Erectile dysfunction caused by reduced blood flow to the penis may be treatable with internal pudendal artery angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that opens narrowed arteries to improve circulation. At Medical Vascular Partners, our double board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists, Dr. Rajiv Srinivasa and Dr. Taylor Maloney, provide expert, patient-centered care and personalized treatments to help address arteriogenic erectile dysfunction.
Improve Blood Flow and Treat Arteriogenic ED
Internal pudendal artery angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed to improve blood flow to the penis in men with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction. This condition occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries restrict the blood supply needed to achieve and maintain an erection. During angioplasty, your physician guides a small balloon-tipped catheter into the affected artery and inflates the balloon to widen the narrowed segment. This may improve circulation and overall erectile function.
What Does Internal Pudendal Artery Angioplasty Treat?
Internal pudendal artery angioplasty treats arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the penis due to narrowed or blocked arteries. By improving circulation, this minimally invasive procedure may help address symptoms such as:
- Difficulty achieving an erection despite sexual stimulation
- Trouble maintaining an erection during sexual activity
- Erections that are weaker or less firm than usual
- Reduced ability to achieve erections consistently
- Erectile dysfunction that has not responded adequately to medications
How Internal Pudendal Artery Angioplasty Works
Internal pudendal artery angioplasty restores blood circulation by widening narrowed arteries that supply blood to the penis. Your physician inserts a thin catheter into a blood vessel and guides it toward the affected internal pudendal artery using X-ray imaging. A small balloon is inflated at the narrowed section, compressing plaque against the artery walls and expanding the passage. This improves blood circulation, potentially allowing more blood to enter the erectile tissues.
Advantages of Internal Pudendal Artery Angioplasty
Internal pudendal artery angioplasty offers a minimally invasive approach to addressing erectile dysfunction caused by restricted blood flow. Potential advantages include:
- Minimally invasive treatment without traditional open surgery
- Targeted treatment of narrowed or blocked internal pudendal arteries
- Potential improvement in blood flow to the penis
- Possible improvement in erectile function and firmness
- Small catheter entry site with minimal tissue disruption
- Outpatient treatment with no overnight hospital stay in most cases
- Shorter recovery time compared to traditional open vascular surgery
- Potential reduction in reliance on erectile dysfunction medications
Internal Pudendal Artery Angioplasty FAQs
How is arteriogenic erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
Your physician may recommend a penile Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow and identify potential arterial insufficiency. Additional vascular imaging, such as CT angiography or catheter angiography, may help locate narrowed arteries. These findings help determine whether angioplasty could benefit you.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients can return home the same day following a brief observation period. You may need to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity while the catheter insertion site heals. Your physician will provide personalized recovery instructions based on your procedure.
When can I expect improvements in erectile function?
Some patients may notice improvements within weeks, while others may require longer to assess their response. The results depend on the severity of arterial disease, overall vascular health, and other contributing factors. Improvement is not guaranteed, and some patients may continue needing erectile dysfunction medications.
How long do the results last?
The results vary. Some patients experience sustained improvement, while others may develop recurrent arterial narrowing or persistent erectile dysfunction. Regular follow-up helps assess your response and determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
Schedule Your Consultation
Medical Vascular Partners is a physician-led practice in Austin, TX, dedicated to delivering advanced, minimally invasive vascular and interventional treatments in a comfortable outpatient setting. Led by board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists Dr. Rajiv Srinivasa and Dr. Taylor Maloney, we take the time to understand your concerns, evaluate your vascular health, and recommend appropriate treatments for arteriogenic erectile dysfunction. Schedule your consultation for internal pudendal artery angioplasty in Austin, TX, today.
