Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) Treatment in Cary, NC

Prostatic artery embolization, or PAE, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. Because BPH is an enlarged prostate gland, the overall goal of PAE treatment is to reduce the size of the prostate which decreases symptoms. PAE involves painlessly navigating to the arteries supplying blood to the prostate and injecting microscopic beads to block the blood flow to the prostate, which deprives the cells of oxygen and ultimately helps the gland shrink in size. 

Close-up of a medical X-ray image showing a hip joint and pelvis area, with part of a monitor displaying numeric data and measurements visible on the left side.

Why Choose Vascular Tree for PAE?

  • Treats BPH symptoms like urinary frequency and severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
  • Over 60 years of combined experience with pelvic embolization
  • Virtually painless outpatient procedure
  • One Band-Aid instead of invasive TURP surgery

Who is a candidate for PAE?

As a minimally invasive procedure that preserves sexual function, PAE is an alternative to drug and surgical BPH treatment options. If any of the following are true for you, you may be a candidate for PAE:

  • You have BPH, or are experiencing symptoms associated with BPH.
  • You have a reaction to BPH medication, or would prefer another route of treatment.
  • You’re looking to preserve sexual function.
  • You’re either not a candidate for, or do not want BPH surgical treatment.
looking at prostate veins through microscope
Prostate
looking at right lobe prostate veins through microscope
Prostate right entire lobe

How does PAE treatment work?

If you have determined you are a viable candidate for PAE or are actively deciding about the treatment, it’s important to understand the process.

Prior to the PAE Treatment

Before the PAE treatment begins, you may undergo a brief physical examination and a series of ultrasounds or MRIs. This will assist in evaluating the rate of urine flow. As you prepare for the procedure, you will be given a mild sedative, but remain awake. Because PAE is generally an outpatient procedure, no general anesthesia is needed.

During the PAE Treatment

As the procedure begins, a small incision will be made in your upper thigh or wrist as to gain access to your arterial system. A small, spaghetti-like catheter is then placed into the vessels that supply blood to your prostate.

As the prostate is reached, small microscopic particles are injected into the blood vessels and the blood flow to your prostate is decreased. This process will be repeated as to reach both sides of the prostate.

After the PAE Treatment

As the blood flow decreases, the prostate will begin to shrink, and your urinary symptoms will begin to improve. Because the treatment is outpatient and takes nearly one to four hours to perform, you can resume normal activity within the day.

Schedule a PAE Consultation

If you think you’re a candidate for PAE, or would like to learn more about the procedure, schedule an appointment today to learn more!