Prostate Artery Embolization

An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition affecting men as they age. It occurs when the prostate gland grows larger, pressing against the urethra and disrupting normal urinary function. Symptoms of BPH can include:

Left untreated, BPH can significantly impact quality of life and, in severe cases, lead to urinary tract infections or kidney damage. Innovative treatments such as Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) offer a minimally invasive solution to relieve symptoms and restore comfort and confidence.

The Expert Care You Need

At Vista Vascular and Interventional Specialists, we specialize in PAE, bringing decades of expertise in advanced vascular procedures.

Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care, guiding patients through every step of the process with attention to comfort and improved outcomes.

What Is Prostate Artery Embolization?

Prostate artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at reducing the size of an enlarged prostate and relieving urinary symptoms caused by BPH. PAE effectively addresses symptoms such as difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, frequent nighttime urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and the need to strain during urination.

At Vista, we’re here to connect patients with the ideal treatment for prostate issues.

How Does the Procedure Work?

PAE is a nonsurgical, outpatient procedure that allows you to return home the same day without any incisions in the penile or genital area. The procedure targets the blood supply to the prostate, rather than creating any incisions or tunnels within the prostate itself. The Interventional Radiologist makes a small incision, just a few millimeters in size, in the groin or wrist to access the blood vessels.

Through this incision, microcatheters are carefully guided into the arteries supplying the prostate, where microscopic particles are injected to reduce blood flow to the prostate. After the procedure, most patients can go home within a few hours.

What Is the Recovery Timeline?

Recovery from PAE is typically straightforward and mild. You will be instructed to limit physical activity for a few days, and medications will be provided to help manage any discomfort as the prostate adjusts to its reduced blood flow. Some patients may experience temporary side effects such as increased frequency, urgency or pelvic discomfort which can be relieved with a regimen of medications.

Serious side effects are uncommon, and most men notice significant improvement in symptoms within a month.

How to Know if PAE Is the Right Choice

PAE is an effective treatment for men experiencing urinary symptoms due to BPH that have not responded to medication or lifestyle changes. If you are struggling with symptoms such as frequent urination or weak urine flow, or nighttime urination, PAE may be a suitable choice.

A consultation with an experienced Interventional Radiologist at Vista is the ideal way to determine if PAE is right for you. We will evaluate your medical history, perform necessary imaging, discuss your treatment goals, and collaborate with your Urologist to help guide you toward the most effective solution for your prostate health.

Risks and Benefits of PAE

What are the additional benefits of PAE?

PAE has a lower risk of sexual dysfunction than many other treatments for BPH.
Approximately 80% of patients experience an improvement in overall urinary symptoms when both prostate arteries can be embolized.

What are the possible risks of PAE?

A delayed urinary tract infection is possible, however, it rarely occurs. The procedure is performed in a sterile environment.
The puncture site is sealed after the procedure. However, rare delayed bleeding at the puncture site is possible.
Rarely, temporary acute urinary retention (the inability to urinate) for a couple of weeks requiring an indwelling catheter.
There have been rare reports in the literature of non-target embolization, which occurs if beads enter vessels supplying adjacent structures. However, the use of Cone Beam CT during the procedure decreases this risk.

What factors can make the procedure less effective or more challenging?

The procedure may be less effective if you have a weak or spastic bladder or no bladder function. On rare occasions, selecting the prostatic artery may be challenging due to individual severe hardening, narrowing, and/or twisting of arteries.

Why Vista for PAE?

With a focus on minimally invasive techniques, we empower men to reclaim their health and confidence with precision and care.

Our Interventional Radiologists have the most experience performing PAE in New Jersey. Our research on PAE has been published in world-class medical journals, such as the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology.

Please read our research contributions to the development of PAE: