ARTERIAL EMBOLIZATION

PRIAPISM

Introduction

Last updated: apr 5, 2025

Priapism refers to a prolonged penile erection that continues without sexual arousal or lasts longer than expected. It is classified into two primary types: high-flow and low-flow priapism. Management strategies vary depending on the specific type diagnosed. Notably, interventional radiology is central to the treatment of high-flow priapism.

Penile Arteries Types 1-3
Accesory Pudendal Artery VAriations
Common Penile Vascular Anatomy
 

Anatomy

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Indications

Only high-flow priapism is an indication for embolisation

 

Contra indications

Absolute

  • Ischemic (low-flow) priapism
  • Embolization is not appropriate in ischemic priapism
  • Uncorrected coagulopathy or severe bleeding disorder
  • Allergy to contrast agents

Relative

 

Workup

  • Complete blood count
    • differential,
    • platelet levels
    • coagulation panel
  • In case of possible drug use urine and plasma toxicology screens are advisable
  • Blood gas analysis of the corporal bodies
  • Color Doppler
    • "low-resistance, high-velocity” arterial waveform
  • CTA

High-flow priapism is not an emergency, as it doesn't cause ischemia. Conservative treatment is recommended first, with about a 60% chance of spontaneous resolution. However, prolonged cases may lead to fibrosis and erectile dysfunction.

 

Pre procedural

 

Materials

Essentials

  • Chlorhexidine
  • Standard angiography set
  • Lidocaine 1% 10 ml
  • Contrast
  • Heparine 5.000 IE
  • Heparinized saline
  • 6F Introducer
  • 0.035" Terumo Stiff guidewire
  • PIER catheter
  • Cobra catheter
  • Progreat micro catheter
  • Embolisation materials
  • Angioseal

Non-Essentials

 

Positioning the patient

  • Head first
  • Supine

 

The procedure in steps

  • TOP
  • Clean the area with chlorhexidine and cover it with a sterile drape.
  • Perform infiltration with Lidocaine.
  • Sheath placement according to Seldinger
  • 5F Cobra catheter to perform common iliac artery angiography.
  • Catheterize the penile artery using a microcatheter.
  • Perform embolization using one of the following materials:
  • Gelatin sponge particles
  • Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles
  • Microcoils
  • Conduct a second angiography to confirm the success of the embolization.
  • Sign out

 

Tips and tricks

 

Complications

  • Erectile Dysfunction 15%
    • Risk varies depending on the embolic agent used—permanent agents like coils may carry a higher risk than temporary agents like gelatin sponge.
  • Non-target Embolization
  • Recurrent Priapism: 6-40%
  • Penile Pain or Discomfort: may occur
  • Hematoma or Bleeding at Puncture Site
  • Infection: rare
  • Vascular Injury

 

Post-op

 

Report

 

Literature

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The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information is implied. No liability is accepted for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for interpretations thereof. The reader assumes sole responsibility for the selection of these materials to achieve its intended results. The opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

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