Fewer Trips. Better Flow.
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats an enlarged prostate (BPH) without surgery—giving you lasting relief and fewer interruptions to your day.
What to Know
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, can significantly impact your quality of life—causing frequent urination, weak flow, and sleep disruption. Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a safe, outpatient procedure that reduces blood flow to the enlarged areas of the prostate, leading to shrinkage and symptom relief. Using advanced X-ray guidance, a small catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin to deliver tiny embolic particles to the prostate arteries. This non-surgical technique offers long-lasting results with minimal downtime.
Symptoms of BPH
Men with BPH may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Sudden, strong urge to urinate
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Feeling that the bladder isn't completely empty
- Dribbling at the end of urination
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate:
- Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50
- Family History: A close relative with BPH raises your risk
- Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, and high-fat diets
- Chronic Health Conditions: Diabetes and heart disease
- Hormonal Imbalance: Age-related changes in testosterone and estrogen levels
Diagnoses
If you're experiencing urinary symptoms, your physician may recommend diagnostic tests to evaluate prostate size and rule out other conditions. These may include:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
- Urinary Flow Test
- Post-Void Residual Volume Test
- Imaging Studies such as MRI or CT angiography to assess vascular anatomy before PAE
Our team at RVC works closely with your urologist or primary care provider to ensure an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
Treatment – Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
PAE is a non-surgical outpatient procedure performed by our experienced interventional radiologists. Here's what sets it apart"
Benefits of PAE:
- Outpatient Procedure – No general anesthesia or hospital stay
- Lower Risk –Less chance of urinary incontinence and sexual side effects
- Safe for High-Risk Patients – A suitable option for complex cases
- Faster Recovery – Quick return to daily life
- Proven Relief – High satisfaction and symptom improvement
What to Expect:
The procedure lasts about 1–2 hours. After local anesthesia and light sedation, you'll rest briefly in our recovery area and return home the same day. Most patients begin noticing symptom relief within a few weeks, with continued improvement as the prostate shrinks over time.
FAQ
Is PAE painful?
Most patients report only mild discomfort. We use local anesthesia and sedation to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
How long is recovery?
Most men return to work and normal activities within a few days.
Does PAE affect sexual function?
PAE carries a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to traditional prostate surgery.
Is it covered by insurance?
PAE is covered by many insurance providers, including Medicare. Our team will help verify your coverage before scheduling.
How soon will I see results?
Some men notice improvement within weeks, while others may take up to three months. Long-term results are well-documented in clinical studies.
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Richmond Vascular Center's staff is personable, professional and caring. From the pre-visit check in to the in house check in, the process is efficient and easily completed. I was taken back right away; the nursing staff was welcoming, knowledgeable and made you feel at ease. The Nurse Practitioner was thorough in reviewing the issue I was having and explained a path forward including the options that would be considered. He was an active listener and was explicit in his observations and suggestions, taking all the time that was needed.
The staff and medical professionals were very thorough and explained treatment options in an excellent manner.
Everyone was friendly and efficient. Discussions with nurses and the doctor were thorough and appropriate.
Are You a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for PAE if:
- You've been diagnosed with BPH
- You're experiencing moderate to severe urinary symptoms
- Medications have not provided adequate relief
- You wish to avoid surgery or preserve sexual function
- You have been told your prostate is enlarged (typically over 40 grams)
- You are not eligible for TURP or laser surgery
- You prefer a non-surgical outpatient option with minimal downtime