Prostate Artery Embolization

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that helps improve lower urinary tract symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can restrict or block the urethra, causing urinary symptoms.

Detect the signs of BPH

The symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can sometimes interfere with a man’s quality of life. Know what common symptoms to look for and contact us if you’re experiencing the following:

• Frequent urination
• Waking up in the middle of the night to urinate
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Difficulty urinating
• Incontinence (lack of control over urination)

BPH is common. More than half of men over the age of 60 have some urinary symptoms due to BPH, and up to 90 percent of men aged 70 to 89 experience symptoms.

What is PAE

During the Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) procedure, one of our interventional radiologists will gain access to the blood vessels in the enlarged prostate through a small incision in the upper thigh. Small particles (similar to the size of a grain of sand) are injected to decrease blood flow to the prostate gland.

The procedure typically takes about two hours to complete. In the weeks and months following PAE, the prostate relaxes and shrinks, often resulting in significant symptom relief for most men that is comparable to invasive surgery.

PAE is a minimally invasive alternative treatment to traditional invasive surgeries.

Benefits of PAE

Although BPH may be treated with oral medications, not all patients have relief of their symptoms with medications alone. In patients with severe symptoms, a urologist may recommend a surgical procedure, such as a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

The PAE procedure is for candidates who are either not candidates for, or seeking alternatives to, the invasiveness and potential side effects of a traditional surgery. An exam with one of our interventional radiologists can determine if you are candidate for PAE.

Benefits of this specialized procedure include:

• Minimally invasive
• Outpatient procedure
• Low risk of side effects such as erectile dysfunction, bleeding, and incontinence
• No tissue removed
• Shorter recovery than traditional surgery
• Not performed through the urethra