Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is an innovative procedure for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is minimally invasive, has a shorter recovery time, and has a reduced risk of complications like sexual dysfunction. Unlike traditional surgeries, PAE requires only local anesthesia and allows you to return more quickly to daily activities with fewer side effects.
As men age—starting in their 40s or 50s—they may begin having difficulty with urination and notice symptoms such as having to urinate frequently, a weak urine flow, or difficulty with starting urination. These symptoms can be bothersome and, in many cases, may stem from a natural enlargement of the prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This enlargement is non-cancerous and not life-threatening, but it can significantly impact one’s quality of life.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a newer treatment for BPH that has been gaining in popularity in recent years. Because it is minimally invasive, it’s an attractive option for men looking for a quicker recovery and fewer side effects, especially a reduced risk of sexual dysfunction. PAE in Oklahoma is available exclusively from CardioVascular Health Clinic performed by Dr. Blake Parsons, one of a select few physicians from around the country spearheading this breakthrough procedure.
The severity of these symptoms can range from a mild inconvenience to substantial interference with daily life, from sleep disruptions to social embarrassment and anxiety.
Treatment options for BPH have traditionally included medications and advice about lifestyle changes, as well as surgical options for more severe cases. While these treatments are generally successful, patients may have varying degrees of satisfaction because they can often come with a range of side effects and/or less-than-optimal outcomes.
Beginning in the early 2000s, doctors began using prostate artery embolization (PAE) as a novel treatment for shrinking enlarged prostates. By 2013, controlled studies were underway to compare the effectiveness of PAE with traditional surgeries, concluding that PAE is a safe and effective treatment with considerably fewer side effects than invasive surgical treatments for BPH. Prostate artery embolization became FDA approved in 2018.
The prostate gland is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra. As it enlarges, it squeezes the urethra leading to urinary problems. PAE helps reduce the size of the prostate to relieve the symptoms it causes.
During a PAE procedure, the doctor inserts a small catheter into an artery in your upper thigh and guides it to the blood vessels that provide blood to the prostate. Next, tiny particles are injected through the catheter to reduce the blood flow which causes the prostate to shrink. As the prostate gets smaller, the pressure on the urethra is reduced and the flow of urine and other urinary symptoms are improved.
Traditional surgical techniques carry the risk of damaging the nerves and muscles surrounding the prostate and bladder, leading to additional problems with urination or sexual problems. Since PAE uses particles injected through a catheter, it does not involve cutting or removing prostate tissue. Because of its non-invasive nature, PAE greatly reduces the risk of these unwanted outcomes that come with traditional surgery.
PAE has a strong success rate as a treatment for BPH. Over 90% of men see significant improvement in their symptoms and studies are now showing that these results can last longer. One recent study followed 600 men for six years after PAE. It revealed that after three years, over 80% of men still showed improvements, and at six years, over 75% of men reported no urinary incontinence or sexual impairment.
Since PAE is minimally invasive, it makes effective BPH treatment more available to a wider range of men. An ideal candidate is any man diagnosed with BPH who experiences the troublesome and inconvenient symptoms associated with it. Men may prefer PAE because of its shorter recovery time and reduced risk of side effects and sexual dysfunction.
Prostate artery embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist, such as CardioVascular Health Clinic expert Dr. Blake Parsons.
Before your procedure, you’ll have a thorough medical evaluation which includes imaging tests like an MRI or CT angiography to help map the arteries supplying blood to the prostate.
At the start of the PAE procedure, you’ll receive local sedation, either at the groin (femoral artery) or wrist (radial artery), where the catheter will be inserted. The physician will make a small incision and insert a thin, flexible catheter.
Using fluoroscopy, which is like an X-ray video showing the body in real time, the catheter is carefully guided to the arteries supplying the prostate.
Once the catheter is in place, the physician injects tiny, biocompatible particles into the prostate arteries. These particles block the flow of blood to the prostate, which causes it to shrink.
The catheter is then removed and pressure is applied to stop any bleeding. After a few hours, you can return home and expect to resume normal activities within a few days. Pain is usually minimal and treated with over-the-counter pain medications.
The success of your PAE procedure is highly dependent on the skill and expertise of an interventional radiologist. It’s vital to choose an experienced physician like Dr. Parsons who can provide a safer, more effective treatment with minimal risk and an optimal outcome.
An interventional radiologist specializes in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. This field is technologically advanced and requires a deep understanding of complex anatomy and the use of cutting-edge equipment, such as fluoroscopy.
No two patients are alike. A skilled interventional radiologist can navigate each patient’s unique vascular anatomy, identifying the target arteries and reducing the risk of complications.
Effective and minimally invasive, prostate artery embolization (PAE) provides relief from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), improving urinary symptoms and overall quality of life. With fewer side effects and a quicker recovery, PAE is a game-changer for many men.
If you’re struggling with BPH symptoms, consult with the experts at CardioVascular Health Clinic. Our team of specialists has been at the forefront of innovative care for decades, pioneering treatments that redefine patient care and quality of life. Schedule an appointment today to explore treatment options and take the first step toward better prostate health.