in pain and semen parameters over the following months. If you are in Forest Hills, Queens, Great Neck, Long Island, or the surrounding area and dealing with testicular pain or male fertility concerns, M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group offers expert varicocele evaluation and treatment.

What to Expect

Your varicocele embolization begins with a consultation including physical examination and scrotal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. On the day of the procedure, you will receive local anesthesia and light sedation for comfort. Dr. Salem makes a small puncture, typically in the wrist or neck, and guides a micro-catheter to the affected testicular vein using live X-ray imaging. Tiny coils or a sclerosing solution are delivered to block the abnormal vein, redirecting blood flow through healthy pathways. The entire procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes. You will rest briefly in recovery and go home the same day. Most patients return to desk work within one to two days and resume physical activity within a week.

Who Is This For?

Men experiencing testicular pain, scrotal heaviness, visible enlarged scrotal veins, or those diagnosed with a varicocele contributing to male infertility — particularly patients who prefer a minimally invasive alternative to surgical varicocelectomy.

Frequently Asked Questions