We at Vascular Anomalies Clinic of Jerusalem (Israel) offer comprehensive treatment options for varicocele and male infertility. We provide the most effective and least invasive techniques to treat these conditions in most patients providing excellent results with minimal recovery times.

We are committed to delivering the highest quality of individualized treatment and compassion. We make every effort to ensure comfort and to control pain. Our patients receive frequent follow up phone calls after discharge to answer questions and provide guidance when needed.

Once a varicocele is found, tests using painless ultrasound imaging may be performed to determine the size and position of the vessels involved. After evaluation, your physician will discuss with you the best treatment option for your individual condition. At one time surgery was the only option, however, a minimally invasive technique, called varicocele embolization, can be performed painlessly in an outpatient setting. The procedure uses a stainless steel coil to block blood flow to the dilated vessels in the varicocele. The procedure is performed by placing a catheter in the affected vessel and deploying the coil in the targeted area. The actual procedure is performed in an outpatient setting and takes about 1 hour. You can expect  to be back to work in 24-48 hours. Most patients are completely recovered within 3 days and experience only mild discomfort. Varicocele embolization is considered equally as effective as surgery in improving chances of natural conception.

Using image-guidance, a catheter (a long, thin, hollow plastic tube) is inserted through the skin into the jugular vein, a large blood vessel in the neck, and maneuvered to the treatment site.

Small amounts of x-ray dye (contrast) are injected so that the interventional radiologist can clearly see the veins on the x-ray in order to pinpoint where the problem is and where to embolize, or block, the vein.

Tiny coils made of stainless steel or platinum or other materials, such as liquids, which directly close a vessel, are then inserted in the vein to block it. By blocking the diseased draining vein, backflow into the testicle is stopped and the blood is diverted to healthy veins to exit the testicle through normal pathways. Swelling and pressure within the testicle will be reduced if the blood flow is successfully diverted.

At the end of the procedure, the catheter will be removed and pressure will be applied to the neck area. The opening in the skin is then covered with a small bandage. No sutures are needed.

This procedure is usually completed within one hour and requires local anesthesia only. Patients return to normal activities almost immediately and are instructed only to not lift heavy objects for 5 days after the procedure.