Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

What is PAE?

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate.

BPH can cause bothersome urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying.

Who May Benefit?

Men with BPH who have the following symptoms:

• Urinary frequency or urgency
• Weak urinary stream
• Nocturia
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Symptoms not controlled with medications
• Patients wishing to avoid surgery

How does it work?

During PAE, a small catheter is advanced into the arteries supplying the prostate. Tiny particles are used to reduce blood flow, causing the prostate to shrink over time and improve urinary symptoms.

Benefits

• Minimally invasive (no surgery)
• Outpatient procedure
• Lower risk of sexual side effects compared to some surgical options
• Short recovery time

For Referring Physicians

PAE may be considered for patients with symptomatic BPH who:

• Have symptoms not adequately controlled with medications
• Are not ideal surgical candidates
• Prefer a minimally invasive alternative to surgery

I am happy to evaluate patients and discuss whether PAE is appropriate.

Learn More

• Society of Interventional Radiology – Enlarged Prostate
• Johns Hopkins University Prostate Artery Embolization Patient Information

For referrals or consultation, please see the Refer a Patient page