Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

Prostate artery embolization is an ideal treatment for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with very large prostates.

The PAE Procedure

Reduced blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink over time
A small catheter inserted into the artery at the top of the leg
Catheter guided into the vessels that supply prostate
Tiny round microspheres (particles) are injected through the catheter and into the blood vessels that feed your prostate to reduce its blood supply.

PAE Procedure – What to Expect

Procedure takes 45-90 minutes
Performed in office
Not painful
Given light sedation
Bed rest for 2 hours
Symptoms start to improve in 3 weeks
Improvement continues for several months
Side effects in the first week
- Temporary worsening of existing symptoms
- Feel like you have a urinary tract infection
- Medications are given to counteract side effects
85 – 90% success rate
Average durability of 5-7 years

PAE Procedure – Advantages

Minimally invasive
No surgical incision or device inserted into the penis
Performed in an outpatient setting
Very low complication rate and no reports of erectile dysfunction or urinary leakage after PAE
No catheter required
Return to full activity in one week

IR Center Team

IR Medical Director

My experience with the procedure of PAE was exceptional from start to finish. MidLantic’s IR Center in Chesterbrook is excellent in all phases. Dr. Ryan Bonshock was very thorough in explaining what was going to take place, during and after the procedure. It was easy to see that the entire team was not only true professionals, but also really care about their tasks as well as me. While I wouldn't want to go through this again, if I had to I would want them to be there for me. Thanks for making this a pleasant experience. I highly recommend the IR Center at MidLantic Urology.

Bob M.

After being diagnosed with BPH, Dr. Wong of MidLantic Urology referred me to MidLantic’s IR Center for the PAE procedure. As a retired healthcare executive for 41 years, 32 as President and CEO of several healthcare systems, I've seen and experienced many outpatient medical and surgical procedures, ranging from exceptional to not so great. I'm very pleased to say my experience at the MidLantic IR Center was exceptional, from start to finish! Everyone from the receptionist to the nurses to Dr. Tsai, everyone was professional, yet incredibly pleasant, kind, and helpful. All in all, the entire experienced was exceptional, provided by outstanding people who are truly outstanding assets to the IR Center. I would highly recommend the MidLantic IR Center to anyone needing this procedure – or any other service provided there!

Steven B.

I'm very happy with the results of my prostate procedure – PAE. The result is wonderful. Dr Feldstein did my procedure and was very good to me. The staff also took very good care of me. I would recommend this for any man who is having urinary problems due to their enlarged prostate. I didn't think that anything could help, but it did and I am very happy with the result. Thank you.

Arthur B.

Is PAE right for you?

Contact your urologist to learn more. You must have a referral to be treated at the IR Center.

Additional Resources

Download PAE Handout

Medicare and Aetna typically cover the cost of this procedure. Other carriers may or may not cover this procedure. It is the patient’s responsibility to understand their insurance coverage for any service that is provided under their respective insurance plan. MidLantic Urology will interact with your insurance carrier so we can understand your specific coverage.