Transbrachial Versus Transfemoral Venous Access for Varicocele Embolization: Effects on Radiation Exposure and Technical Success

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This retrospective study compared transbrachial and transfemoral venous access for varicocele embolization performed from November 2007 through December 2024.
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The primary outcomes were technical success, dose-area product, and fluoroscopy duration; unilateral success counted as partial success in attempted bilateral procedures.
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Transbrachial access used the right median cubital or basilic vein, whereas transfemoral access used the right common femoral vein.
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Radiation-dose reduction measures included strict collimation, the lowest effective fluoroscopy mode, and last image hold; reported dose-area product included digital subtraction angiography.
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Access route and embolization technique were selected according to clinical and anatomic factors, operator familiarity, and available materials; upper-extremity access was preferred in specified chall

European Radiology

by Anna-Maria Odenthal, Alexander Marc Christian Böhner, Tatjana Dell, Carsten Meyer, Matthäus Reinert, Marilia Voigt, Julian Alexander Luetkens, Patrick Arthur Kupczyk
October 8, 2026

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