Transluminal penile venoablation for impotence: a progress report

Based on theoretical advantages and successful pilot experiments in dogs, therapeutic transluminal penile venoablation underwent clinical trials in 13 impotent men. Catheter access to the penile venous structures was gained via (1) direct percutaneous puncture of the deep dorsal penile vein, (2) cut-down over the dorsal vein of the penis, or (3) retrograde catheterization of internal or external pudendal veins from a femoral vein. Alternatively, needle access only was gained into (4) the preprostatic plexus or the pudendal vein, (5) the superficial penile vein, or (6) the crura. Once venous access had been gained, selective venography was performed to clarify the relevant anatomy in each case. After catheterization, venoocclusion was produced by embolization with combinations of coils and Gelfoam, followed by sclerosant. Results to date indicate high feasibility of access by a variety of methods, and the safety of transluminal venoablation. Clinical efficacy to date seems only moderate. Eight of 13 patients report subjective improvement in the quality of erections after a mean follow-up period of 5.2 +/- 2.4 months. With regard to sexual activity, 2 patients are considered cured, 2 improved sufficiently for sexual intercourse, and 9 were insufficiently improved for intercourse. Of the nine failures, two were considered cures for 3 weeks, but then relapsed for unknown reasons. Two of the 4 patients that regained potency had concomittant unilateral or bilateral pudendal arterial occlusions. Technical modifications for improving results are under continuing investigation.