Who Is a Good Candidate for Prostatic Artery Embolization?

Prostatic artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat men with an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign hyperplasia (BPH).

If you’re having problems urinating or experiencing other symptoms of BPH, our Vascular & Interventional Specialists providers determine if prostatic artery embolization is a treatment option for you.

We offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to identify BPH. Our interventional radiologists also use advanced techniques and technologies during prostatic artery embolization to optimize your treatment outcome.

Why you have BPH

A man’s prostate gland is responsible for producing the fluids that move sperm out of the body during ejaculation. Typically, the prostate gland continues to grow throughout your lifetime, possibly due to changes in the reproductive hormone levels.

As you age, your prostate might become large enough to trigger noticeable symptoms. In addition to age, your risk for BPH might also increase due to:

• Weight challenges
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Family history of BPH

It’s important to schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Vascular & Interventional Specialists as soon as you notice symptoms of BPH, even if they don’t yet interfere with your quality of life. Early intervention can prevent complications that affect the long-term health of your urinary tract.

Recognizing BPH symptoms

Since your prostate is close to the urethra — the tube that urine flows through to leave your body — any changes in the gland’s size can interfere with urine flow. An enlarged prostate can cause symptoms like the following:

• Weak urine stream
• Difficulties starting urine flow
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Blood in the urine

You can also experience sleep disruptions if you get up often at night to use the bathroom.

BPH symptoms gradually worsen without treatment. As the prostate gland enlarges, you might not be able to urinate on your own, a condition called urinary retention. Other complications of unmanaged BPH can include bladder and kidney damage.

How prostatic artery embolization relieves BPH symptoms

The goal of prostatic artery embolization is to block the flow of blood that supplies the prostate to decrease the size of the gland. During the outpatient procedure, our interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into your urethra and uses fluoroscopy imaging to guide it into your bladder.

We also insert a smaller catheter into an artery, usually in your groin, and move it into the vessels that supply blood to your prostate. We inject a contrast dye through this tube that highlights blood flowing through the vessels. They also send through microsphere particles that cut off blood flow to the prostate.

Our physicians might prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection when your procedure is complete. We can also recommend medications to address any discomfort. You can go home after a brief recovery from anesthesia and should avoid strenuous activities for a few days.

In the weeks after prostatic artery embolization, your prostate gland begins to shrink, and your urine flow should continue to improve. Our providers monitor the success of your treatment during a follow-up visit and ensure your symptoms resolve. We also recommend strategies to keep your prostate healthy.

Call Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Miami, Florida, today to learn if you’re a candidate for prostatic artery embolization. You can also book a BPH consultation online.