Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. This procedure consists of a provider inserting a catheter into an artery and guiding the catheter to arteries supplying blood to the prostate. Tiny particles are injected into the artery to reduce blood flow, causing the prostate to return to a normal size.
What does prostate artery embolization treat?
Prostate artery embolization treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland in men surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. An enlarged prostate can obstruct urine flow, causing frequent urination, difficulty starting the stream and a feeling of incomplete emptying.
Benefits of prostate artery embolization
There are several key benefits of prostate artery embolization over traditional surgical treatments for an enlarged prostate.- Lower Risk
- Avoids potential surgical trauma risks, such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence that may result from traditional prostate surgery.
- Minimally Invasive
- As PAE is performed with a small catheter insertion, there is no need for major surgery and hospital stays. This procedure can be performed in clinic.
- Faster Recovery
- Most patients resume normal activities day after the procedure, versus weeks or months with more invasive surgery.
- Effective Symptom Relief
- Studies show prostate artery embolization successfully relieves urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate in most patients. Benefits of prostate artery embolization.
Who qualifies for prostate artery embolization?
This procedure may be recommended for men who meet certain criteria:- Other treatments for an enlarged prostate have been unsuccessful.
- Men who have not achieved adequate relief from medication therapies such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reducatse inhibitors.
- Moderate to severe symptoms of an enlarged prostate impacting quality of life.
What to expect during the procedure:
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is performed by a provider on an outpatient basis. The procedure goes as follows and takes about one to two hours:- Preperation
- Patients may need to stop certain medications before treatment, such as blood thinners.
- Moderate/conscious sedation will help ensure patient comfort.
- Catheter Insertion
- After numbing the area, a small catheter is inserted into an artery, usually in the wrist or groin area.
- Catheter Guidance
- The catheter is then guided via real-time X-ray imaging into arteries supplying the blood to the prostate.
- Embolization
- Tiny particles are injected through the catheter to intentionally block some of the prostate’s blood supply.
- Recovery Period
- Patients typically go home the same day with the catheter removal site bandaged.
- Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, though the full effects of prostate shrinkage occur gradually over three to six months as lack of blood flow causes the desired shrinkage.
