Prostate Artery Embolization

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease characterized by smooth muscle proliferation in the prostate that can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence which can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Management of BPH has historically involved medications, lifestyle modifications, and regulating dietary and fluid intake and output. Those patients who are refractory to these treatments have been referred for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This procedure does come with significant risks including bleeding and nerve damage potentially leading to impotence.

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

PAE is an FDA-approved minimally invasive technique that can be used as an alternative to TURP with fewer adverse effects and increased patient comfort. A tiny catheter is navigated into the arteries feeding the prostate gland from a pinhole in the groin or upper arm artery and small gelatin particles are injected into these small arteries to decrease blood flow to the enlarged prostate gland. Patients can go home the same day with very little discomfort. This innovative therapy involves new technologies, such as 3D navigation, microcatheters, and state-of-the-art x-ray imaging devices.