Prostate Embolization

What Is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that occurs in aging men. The symptoms vary, including swelling in the prostate region, increased frequency of urination, slowed flow, and difficulty in starting or stopping urine. While there are different treatments available, a prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a non-surgical treatment which is known to provide effective, long-term relief from BPH symptoms.

A catheter is injected into the femoral artery during the PAE procedure and then guided to the prostatic arteries. Microscopic beads are then injected to stop or slow down the flow of blood. This causes the tissues to shrink over time.

PAE is prescribed to men with BPH symptoms who do not wish to undergo a surgical procedure. It especially helps patients who have larger prostates or who may not qualify for other treatments like prostate surgery. PAE for BPH is also advisable among men who want to recover quickly and with minimal downtime. This is a safe and effective prostate embolization therapy that is used as an alternative to more invasive treatments for an enlarged prostate and provides relief without the necessity to undergo an enlarged prostate procedure.

Who Is a Candidate for PAE?

Symptoms of BPH
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition which affects men as they age. The prostate gland swells up and compresses the urethra, for which men experience symptoms of having problems while urinating. This can range from having a weak urine flow to difficulty in starting or stopping urination, or even feeling that their bladder is full even after urinating.

For Whom is a PAE Procedure Most Beneficial

• Male patients who experience moderate to severe BPH symptoms
• Patients looking for options for non-surgical treatment for BPH
• Patients who have tried various medications that have not been effective for their enlarged prostate treatment
• Those who want a quick recovery and spend little time resting
• When other enlarged prostate procedures have failed
• Men who are not opting for other treatments, such as TURP or prostatectomy

Conditions Where PAE Is Preferred Over Surgery

• When patients do not want to take a chance or recuperate after a surgical procedure
• Men, for whom a surgery could pose a serious risk to their health
• In the treatment of larger prostates, where surgery might be more invasive
• Where the other modes of BPH therapy, namely drugs, have failed
• The ultimate choice when looking for BPH treatment that is minimally invasive and has long-term effects

Benefits of the PAE Procedure

No Incisions Involved:
A prostate embolization therapy is a non-surgical treatment for BPH. The procedure involves inserting a catheter without making any incision. This minimizes the discomfort that has been troubling the surrounding tissues and provides a faster recovery.

An Outpatient and Fast Recovery Procedure:
The PAE procedure is conducted on an outpatient basis, implying that the patients are allowed to go home the same day. The rate of recovery is usually quick, and most men can soon go back to normal operation in a few days, making it the best choice for those who seek quick and convenient treatment of an enlarged prostate.

Reduces Risks of Side Effects Compared to Surgery:
BPH embolization has reduced the chances of complications like sexual dysfunction or incontinence as compared to traditional surgery. Prostate embolization therapy involves the destruction of the prostate tissue only, leaving the surrounding structures intact, which is less harmful than surgery with fewer side effects in the long term.

High Success Rate:
Many patients report a noticeable reduction in BPH symptoms. It is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for BPH, which improves the urinary flow and decreases the BPH symptoms up to 90%.

How PAE Works: Step-by-Step

Booking a Consultation & Assessing the Problem:

In your first consultation with the doctor, the symptoms of BPH that you have been experiencing will be assessed, and your medical history will be reviewed. You may be asked to undergo ultrasounds or MRIs to determine the size of your prostate and decide if the PAE procedure will be right for you.

Imaging and Preparing for the Procedure:

Angiograms are performed before the PAE procedure to map the arteries that flow to the prostate. This guarantees proper catheter positioning during prostate artery embolization. Fast for a few hours before the procedure is needed, and to make the procedure comfortable, you will be mildly sedated.

Positioning the Catheter:

A small catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin region. Real-time imaging is used to guide the catheter into the prostate arteries. As this is a minimally invasive BPH treatment, it does not involve making any cuts and is therefore an effective alternative to treat an enlarged prostate.

Blocking the Prostate Arteries:

When the catheter gets to the arteries of the prostate, the small embolization beads are injected to stop the blood flow. This reduces blood flow to the prostate, thus resulting in the contraction of prostate tissue. Symptoms of BPH, like weak urine flow and urination, are also minimized with the help of BPH embolization.

Recovery and Discharge:

Patients are kept under observation for a short time after the procedure. The majority of them can go home on the same day and experience little discomfort. The recovery time is short, and most return to normal operations within a few days. Prostate embolization therapy has advantages, such as alleviation of symptoms, with effects felt within a few weeks.

PAE vs. Traditional BPH Treatments

PAE vs. TURP

• Minimally Invasive: With zero cuts required, the PAE procedure is a non-surgical treatment for BPH. The TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) is a procedure that includes cutting the tissue. 
• Recovery: Patients experience a fast recovery with a short recovery period with PAE. Patients opting for TURP may experience a longer hospitalization and recovery.
• Side Effects: PAE has a reduced risk of sexual dysfunction and incontinence, which are usually side effects of TURP.
  

