Skip to main content

Prostate Artery Embolization

Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy -  - Vascular and Interventional Radiologist

Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy

Vascular and Endovascular Specialist located in St. Louis, MO; Evergreen Park, IL; Chicago, IL; Swansea, IL.

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:

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia can be hereditary – Men with male relatives who have previously had BPH are at risk of developing the symptoms themselves

 

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