Prostate Artery Embolization
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Prostate Artery Embolization
What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?
PAE is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure for treatment of BPH and has been performed since 2014 in our practice, as long as any other in the United States. The procedure is performed through a catheter smaller than 1/16” through the artery in the wrist. The catheter is directed by x-ray to the arteries feeding the prostate and blocked off with microscopic particles. This process, called embolization, the prostate to shrink about 50%.
Experience Matters
Drs. Cliff Davis and Justin Lee were among the original physicians performing PAE in the United States. Dr. Davis has taught the procedure to numerous physicians over the past 5 years and proctors courses at our largest hospital, TGH, for physicians interested in learning the techniques. Dr. Davis is also the Principal Investigator of an FDA and CMS approved trial on PAE located at TGH. He has been appointed to lead a national research panel on PAE by the Society of Interventional Radiology and continues to hold that position.
Who gets PAE?
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a promising new procedure for patients suffering from symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – but is not a treatment for prostate cancer at this time.
How is it performed?
PAE is performed through the radial artery in the left wrist through a small catheter directed to the tiny arteries that feed the prostate. Microscopic particles are then used to block of the blood supply to the prostate (called embolization). The procedure is performed under light sedation without placement of a foley (urinary catheter), total procedure time is 45-90 minutes. Patients can walk and eat within a few minutes of the procedure. Total time in the hospital is about 6 hours and patients are discharged home with anti-inflammatories, pain medication and antibiotics.
What is the recovery time?
Post-procedure symptoms typically last about 3 days and includes pain during urination, mild pain at the base of the penis. Most patients still carry out their daily routine after 1-2 days.
Are their risks of erectile dysfunction?
Recent research studies evaluating the risks have shown no risk of erectile dysfunction and less than 1% of serious complications. Some patients have actually had improvement in their erectile dysfunction in some studies.
What is the evaluation process?
Prior to performing the procedure all patients must have to have a recent appointment with a urologist to evaluate for signs of prostate cancer and assure the patient’s symptoms are caused by prostate enlargement. Several diseases involving the urethra and the bladder can mimic symptoms of BPH which will not be improved with prostate artery embolization. If you have not had those tests recently, we may request you have an appointment with a collaborating urologist at Tampa General Hospital to assure we feel you are a good candidate.
How do I get started on the evaluation process?
Potential patients can contact our PAE coordinator at PAE@tgh.org or call at 813.844.5072. Once our coordinator receives your information we will contact you to give us permission to collect your records. We will be contacting your urologist to obtain records which may be quicker if you ask for them directly.