Prostatic Artery Embolization

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment designed to alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH refers to the noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, affecting approximately one in four men by age 55 and half of men by age 75. As the prostate enlarges, it may partially obstruct the urethra, leading to bothersome urinary symptoms. These symptoms include:

• urinary incontinence
• increased frequency and nighttime urination
• urinary urgency
• pain during urination

For men who are not satisfied by their medical therapy and are either ineligible for traditional surgery or prefer a less invasive approach, PAE is an effective solution. Via a small puncture in the upper thigh or arm, an interventional radiologist (IR) guides a catheter to the vessels supplying blood to the prostate. By blocking these blood vessels using tiny particles, PAE reduces the size of the prostate gland, providing relief from urinary symptoms without the need for major surgery.