Prostate Artery Embolization

Less Invasive Solutions for Enlarged Prostate (BPH) at IR Centers at Georgia Urology

Welcome to the IR Centers at Georgia Urology, specializing in minimally invasive treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. We offer Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a less invasive option compared to traditional surgical methods.

What is BPH?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is very common as a man ages, often causing quality of life compromises that may be disruptive or even debilitating. Some of the most common symptoms of BPH include:

Frequent urination, especially at night
Sudden urges to urinate
Incomplete emptying of the bladder
Weak urine stream, dribbling, and leakage
Lifestyle changes to stay near bathrooms

Many men wait years to seek help. However, today’s minimally invasive treatments can dramatically improve quality of life, allowing enjoyment of many activities that may have otherwise been avoided because of unpredictable symptoms.

Why Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)?

The procedure works by blocking blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink over time and alleviating urinary symptoms.

PAE is designed to:

Safely reduce blood supply, potentially shrinking the prostate by up to 40%.
Be minimally invasive, employing a tiny spaghetti-like catheter inserted into an artery in the groin or wrist and threaded to the prostatic artery.
Be performed in an outpatient setting by an interventional radiologist.
Provide relief without the need for surgical excision or removal of tissue.

How PAE Works

Advanced Guidance: An interventional radiologist uses X-ray guidance to insert a thin, flexible catheter (a small tube) into an artery, usually in the groin or wrist.
Targeting Prostatic Arteries: The catheter is guided through the blood vessels to reach the arteries that supply blood to the prostate.
Particle Injection: Tiny particles (embolic agents) are injected into the prostatic arteries. These particles block blood flow to the prostate.
Prostate Shrinkage: The reduced blood supply causes the prostate to shrink, relieving pressure on the urethra and improving urinary symptoms.
Outpatient Procedure: PAE is typically performed outpatient, meaning you can usually go home the same day.

Explore Your BPH Treatment Options

One of the great benefits of PAE is that it doesn’t preclude follow-on BPH procedures. In addition to PAE, Georgia Urology offers a broad range of treatments for BPH, including:

Minimally invasive procedures like Urolift, Rezum, Optilume BPH, and iTind
Surgical procedures such as Greenlight PVP, Aquablation, TURP, HoLEP, and robotic simple prostatectomy

Many of our doctors are certified as Centers of Excellence in the above, meaning they have significant experience and demonstrated exceptional results in these procedures.

Is PAE Right for Me?

From minimally invasive procedures to surgical options, the skilled and experienced urologists at Georgia Urology will help you choose the best treatment option for your prostate size, anatomy, and lifestyle.

Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment to explore options to help you achieve relief from the symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

Your health journey starts here!