Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

BPH or enlarged prostate can cause a myriad of frustrating symptoms, such as frequent urination and weak stream, among others, which can be debilitating and cause significant deterioration in the quality of life. The traditional treatment options can be highly invasive with surgical complications, potentially adversely affecting urinary and sexual health. 

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a revolutionary, minimally invasive, and safe alternative to relieve symptoms that arise from an enlarged prostate. Our high-volume center has achieved great results in helping dozens of men regain control of their health and restore their quality of life. Our highly experienced Prostate Health team at Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the first in the area to provide this procedure as a treatment option. Join us in helping you take control of your health and restore your quality of life.  

Call our office or book an appointment online to learn more about how PAE can benefit you.

What is prostate artery embolization?

Prostate artery embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive procedure, treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate.

The prostate is a small gland below the bladder that makes semen, the fluid that carries sperm out of the body during ejaculation. Unlike other organs, the prostate continues to grow, and an enlarged prostate is a common problem in men 50 and older.

As the prostate enlarges, it presses on the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, affecting urine flow. Though an enlarged prostate isn’t a serious health condition, the urinary symptoms that come with it affect your quality of life.

PAE places small beads in the artery that feeds the prostate, cutting off the blood supply and shrinking the gland.

When should I consider prostate artery embolization?

The Vascular & Interventional Specialists team recommends prostate artery embolization for people with an enlarged prostate that causes unwanted symptoms that don’t improve with medication.

You might want to consider the minimally invasive procedure if you have BPH and any of the following symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Waking up in the middle of the night to urinate
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream
• Inability to completely empty the bladder

BPH is a progressive condition, and the symptoms gradually get worse. Before PAE, surgery was the primary treatment for symptomatic BPH.

What does prostate artery embolization feel like?

You won’t feel anything during your prostate artery embolization at Vascular & Interventional Specialists. Your board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist gives you a light sedative and local anesthetic to relax you and eliminate pain.

Your provider inserts a catheter into a blood vessel in the upper thigh or wrist and advances it to the arteries that supply blood to your prostate. The interventional radiologist inserts tiny beads called microspheres into the arteries to stop the blood flow.

They remove the catheter and close the incision.

What can I expect during recovery from prostate artery embolization?

You can experience some pain following your PAE, especially during urination. A fever, nausea, and vomiting are also common side effects. These should ease quickly.

You should see improvements in your BPH symptoms soon after the procedure. Though it’s highly effective, you might need to repeat the minimally invasive procedure or have surgery to treat your enlarged prostate if the symptoms return.

Call Vascular & Interventional Specialists today or schedule your prostate artery embolization consultation online.