Prostate Artery Embolization

Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy
Vascular and Endovascular Specialist located in St. Louis, MO; Evergreen Park, IL; Chicago, IL; Wentzville MO; Swansea, MO.
Prostate Artery Embolization - Leaders Of Minimally Invasive Treatment For Enlarged Prostate
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that occurs when men get older. The prostate enlarges and blocks the flow of urine that comes out from the bladder. This can cause severe urinary symptoms that can affect quality of life.
Over 50% of men aged over 60 struggle with enlarged prostate problems. Nowadays, nonsurgical treatments such as prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) ensure the management of an enlarged prostate is easier and more comfortable than ever.
After this simple outpatient treatment, you can expect to:
- Live the life you used to lead
- Maintain optimum urinary and sexual function, and
- Improve your quality of life
- It is paid for by the insurance!
Don’t suffer in silence!
Get In Touch Today!
What Is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?
Prostate Artery Embolization or PAE, is a ground-breaking, minimally invasive procedure that treats a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This condition is more commonly known as an enlarged prostate.
PAE works by slowing down the blood flow to the artery that feeds the prostate. The lack of blood, in turn, causes the prostate to shrink, thereby relieving urinary issues.
Here’s how the process works:
- Step #1 – A tiny pinhole is made into the wrist or groin, and a small catheter is directed into the artery supplying blood to the prostate
- Step #2 – A series of harmless micro-particles known as micro-spheres are injected into the catheter. Micro-spheres work to slow down the blood supply to the prostate.
- Step #3 – The process is then repeated on the other side
While other alternatives include surgical processes like Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), PAE therapy is quick, virtually pain-free and provides long-lasting treatment outcomes.
Results After Treatment
Following treatment with Prostate Artery Embolization, the prostate begins to shrink within 24-48 hours. However, most people notice a difference within 1-2 months. Over a six-month period, the prostate reduces in size by around 40%.
According to recently published data, PAE provides a satisfactory improvement in 67% - 92% of all cases treated and can last for 3-4 years.
What To Expect From Your Procedure?
- Lower risk of complications
- No hospital stay
- No sutures, scarring or general anesthesia
- Relief from uncomfortable prostatic symptoms
- Resume normal activities (typically within a few days)
Seek help for your enlarged prostate at MINT
Why PAE May Be The Right Choice For You
You may be a good candidate for PAE therapy if you:
- Experience symptoms of BPH that don’t respond to surgery
- Do not want or cannot undergo a surgical procedure
- Have exceptionally enlarged glands and cannot undergo TURP, RESUM, Laser or other prostate treatments
- Prefer a simple outpatient treatment with little or no downtime
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – All You Need To Know
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition in men over 60.
The prostate is a small gland that sits below the bladder, engulfing the urethra (the tube that removes urine from the body). The primary function of the prostate is to aid the production of semen. But at the same time, it acts as an on/off switch, regulating urine flow.
When the prostate gland is enlarged, it reduces urine flow from the bladder and sometimes blocks it entirely.
Signs And Symptoms of BPH And Treatment Options
An enlarged prostate (BPH) can lead to symptoms like:
- A feeling of wanting to urinate but can’t
- Straining while urinating
- The feeling of being unable to empty your bladder fully
- Intermittent starting and stopping of urine stream while toileting
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- A weak urine stream
- Waking up multiple times a night to urinate
If you are currently experiencing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, you should know that they can worsen over time if not treated. Here’s what the research tells us:
- The risk of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) increases once men hit the age of 40
- By the time a man hits 60, more than 50% of men report prostate problems
- Hispanic and Black men are at greater risk of developing BPH than their white male counterparts
- Obesity appears to increase the risk of BPH, while continued exercise reduces the risk
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia can be hereditary – Men with male relatives who have previously had BPH are at risk of developing the symptoms themselves
- Certain conditions like diabetes have also been linked to BPH
Your Treatment Options
The good news is that there are several available treatments that can reduce the size of your prostate, such as:
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – a surgical procedure that removes some of the prostate tissue
- Aquablation – shrinkage of the prostate using a heat-free waterjet
- Rezum water vapour therapy – A steam-induced treatment that removes excess prostatic tissue
- UroLift – Tiny implants designed to hold the prostatic urethra open and clear any obstruction
- Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) - Inserting micro-particles via a catheter into the prostate artery to reduce any blood supply to the prostate, thus shrinking it over time.
While all treatments have pros and cons, look at the tables below to see how PAE stacks up against other methods.
Prostate Artery Embolization vs Other Treatments
PAE vs Aquablation
PAE |
Aquablation |
|
Outcome |
Good after a 12-month follow-up | Good after a 12-month follow-up |
Scientific Data |
Well documented | Limited data |
Side effects or Associations |
Low risk | Some bleeding-related complications |
PAE vs Rezum Water Vapour Therapy
PAE |
Rezum |
|
Prostate Size |
Very effective on prostates > 80cm3 |
Works best on prostates 30 - 80cm3 |
Post-Surgery |
Low risk of complications |
Risks include a decrease in ejaculatory volume and an increase in urinary frequency |
Comfort |
Little to no discomfort |
Minor discomfort during the procedure |
PAE vs UroLift Implants
PAE |
UROLIFT |
|
Anesthetic required |
Light |
Yes |
Prostate Size |
Proven effective in prostate glands over 80 cm3 |
Best in prostate glands less than 80 cm3 |
Side effects |
Transient blood in urine and acute urinary retention – although only temporary |
Burning when urinating, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate – symptoms typically disappear within 2-4 weeks |
PAE vs TURP
PAE |
TURP |
|
Hospitalization |
Outpatients only |
2-3 day hospital stay |
Sexual function |
No Impact |
Possibility of retrograde ejaculation |
Incontinence |
Temporary |
Could be long term |
Erectile Function |
No Impact |
May cause erectile dysfunction |
About The MINT Prostate Center
The prostate Centre at MINT is the first and only outpatient center to
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