Prostate Artery Embolization
Prostate Artery Embolization, or PAE is a minimally invasive treatment that helps improve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by a benign prostate hyperplasia, also known as BPH. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland and is the most common benign tumor found in men. The Likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age. A small catheter is then inserted into your artery through a tiny incision in either your groin or wrist. The interventional radiologist will then guide the catheter into the vessels that supply blood to your prostate. Once the catheter is in position, an arteriogram is done to map the blood vessels feeding the prostate. Tiny round particles are injected through the catheter and into the blood vessels that feed your prostate, which reduce the blood supply.
As the prostate gets larger, it will constrict or partly block the urethra, causing lower urinary tract symptoms such as:
In most cases, relief begins to occur within a few days as the prostate shrinks, relieving pressure on the urethra which improves symptoms.