Prostate artery embolization.
A minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate (BPH), with no surgery through the urethra.
Shrink the prostate without surgery.
As the prostate enlarges with age, it can press on the urethra and cause urinary frequency and urgency, a weak stream, nocturia (waking up at night to urinate), and in some men, urinary retention that requires a catheter.
PAE reduces the blood supply to the prostate through a thin catheter. Over the following weeks the prostate softens and shrinks, easing pressure on the urethra and improving urinary symptoms.
Who it can help.
From consultation to recovery.
We review your urinary symptoms, medications and prostate imaging, and coordinate with your urologist and primary care physician.
Through a pinhole in the skin, a thin catheter is guided to the arteries on both sides of the prostate, and tiny particles reduce blood flow. You are awake but comfortable with light sedation.
You go home within a few hours, usually without a urinary catheter, and we follow up to track your progress.
Improvement over weeks.
Nocturia, urinary frequency and urgency typically begin to improve within a few weeks and continue to improve as the prostate shrinks. Many men who depended on a catheter are able to have it removed.
Because there is no surgery through the urethra, PAE carries a lower risk of sexual side effects than surgical options.
On the BackTable podcast.
Find relief from BPH symptoms.
Email us to schedule a PAE consultation.