Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. This condition affects many men as they age, leading to urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty in urination. PAE involves blocking the blood supply to the prostate gland to reduce its size and alleviate these symptoms.
During the procedure, a radiologist inserts a catheter into the femoral artery, usually through a small incision in the groin. The catheter is then guided to the arteries supplying blood to the prostate. Tiny particles are administered through the catheter to obstruct these arteries and limit blood flow to the prostate.. As a result, the prostate gland shrinks, leading to an improvement in urinary symptoms.