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Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects many men beginning around age 40. Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a non-invasive, non-surgical alternative to traditional procedures for treating prostate enlargement that helps preserve sexual function. This procedure is available at our one of our Interventional Radiology Centers.

About Interventional Radiology and IRC locations

What is prostate artery embolization and how does it work?

PAE is an interventional radiology procedure that injects small particles directly into the arteries (blood vessels) that supply blood to the prostate, which leads to devascularization (decrease in blood supply) of the obstructing portion of the prostate. When the prostate reduces in size, (because the blood supply is slowed), there is lessening of obstruction along the urinary pathway and less pressure on the bladder.

BPH is the most common urological condition men face and the leading reason that men visit a urologist.

As the prostate enlarges, it presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms such as:

  • Frequent need to urinate both day and night
  • Weak or slow urinary stream
  • A sense that you cannot completely empty your bladder
  • Difficulty or delay in starting urination
  • Urgent feeling of needing to urinate
  • A urinary stream that stops and starts

Dr. Hesham Malik discusses prostate artery embolization

How the procedure is performed at Greater Boston Urology Interventional Radiology Centers.

You will find a full webinar on prostate artery embolization in our video library.

Where does prostate artery embolization fit in with the other treatment options for BPH?

The standard approaches to address urinary bother associated with the enlarged prostate are procedures that remove the part of the prostate that blocks the urinary pathway, and include TURP, greenlight laser, and HOLEP. These procedures can provide excellent outcomes for patients but are associated with potential hazards which can include sexual dysfunction, bleeding (which may require blood transfusion), and incontinence.

Alternative minimally invasive surgical techniques now available include Urolift and Rezum. Of note, the minimally invasive procedures are restricted by the size of the prostate, and if the prostate is too large, then the minimally invasive techniques are less likely to provide benefit.

PAE is an increasingly used treatment option for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate enlargement (BPH). It provides an innovative and effective alternative to surgical procedures and offers the opportunity for fewer hazards related to treatment.

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IR Centers at GBU

Reminder: You currently need a referral from your GBU physician.

To see if you’re a candidate for one of our IR procedures, contact your GBU physician or find a provider.

Plymouth location

51 Obery Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone/fax: (508) 731-4800
Email: GBU@IRcenters.com

Directions and details

Framingham location

161 Worcester Road #300
Framingham, MA 01701
Phone/fax: (508) 635-5352
Email: GBU@IRcenters.com

Directions and details