Efficacy of Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) in Patients With Severe Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a new procedure that decreases the size of the prostate by blocking its arterial blood flow. Through a tiny puncture in the upper thigh or forearm a catheter is directed to the prostatic artery using fluoroscopic guidance. Once in place, sub-millimeter particles are injected that obstruct the prostatic arteries resulting in gland ischemia, and ultimately, reduction in size. The technique has only been recently developed in Portugal and Brazil and has similarities to Uterine Artery Embolization used to treat uterine fibroids.