Prostate Artery
Embolization
Minimally Invasive Relief for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Prostate Artery
Embolization
Minimally Invasive Relief for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) Right for You?
You may be a candidate for PAE.
What to Expect: From Consultation to Recovery
PAE is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed by our vascular interventional radiologists. Here is what you can expect before, during, and after treatment.
Before the Procedure
Our vascular interventional radiologist will review your medical history and imaging to determine if Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is right for you.
Procedure
PAE is performed using local anesthesia with light sedation to keep you comfortable. A small catheter is inserted through an artery – usually through the wrist or thigh – and guided to the artery supplying the prostate. Tiny coils or particles are then delivered to block the blood flow, causing the prostate to shrink and symptoms to improve.
Recovery
After the procedure, you will be monitored briefly and can typically go home the same day. Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two, with gradual relief from symptoms.
Minimally Invasive, Outpatient Procedure
PAE requires only a tiny incision—about the size of a nick in your wrist or thigh—and is performed under conscious sedation. No hospital stay is needed, and most patients return home the same day.
Faster Recovery, Less Discomfort
Compared to traditional prostate surgery, PAE typically involves less discomfort and a quicker return to normal daily activities.
Effective Symptom Relief
With clinical success rates of approximately 80–85%¹, PAE can significantly improve common urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak stream, and nighttime waking.
Lower Risk of Complications
Because PAE does not involve removing or cutting prostate tissue, there is a lower risk of complications such as incontinence or sexual side effects compared to surgery.
Why Choose Prostate Artery Embolization?
What’s Next?
If your symptoms are moderate to severe, the next step is a consultation with our vascular interventional radiologists. We will review your symptoms, medical history, and determine if PAE is right for you.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition as men age, where the prostate enlarges and presses on the bladder and urethra. This can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, weak stream, and waking at night to urinate.
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Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by vascular interventional radiologists. A small catheter is used to reduce blood flow to the prostate, helping it shrink and relieve urinary symptoms.
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Treatment options for BPH range from medications to surgery. PAE is a non-surgical option that does not involve incisions or removal of prostate tissue and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure with a quicker recovery.
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Many men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms may be candidates for PAE. The best way to determine if it is right for you is through a consultation, where our team will review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging.
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PAE can improve common urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, weak stream, and nighttime waking.
Prostate Artery Embolization Frequently Asked Questions
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Most patients experience significant improvement in urinary symptoms after PAE. Some notice changes within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months.
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Many patients experience long-lasting symptom relief, with results that can be sustained for several years.
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PAE is typically performed in 1–2 hours as an outpatient procedure. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days. Mild, temporary side effects such as pelvic discomfort or urinary changes may occur.
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PAE is considered a safe and effective treatment when performed by experienced vascular and interventional radiologists. Serious complications are uncommon.
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Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover PAE. In many cases, you can schedule a consultation directly, and our team can assist with verifying your benefits and any referral requirements.
Find Relief from BPH Symptoms
Take the first step toward improving your quality of life. Start with a consultation with our vascular interventional radiologists to see if PAE is right for you.
For questions or more information about the Vascular Institute at AMI,
visit vi-ami.com or call 866-356-9286.
The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a doctor-patient relationship. If you are suffering from a disease or ailment, you should consider seeking the counsel of a knowledgeable, licensed health care professional. Please do not use this site to disregard any medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read or see. We have endeavored to ensure that the information contained in this site is correct; however, we cannot guarantee it's accuracy.1. Isaacson AJ, Bagla S, et al. The State of Evidence in Prostate Artery Embolization. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022.