A review of the recent literature and presentations pertaining to embolization techniques shows that clinicians are finding new and innovative ways to use these technologies, both in traditional settings and challenging scenarios in which other therapies have failed or could prove prohibitive. Continued study is underway, as is particle and coil material innovation. These techniques, which were among the earliest in interventional therapy, continue to be used as primary procedures and alternatives to surgery, as well as to revise suboptimal outcomes in previously treated patients. The versatility of embolization therapies and the continually improving technology are providing clinicians with new options where previously there may have been none, or simply subpar outcomes.

This month's issue of Endovascular Today takes a look at just a few of the many current applications being used in leading centers. Although further study is of utmost importance, with a particular need for more long-term data and larger, randomized trials, there is much we can discuss about past and recent trials, as well as the outcomes of individual cases in which new techniques are attempted. We are proud to have leading experts in the field contributing articles on these topics.

To start our feature, Jafar Golzarian, MD, provides an overview of embolization materials and provides information on various techniques to help interventionists maximize positive clinical outcomes. Next, Brian S. Knipp, MD, and Enrique Criado, MD, FACS, discuss coil embolization and endovascular plug deployment techniques for occluding the hypogastric artery during endovascular aneurysm repair. In another case related to EVAR, Daniel Putterman, MD; Eric J. Gandras, MD; Craig R. Greben, MD; and Avi Setton, MD, describe how they used a combination of several embolic agents to treat a type I endoleak.

Steven J. Smith, MD, and Luke E. Sewall, MD, outline a case in which they used embolization techniques to treat varicoceles and present the advantages of this nonsurgical option. Next, Darren Fitzpatrick, MD, and Guillermo Restrepo, PA-C, BA, join Drs. Gandras, Greben, and Setton to present a case in which coil embolization was used to treat an expanding mycotic aneurysm of the right external carotid artery trunk. Finally, Robert L. Worthington-Kirsch, MD, sits down with us to answer questions pertaining to the very interesting field of uterine artery embolization, from what the clinical data show and what is lacking, to trends in referrals and practice building.

We're also happy to share some of the current discussions in the field of endovascular varicose vein therapy this month. In addition to a comprehensive listing of the available devices, we have interesting articles from two of the field's leading experts. First, Peter Gloviczki, MD, addresses the ways in which the clinical decision-making process is constantly evolving, with many strong influences such as the efforts of industry and, increasingly, patient preferences. Next, Jose I. Almeida, MD, FACS, RVT, explores developments with a new laser wavelength in endovenous laser technology.

Finally, in our closing interview, John Kaufman, MD, discusses his work as the past year's SIR president, the society's Discovery Campaign, and how having a primary certificate in interventional radiology would affect the specialty.

We hope you enjoy the discussions presented in this month's edition, and we invite you to share your experiences with us as well.