This month, we revisit the diverse topic of embolization techniques, a field that has experienced growth and maturation as more research debuts to explore the ideal utility of new applications. To demonstrate just a sample of the increasing range of uses, we have invited a respected group of colleagues to contribute their insights to the issue.

We begin with a look at both sides of the TACE versus drug-eluting beads debate. Is lipiodol or drug-eluting the best treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma? Nassir Rostambeigi, MD, MPH; Erik Cressman, MD, PhD; and I weigh the pros and cons of each option. Next, Drs. Rafiuddin Patel and Anthony A. Nicholson discuss the evaluation and treatment options available for arteriovenous fistulas.

Endovascular management of splenic artery aneurysms, which are especially prevalent in pregnant women, has witnessed increased popularity due to solid success rates. Hicham T. Abada, MD; Patrizio Capasso, MD, DSc; and I review the various endovascular options, including aneurysm exclusion via total occlusion of the splenic artery and exclusion while maintaining parent artery flow. Partial splenic artery embolization can be used in portal hypertension complications and hypersplenism. In cases of severe hypersplenism, it can actually be an even better choice than splenectomy. Naveen K. Gowda, MD; Donna Dsouza, MD; and I consider the treatment indications and techniques for reducing the risk of postprocedural complications.

Robert I. White Jr, MD; Eric Reiner, DO; Melih Arici, MD; Hamid Mojibian, MD; Jonathon Kirsch, MD; and Jeffrey S. Pollak, MD, then detail the best protocol for diagnosis and treatment of varicoceles, a condition affecting approximately 10% to 15% of men. Men older than 50 years of age have a very high prevalence (> 50%) of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). João M. Pisco, MD, PhD, explains how prostatic artery embolization can be used to treat BPH with great success. Furthermore, Marc Sapoval, MD, PhD; Johanna Daroles, BSc; Hugo Rio Tinto, MD; Massimiliano Di Primio, MD; Nicolas Thiounn, MD, PhD; and Olivier Pellerin, MD, MSc, share their insights on using C-arm cone beam computed tomography for increased safety during BPH embolization.

To close our feature on embolization, James B. Spies, MD, MPH, reports on the current status of uterine fibroid embolization and what may be in store in the future as health care reform goes into full effect.

In our Challenging Cases section, Richard Pin, MD, FACS, RPVI, describes the endovascular repair of a proximal brachial artery injury resulting from a stab wound to the shoulder.

Shifting toward neurointervention, Charles M. Strother, MD, shares his approach to evaluating and selecting acute ischemic stroke patients for revascularization to minimize the incidence of failed interventions. In our featured interview, Johannes Lammer, MD, speaks about the design of the ESPRIT trial and the difficulties that bioresorbable stent technology faces, despite its many potential benefits for treating peripheral artery disease.

Endovascular Today also remembers the inspiring example found in the life of Editorial Advisory Board member Geoffrey H. White, MD, who passed away earlier this year.

I hope you enjoy the opinions and experiences shared in this issue of Endovascular Today.