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

David Feldstein, M.D.

IR Medical Director

Ryan Bonshock, M.D.

Alexander Nemeth, M.D.

Douglas Tsai, M.D.

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.

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.

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