Stents for Erectile Dysfunction
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: September 29, 2012
A procedure usually performed to solve heart problems may also help men with erectile dysfunction. It involves using balloons and stents to unclog arteries in the pelvis.
A cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic performs an angiogram to look for a blockage and when he finds it, he places a stent in the artery.
Since the arteries that provide blood flow to the penis are in the pelvis, that's where the stent will live, not in the penis itself.
Cardiologist Dr. Mehdi Shishehbor performs the procedure. He says, "the reason for this is that 70% of people that have erectile dysfunction have some form of atherosclerosis, some form of blockage that may prevent blood flow from getting to the penis."
Dr. Shishehbor says the outpatient procedure takes about an hour and the recovery process isn't long. Some men can return to their normal activities the next day.
Candidates for the procedure are chosen by a highly selective process.
A cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic performs an angiogram to look for a blockage and when he finds it, he places a stent in the artery.
Since the arteries that provide blood flow to the penis are in the pelvis, that's where the stent will live, not in the penis itself.
Cardiologist Dr. Mehdi Shishehbor performs the procedure. He says, "the reason for this is that 70% of people that have erectile dysfunction have some form of atherosclerosis, some form of blockage that may prevent blood flow from getting to the penis."
Dr. Shishehbor says the outpatient procedure takes about an hour and the recovery process isn't long. Some men can return to their normal activities the next day.
Candidates for the procedure are chosen by a highly selective process.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.