Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that relieves urinary symptoms without surgery. At IYA Medical, our interventional radiologists offer PAE as an effective alternative to traditional prostate surgery.
What is PAE?
Prostate Artery Embolization is a catheter-based procedure that shrinks an enlarged prostate by blocking its blood supply. By reducing blood flow to the prostate, PAE causes it to shrink, relieving the urinary symptoms caused by BPH.
What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly affects men as they age. The enlarged prostate presses on the urethra, causing urinary problems.
Symptoms of BPH
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak urine stream
- Stopping and starting while urinating
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
- Urinary tract infections
How PAE Works
- Using local anesthesia and light sedation, a tiny catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin artery
- The catheter is guided to the prostate arteries using X-ray imaging
- Tiny particles (microspheres) are injected to block blood flow to the prostate
- With reduced blood supply, the prostate gradually shrinks
- Urinary symptoms improve as pressure on the urethra decreases
Benefits of PAE vs. Traditional Surgery
- No general anesthesia required
- No surgical incision
- No urinary catheter needed (in most cases)
- Same-day procedure: Go home the same day
- Faster recovery: Return to normal activities in days
- Lower risk of sexual side effects: Preserves sexual function
- No risk of urinary incontinence
- Can treat very large prostates
Who is a Candidate?
PAE may be right for you if:
- You have moderate to severe BPH symptoms
- Medications haven't provided adequate relief
- You want to avoid surgery
- You're concerned about sexual side effects of TURP
- You have a very large prostate
- You have health conditions that make surgery risky
What to Expect
The procedure takes 1-3 hours. Most men experience gradual improvement in symptoms over 1-3 months as the prostate shrinks. Studies show:
- 80-90% of patients experience significant symptom improvement
- Average prostate volume reduction of 30-40%
- Improvement in quality of life scores
Tired of BPH symptoms? Schedule a PAE consultation at IYA Medical.
