Welcome to Houston Vascular Care, the leading provider of advanced vascular treatments in Houston, Texas. Here at Houston Vascular Care, we understand that urological conditions like BPH can be a source of frustration and significantly impact your daily life.

Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and effective solutions to get you back to living your best life. That’s why we offer Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive procedure designed to address BPH symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

We understand that choosing a treatment option can be overwhelming, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have about PAE and how it can benefit you.

Understanding Prostate Artery Embolization

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland enlarges as men age. This enlargement can press on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

This can cause a variety of bothersome urinary symptoms, including:

• Frequent urination, particularly at night 

• Difficulty starting urination

• Weak urine stream

• Urgent need to urinate 

• Inability to empty the bladder

PAE offers a way to address these symptoms without traditional surgery.

Here’s a closer look at how PAE works:

• Catheter Insertion: An interventional radiologist, a doctor specially trained in using imaging techniques for minimally invasive procedures, will insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through a small incision in your groin or wrist.

• Reaching the Prostate Arteries: Using real-time X-ray guidance, the doctor will carefully navigate the catheter through your blood vessels until it reaches the arteries that supply blood to your prostate.

• Blocking Blood Flow: Tiny particles, like microscopic beads or spheres, are then injected through the catheter into these arteries. These particles block the blood flow to the enlarged portions of your prostate.

• Shrinking the Prostate: Deprived of blood supply, the targeted prostate tissue will begin to shrink over time. This size reduction relieves pressure on the urethra, allowing urine to flow more easily.

The PAE procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, meaning you’ll be awake but comfortable during the procedure. It normally takes one to two hours to complete.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Prostate Artery Embolization

PAE is ideal for men suffering from moderate to severe symptoms of BPH who are seeking a minimally invasive treatment option. It is particularly suitable for those who may not be good candidates for traditional surgery due to age, medical conditions, or preference for a less invasive approach.

Traditional prostate surgery often involves a longer hospital stay, and a more extensive recovery period, and carries a higher risk of certain side effects like sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence. PAE offers a significant advantage in these aspects.

However, as with any medical procedure, PAE carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and temporary urinary issues. Houston Vascular Care will evaluate your condition thoroughly, discuss all potential risks and benefits of PAE in detail during a consultation, and help you determine if this procedure is the right choice for you.

Benefits of Prostate Artery Embolization

If you’re seeking relief from bothersome urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) offers a minimally invasive and effective solution. PAE provides several advantages over traditional surgical procedures, promoting a faster recovery and improved quality of life.

Some of the key benefits of PAE for treating BPH include:

• Minimally Invasive with Little to No Scarring: PAE is a non-surgical procedure that requires only a small incision, typically in the groin or wrist. This results in minimal scarring, allowing you to recover discreetly and quickly.

• Rapid Relief from BPH Symptoms:  Many patients experience significant improvement in urinary symptoms within a few weeks of the PAE procedure. This includes relief from frequent urination, urgency, hesitancy, and weak stream.

• Short Recovery Time with Minimal Discomfort: PAE is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, meaning you’ll be awake but comfortable during the procedure. Because it’s minimally invasive, PAE offers a shorter recovery period compared to traditional surgery. This allows patients to resume normal activities much quicker, minimizing disruption to their daily life.

• High Success Rate and Long-Lasting Results:  PAE boasts a high success rate in reducing prostate size and alleviating symptoms associated with BPH. Studies show sustained improvement in urinary function for many years following the procedure.

• Reduced Risk of Complications: The minimally invasive nature of PAE reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional surgical methods. This translates to less risk of bleeding, infection, and other potential surgical complications.

Patients may experience mild side effects such as discomfort at the catheter insertion site, mild pain, or urinary symptoms that gradually improve. It’s important to follow post-procedure care instructions to ensure optimal results and minimize any discomfort.

Aftercare Tips for Lasting Results

Following your PAE procedure, our team at Houston Vascular Care will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and maximize the long-term success of the treatment.

To optimize your recovery and ensure long-lasting results from PAE, following these general key aftercare tips is crucial:

• Prioritize Rest: For the first few days after PAE, avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting to allow your body to heal effectively.

• Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the embolization particles and promote overall healing.

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will support your body’s healing process.

• Schedule Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups with your doctor following PAE are essential to monitor your progress and ensure the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Houston Vascular Care

At Houston Vascular Care, we prioritize your health and satisfaction. Our team of experienced and compassionate vascular specialists understands the challenges BPH can present.  We are committed to providing you with personalized care and a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Our expertise in PAE is complemented by our use of the latest techniques and technologies, ensuring you receive the most advanced and effective treatment available.

We are confident that PAE can help you achieve a better quality of life and improved urinary function. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your BPH symptoms and explore if PAE is the right option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is PAE painful?

PAE involves minimal discomfort, and any pain experienced is usually mild and temporary.

2. Are there any risks associated with PAE?

While PAE is generally safe, potential risks include allergic reactions to the contrast dye, bleeding, and infection. Dr. Lawrence Schmetterer will discuss all potential risks during your consultation.

3. Can I resume normal activities after PAE?

Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a short period.