What Is Vascular Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. While ED is common and often treated successfully with medications like Viagra® or Cialis®, not all cases respond to pills.
For many men, especially those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or prior pelvic procedures, ED can be caused by vascular problems, such as:
- Arterial insufficiency – not enough blood entering the penis
- Venous leak (venogenic ED) – blood escapes too quickly
- Mixed vascular dysfunction – a combination of both
At Vascular Clinic, we specialize in evaluating and treating ED when medications fail, with a strong focus on patient comfort, confidentiality, and minimally invasive solutions.
Step One: Diagnose the Underlying Cause
We begin with a comprehensive and respectful evaluation to determine why erections are not sustaining.
Our diagnostic tools include:
▸ Penile Duplex Ultrasound with Injection
- A small injection of medication is used to stimulate an erection
- We use ultrasound to measure arterial inflow and venous outflow
- This test helps us identify whether you have arterial blockages or venous leak
▸ CT Angiography
- Used to evaluate the pelvic arterial system
- Identifies blockages in arteries such as the internal pudendal or penile arteries
▸ MR Cavernosography
- Contrast is injected into the penis during an induced erection
- Provides a detailed venous drainage map, detecting leaks with high precision
All testing is performed with a clear explanation, gentle technique, and full confidentiality. We ensure the process is discreet, efficient, and comfortable.
When Is Treatment Needed?
If vascular dysfunction is confirmed and you have not responded to oral ED medications, you may benefit from one of our targeted endovascular treatments.
Treatment for Arterial Insufficiency
For select men with blockages in the pudendal or penile arteries, we offer:
- A catheter is inserted through a small groin puncture
- The artery is widened with a balloon, and a stent may be placed
- This restores normal arterial blood flow to the penis
- Performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, typically as an outpatient
Treatment for Venous Leak (Venogenic ED)
More commonly, men with ED have venous leak, where blood cannot be trapped in the penis long enough to maintain an erection.
We treat this with:
Venous Leak Embolization
- Performed through a small needle puncture in the groin or pubic vein
- A microcatheter is guided to the leaking penile veins under imaging
- We block abnormal veins using coils, glue, or sclerosants
- Prevents blood from escaping too quickly, allowing for better rigidity
Procedure highlights
- No incisions – just a needle entry point
- Takes about 1–2 hours and is performed under location anesthesia with mild sedation
- Go home same day, resume normal activity within 1–2 days
- Low complication rate and strong safety profile
Studies show that embolization can restore function in men who failed pills or injections, often allowing them to regain spontaneous or pill-assisted erections with greater confidence.
What to Expect
Before the Procedure:
- Full evaluation including imaging and blood flow studies
- Thorough discussion of expectations and likely outcomes
- Time for questions in a supportive, judgment-free setting
During the Procedure:
- Performed in a comfortable outpatient suite
- Local anesthesia with mild sedation
- No catheterization of the bladder, no general anesthesia
After the Procedure:
- Go home the same day
- Return to normal activities within 1–2 days
- Follow-up with erectile function assessment at 1, 3, and 6 months and serial penile ultrasounds
- Continued coordination with your urologist or referring doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve tried ED pills and injections. Will this help me?
If vascular dysfunction is identified, you may be an excellent candidate. Many patients who failed pills benefit from embolization or arterial stenting.
Will I need another procedure in the future?
Most patients achieve lasting results, but we monitor your function over time and provide re-intervention if needed.
Is the evaluation painful or awkward?
No. Our team is skilled in making the process discreet and comfortable, with sedation and full privacy at every step.
What’s the success rate?
Studies show significant improvement in 68–82% of patients after venous embolization and similar results for stenting, with low risk and fast recovery.
Why Choose Vascular Clinic?
- Pioneers in Vascular ED Diagnosis and Intervention
- Minimally Invasive Outpatient Procedures
- In-House Advanced Imaging and Penile Ultrasound
- Strict Confidentiality and Compassionate Care
- Seamless Coordination with Urologists and PCPs
We understand that ED affects more than just physical health—it impacts relationships, self-esteem, and quality of life. That’s why we offer cutting-edge vascular solutions in a setting that is professional, respectful, and completely confidential.
