Prostate Artery Embolization

Enlarged Prostate Treatment without Sexual Side Effects

Prostate enlargement is a very common, non-cancerous condition that can cause urinary problems in men as they age. Traditional treatments for the condition may have unwanted side effects, such as sexual dysfunction.

Treating Enlarged Prostate Without Surgery

New Techniques Minimize Side Effects

SLUCare specialists discuss prostate artery embolization, a minimally invasive procedure that helps restore quality of life..

Watch the Video

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure that offers men an alternative to traditional therapies. PAE shrinks the enlarged prostate, relieving symptoms without surgery or side effects like sexual dysfunction, incontinence (inability to control urination), retrograde ejaculation (ejaculation into the bladder) or bleeding. PAE is performed by a vascular interventional radiologist, a board-certified specialist with expertise in treating enlarged prostate.

How Does PAE Work?

PAE begins with a tiny incision in the wrist or groin that provides the physician access to arteries that feed the prostate. Using specialized X-ray equipment, the physician passes a catheter (small tube) into the prostatic artery, and guides it near the location of the enlarged prostate. Small spheres are injected through the catheter and into the blood vessels feeding the enlarged prostate, reducing the flow of oxygenated blood, thus shrinking the prostate.

Once treated, the microscopic tools are removed and a Band-Aid® is applied. The entire PAE treatment typically lasts 3-4 hours. Patients return home the same day. After a couple of days' rest, patients can return to work and normal activities.

Why Choose SLUCare for PAE?

We are minimally invasive image-guided specialists. Our fellowship-trained doctors offer expertise in treating prostate enlargement.
Our wrist-based approach gets you back on your feet faster. SLUCare Physician Group specialists are among a handful of providers in the country to offer PAE through an artery in the wrist rather than the groin. This enhances patient comfort, shortens recovery time and reduces complications.
Our physicians pioneered PAE in the Midwest. SLUCare Interventional Radiology performed the first PAE for a physician in 2014. Today, we are one of the only clinics in the Midwest offering this minimally invasive approach to treating enlarged prostate.
Our collaborative approach assures comprehensive care. SLUCare interventional radiologists work closely with SLUCare urologists to deliver the best possible outcome.