FAX: (763) 398-6051Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization (HAE)
A state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure designed to address bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. This innovative intervention uses image guidance to access the arteries supplying blood to the rectum. Tiny particles or embolic agents are placed in these arteries to reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue. HAE aims to alleviate hemorrhoid bleeding, offering a patient-friendly alternative to traditional surgical methods. Our skilled interventional radiologists at Minneapolis Vascular Physicians bring expertise to HAE, providing individuals with a less invasive option for managing hemorrhoidal issues and improving overall quality of life.
Men’s Health
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
PAE is a new way to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with enlarged prostates due to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). An angiogram is performed of the pelvic arteries supplying the prostate. These are carefully selected and embolized to reduce the amount of blood flow to the prostate.
PAE is an emerging procedure in the United States studied extensively in Europe. While not yet endorsed as a first-line treatment by the American Urological Association, it provides another option for men with larger prostates. It is very effective and has outcomes similar to minimally invasive surgical therapies such as Rezum, TUMT, and Urolift. It is almost as effective as gold standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) without many of the sexual side effects. It is an outpatient procedure with reduced recovery time compared to TURP or open surgery.
Learn more about PAE and schedule an appointment here.
Varicocele Embolization
Varicocele embolization treats patients with scrotal varicoceles by closing malfunctioning veins (testicular veins) endovascularly. Patients enjoy only a tiny needle poke with shorter recovery and a similar reduction in pain and increase in fertility when compared to open surgery.
Varicoceles are dilated veins within the scrotum that cause fullness and pain. They are also linked to infertility. They are the result of incompetent gonadal veins in your abdomen. This condition is usually diagnosed by ultrasound. A Urologist can explain the risks and benefits of open ligation. Schedule a consult with an Interventional Radiologist if you or your Urologist want to explore endovascular options.
Women’s Health
Ovarian Vein/Pelvic Vein Embolization (OVE)
OVE is a procedure used to seal enlarged and faulty veins in the abdomen and pelvis in patients who have symptomatic pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI).
Pelvic Venous Insufficiency (PVI)
PVI refers to pelvic varicose veins and labial varicose veins. Pelvic Venous Insufficiency (PVI) is a commonly overlooked condition that can cause pelvic pain and be debilitating for many women. Common symptoms include:
- dull chronic pelvic pain
- pressure and heaviness associated with dilated pelvic varicose veins
- occasionally labial and vulvar varicose veins
Symptoms are worse with menses, after intercourse, prolonged standing, and at the end of the day.
Consultation and further imaging (CT/MRI) are done first to evaluate if a patient is an ideal candidate for the procedure.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
UFE is a minimally invasive way of treating fibroids. Using image guidance, the doctor closes the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Read more about the benefits of UFE, who UFE is for, the risks, and what to expect.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign, non-cancerous growths in or on the wall of the uterus. They can range in size from less than an inch to several inches in size.
Most cause no symptoms and are discovered during a routine pelvic exam, but when they do cause symptoms, these may include:
- heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding
- anemia
- pain/pressure in the pelvis and back
- pain during intercourse
- frequent urination
- constipation/bloating
Consultation and MRI are done first to evaluate if a patient is an ideal candidate for UFE.