Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia – or BPH – is a fairly common condition as men age. Another term for BPH is prostate gland enlargement. BPH can lead to troublesome urinary symptoms, as well as bladder, urinary tract, or kidney problems.
Signs and symptoms of BPH may include:
- Difficulty starting a urination stream
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Having to urinate frequently at night
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency
- Unable to completely empty the bladder
- Unable to urinate
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Urine that is pink in color due to the presence of blood
- Urine stream that is weak, or stops and starts
In the U.S., a surprisingly high number of men have an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- 50% of men over age 50
- 70% of men age 60-69
- 80% of men age 70+
If you’re among them, the University of Miami Health System has answers. UHealth has one of the few interventional radiologists in the U.S. offering PAE. When you talk to your doctor about PAE, it's important to know the right questions to ask.
Prostate Artery Embolization
Prostatic artery embolization is performed through a small puncture in the wrist or the groin. A catheter is inserted through the artery and advanced towards the prostate. Once the catheter is positioned in the artery supplying blood to the prostate, tiny particles are injected that are lodged in the tiny branches within the prostate, blocking blood flow. The blockage of these branches is called embolization. The procedure is then repeated on the other side of the prostate. The procedure can take anywhere from 1-2.5 hours, depending on the location and size of the prostatic arteries. Most men will not feel any pain during the procedure except minor pinch at the access point in wrist or groin. Mild sedatives (like Versed and Fentanyl) are used to alleviate anxiety, however patients are awake during the procedure.
Why Choose UHealth?
UHealth - A Leader in Prostate Artery Embolization: The Department of Interventional Radiology at UHealth has two of the world’s most experienced physicians offering Prostate Artery Embolization, a minimally invasive treatment for BPH. PAE provides long lasting relief for urinary problems from BPH. PAE can be used in variety of BPH presentations including, very enlarged prostate glands (over 80 gms)(1,2), urinary retention (inability to urinate)(3) and hematuria (bleeding from enlarged prostate)(4). In addition, PAE is also safer and easier on the patients who have failed prior traditional BPH treatments, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), Greenlight laser, Urolift or Rezum.
Innovative, expert multidisciplinary approach to urology care: Our interventional radiologists work in collaboration with nationally and internationally recognized experts in field of Urology. We use the latest research and the least invasive procedures to help you feel better and recover more quickly. Our multidisciplinary team will help design a personalized treatment plan to give you the best possible results.