PAE vs. Laser Therapy

• Treatment Modality: Laser therapy uses high-energy lasers to remove prostate tissue, while PAE shrinks the prostate by targeting the blood flow.
• Invasiveness: Both PAE and laser therapy are minimally invasive. Laser treatment takes a longer time in the operating room compared to PAE, which is faster and is normally an outpatient treatment.
• Side Effects: Laser therapy is associated with transitory urinary symptoms, whereas PAE is associated with fewer side effects, including sexual dysfunction.

PAE vs. Medications

• Effectiveness: BPH embolization is not effective with the use of drugs, as it provides relief only for a short time. But PAE provides lasting results where the prostate shrinks with time, showing the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Side Effects: Dizziness or sexual dysfunction are general side effects of medications. Compared to that, PAE has minimal side effects.
  

Why Do Many Men Choose PAE?

A lot of men choose the Prostate Artery Embolization as no surgery is involved; it is the least invasive procedure with a fast healing process, limited side effects and long-term elimination of BPH symptoms. The PAE procedure eliminates the dangers of surgery and is perfect for men who want to solve the enlarged prostate issue effectively.

Risks and Possible Side Effects

Common Temporary Symptoms

• Experiencing mild discomfort or cramps in the pelvic area after the PAE procedure.
• Blood passing through urine for a few days.
• Feeling less active or having a mild fever as the body heals slowly.
• A consistent feeling of urination in the first days of healing.

Rare Complications

• Infection at the site of catheter insertion is common.
• Some may identify blood clots (often rare) and should seek immediate expert care.
• The shrinking of the prostate tissue may be uneven and might need correctional measures.
• Although rare, the nearby blood vessels may be damaged during BPH embolization.

When to Consult Your Specialist

• When experiencing intolerable pain that prescribed medication does not work on.
• If your urine consists of blood clots or you experience heavy bleeding.
• If your symptoms become more severe and you face difficulty urinating.
• You see infection or feel feverish after the PAE procedure.

While the prostate embolization therapy is generally safe, the symptoms must be addressed without delay for fast and proper recovery.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Recovery Timeline
Patients are allowed to go home the same day after a Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE). The immediate effects of the PAE procedure can be mild discomfort or tiredness, which last for a few days. Patients generally heal in a week and return to normal activities in 3 or 7 days. 

Symptom Improvement

It only takes 1 to 2 weeks when you observe a decline in the BPH symptoms. The tendency for urination reduces, the flow returns to normal, and the sense of urgency diminishes. Success of the PAE procedure can be felt after 1 to 3 months, while the prostate continues to shrink.

Follow-up Care
During the first to the third month after the PAE procedure, your appointments will be pre-scheduled. These meetings with your doctor ensure that you’re healing properly. Imaging tests may be recommended to check the prostate size and signs of risk (if any). In this process, your doctor will make changes in the care to make sure you receive a successful outcome. 

Success Rates and Clinical Evidence

Here are some touchpoints that you must know about Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) and clinical evidence related to it:

• Several studies have concluded that the PAE procedure is effective in reducing BPH symptoms. Among them, one review established a clinical success rate of at least 85% within 12 months and at least 76% within 3 to 6 years. 
• Results that last long also show observable improvements in BPH symptoms. In a 24-month-long extensive study, the mean symptom scores (IPSS) reduced by 11 points, and the quality-of-life (QoL) scores improved noticeably.
• Men who undergo the PAE procedure have reported reduced BPH symptoms, improved flow, fewer urination episodes, and overall improved health.

To summarise, PAE for BPH (a non-surgical procedure for an enlarged prostate) has demonstrated high success, long-term efficacy, and benefits in the quality of life. 

Why Choose South Florida Vascular Associates for PAE?

South Florida Vascular Associates (SFVA) is a preferred expert for the Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) procedure because:

Experienced vascular specialists

Led by board-certified vascular and interventional radiologists, who have extensive experience in performing minimally invasive procedures, the SFVA have come to be a preferred choice for many men suffering from BPH symptoms. Trusting our expertise guarantees you end-to-end care where your doctor understands the importance of non-surgical treatment for BPH and has achieved successful results in their past PAE procedures.

State‑of‑the‑art imaging and technology

Our facility has an outpatient endovascular unit equipped with the latest technology to perform PAE procedures. High-quality imaging, accurate catheter placement, and safe and effective prostate artery embolization are all guaranteed with the technology we use. Our experts ensure the potential risks associated with traditional surgeries are minimized with a modern, minimally invasive BPH treatment.

Personalized care plans

The team at SFVA believes that each patient is different, and so the approach taken to find a suitable solution must be unique too. Depending on the size of the prostate, types of symptoms, and overall health status of the patient, the PAE procedure must be customized. We timely monitor the progress and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the success of the enlarged prostate treatment.

PAE for BPH is a specialty at which SFVA excels. We combine specialist experience, the latest technology, and tailored care to make our BPH embolization procedure a preferred choice for those who are suffering.

Contact Us to Learn More About Non-Surgical Treatment for Enlarged Prostate call us for more information (954) 777-6230