Prostate Artery Embolization

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat enlarged prostate (BPH). It reduces blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and easing symptoms like frequent urination and weak flow, without surgery or affecting sexual function.

What is prostatic artery embolization (PAE)?

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist on an outpatient basis, involving the targeted release of microscopic particles into the arteries that supply the prostate gland. These tiny particles then block blood flow to the prostate, and over several weeks, the prostate decreases in size.

While some enlarged prostate treatments negatively impact male sexual function, that risk is minimal with PAE, and men can return to a normal life shortly after the procedure.

What is prostatic artery embolization used for?

PAE is for men who have enlarged prostates. While not life-threatening, an enlarged prostate can negatively impact a man’s day-to-day life. Men with this condition can encounter sexual and urinary issues.

Urine flow can become very slow and frequent. Typical medical and surgical treatments for enlarged prostates can cause severe sexual dysfunction, and a condition called retrograde ejaculation.

How long does the procedure take?

The outpatient procedure takes about two hours, so patients go home the same day. Recovery typically takes just a few days at home before patients can return to work and other routine activities.

What happens during the PAE procedure?

It works by placing a tiny catheter into the arteries that feed the prostate gland. A solution containing thousands of microscopic plastic beads is injected, these block the blood supply by shutting down blood flow to the gland. All of this is accomplished through a tiny quarter-inch hole in the groin.

General anesthesia is not needed because the procedure is not all that painful. Most patients go home the same day with just a small bandage, requiring only a few days of recovery at home before returning to normal life.

Following the embolization, the prostate gland is starved of its blood supply, and therefore shrinks down in size. This allows the urethra to open up and urine to flow more normally. Thankfully, shrinking the prostate does not have any negative impact on sexual function, and indeed a small number of patients actually experience an improvement in their sexual function after the procedure.

Who is a candidate for PAE?

All men who’ve been diagnosed with BPH, who experience symptoms that are not controlled well by medications and who are not able to or do not want to undergo invasive surgical treatments, are candidates for PAE. Patients must have reasonable kidney function and not be allergic to the contrast dye used during the procedure.

Testimonials

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Alex D.

As a fitness instructor, I was very conscious of the varicose veins in my leg. The care I received from Dr. Amir Salem, MD and his team was outstanding. I felt welcomed and supported throughout my consultation and treatment.

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My treatment went very well—both legs are healing and responding to follow-up care. The entire process has been nearly pain-free and has allowed for a quick recovery.

Maryam J.

Friendly staff, great bedside manner, and excellent treatment overall. Everything was smooth, quick, and informative. I felt cared for before and after the procedure. Highly recommended.

Sarai P.

The staff was incredibly helpful and patient. My procedure was completely pain-free, and I felt comfortable throughout. Every question I had was answered clearly—I highly recommend Dr. Amir Salem, MD and his team.

Mary H.

This office is warm and informative. Dr. Amir Salem, MD clearly cares about his patients and took the time to answer all my questions. I left feeling confident and reassured—looking forward to continuing care here.

What are the benefits of PAE?

Compared with surgical procedures such as open prostatectomy and TURP, PAE offers many benefits:

Outpatient procedure
Shorter recovery time
Low risk of sexual side effects
Low risk of urinary incontinence
No indwelling Foley catheter
No retrograde ejaculation
Decreased pain and discomfort

What You Need to Know

PAE symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia are present in about one in four men by age 55, and in half of 75-year-old men.

Treatment is only necessary if symptoms become bothersome.

The PAE procedure has a lower risk of urinary incontinence and sexual side effects (retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction), when compared with more invasive surgical procedures such as a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

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