Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

What is Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)?

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which alleviates symptoms by reducing blood flow to the enlarged prostate, causing the prostate to be reduced.

Memphis Vascular Center’s doctors performed the first Prostate Artery Embolization in Memphis! This procedure is a non-invasive option rather than surgery for specific patients with Prostate cancer or enlarged prostates. Are you interested in a consultation for PAE? Memphis Vascular specializes in PAE. Contact us at 901-683-1890 for more information or schedule an appointment online HERE.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland which can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which include urinary frequency, inability to urinate, incomplete emptying of the bladder, difficulty starting urination, and straining to urinate or weak urine stream.

Who is most at risk for developing BPH?

More than 50% of all men in their 60s and as many as 90% aged 70-89 years old have some symptoms of BPH. Black and Hispanic men are at a higher risk.

How is PAE performed?

PAE is performed by a board certified interventional radiologist (IR) at Memphis Vascular Center. Our doctor uses X-rays and other imaging techniques to see inside the body and treat conditions without surgery.
During the PAE procedure, the patient receives a local anesthetic and may remain awake or receive sedation. Our IR inserts a catheter (a thin, hollow tube) into the patient’s upper thigh or wrist to access his arteries and uses X-ray imaging to guide the catheter to the blood vessels that feed the patient’s prostate. Embosphere® Microspheres, the most clinically proven and clinically studied microspheres, are injected through the catheter into the prostate-feeding blood vessels. With its blood supply reduced, the prostate shrinks, alleviating symptoms.

Contact us at 901-683-1890  for more information

Or schedule an appointment online HERE.

Does PAE work and is it safe?

Clinically shown to reduce the major lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH, Prostate Artery Embolization has become a viable alternative to surgical procedures. PAE has a very low rate of urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction like impotence and retrograde ejaculation, complications sometimes occurring after traditional prostate surgery. PAE has a high success rate.

What are the benefits of PAE?

• Minimally invasive, performed through tiny incision
• Can be performed as an outpatient procedure for some patients
• Much shorter recovery time compared to surgery
• Low risk of sexual side effects such as retrograde ejaculation or impotence
• Overall improvement in quality of life

What happens to the prostate after embolization?

One year after PAE, average prostate size is seen to be reduced by approximately 30%.

What are the most common risks associated with PAE?

PAE is a procedure for treating symptomatic BPH with minimal risk. Most patients experience minor to moderate post-procedure symptoms for 1-3 days. This is known as ‘post embolic syndrome’ and may include a low-grade fever, burning during urination or frequent urination, and/or discomfort in the prostate or rectal area. Non-targeted embolization and potential skin burns from prolonged fluoroscopy are also possible.

First Prostate Artery Embolization in Memphis- JULY 19, 2019

Another first for Memphis Vascular and the city of Memphis: