Prostate Artery Embolization for Male Urinary Dysfunction

NYU Langone’s interventional radiologists perform prostate artery embolization (PAE) to treat symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate. Such symptoms may include urinary frequency or urgency, incontinence, frequent urination at night, and complete urinary obstruction in severe cases.

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that works by stopping blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink. This improves urinary function. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a small tube called a catheter into an artery in the wrist or groin and threads it to the blood vessels that supply the prostate. Then, the doctor injects microscopic particles through the catheter and into the blood vessels. This stops blood flow to the prostate. The prostate shrinks and urinary symptoms improve.

Prostate artery embolization is done with sedation and local anesthetic. An overnight hospital stay is not required, and you can return home the same day.