Prostate Artery Embolization

About Prostate Artery Embolization

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — an enlarged prostate — by reducing blood flow to the prostate gland, causing it to shrink and relieve urinary symptoms. At M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group in Forest Hills, Queens, Dr. Amir Salem performs PAE as a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgical options such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy. BPH affects more than 50% of men over age 60 and can cause frustrating symptoms including frequent urination, weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, nighttime urination (nocturia), incomplete bladder emptying, and urgency. While medications help some men, many continue to suffer from symptoms or experience unwanted side effects. During PAE, Dr. Salem threads a thin catheter through a small puncture in the wrist and uses advanced imaging to guide tiny microspheres into the arteries feeding the enlarged prostate. These particles reduce blood supply to the prostate, causing it to gradually shrink over weeks to months. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours, requires only local anesthesia and light sedation, and patients go home the same day. Unlike TURP, PAE carries no risk of urinary incontinence or sexual side effects — two major concerns for men considering prostate surgery. Recovery is rapid, with most men returning to normal activities within two to three days. If you are in Forest Hills, Queens, Great Neck, Long Island, or the surrounding area and struggling with BPH symptoms, M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group offers expert evaluation and treatment.

What to Expect

Your PAE journey begins with a consultation at our Forest Hills office, including a review of your urinary symptoms, digital rectal exam, PSA blood test, and imaging (MRI or CT angiography) to evaluate your prostate and map the prostatic arteries. On procedure day, you receive local anesthesia and light sedation. Dr. Salem makes a small puncture in the wrist, guides a micro-catheter to the prostatic arteries under live X-ray imaging, and delivers tiny microspheres to reduce blood flow to the enlarged prostate. The procedure takes one to two hours. You rest briefly in recovery and go home the same day. Most men return to normal activities within two to three days and begin noticing improvement in urinary symptoms within two to four weeks, with continued improvement over three to six months as the prostate shrinks.

Who Is This For?

Men over 50 experiencing bothersome urinary symptoms from BPH including frequent urination, weak stream, nocturia, urgency, or incomplete emptying — especially those who want to avoid surgical side effects such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction, or who are not good candidates for TURP due to prostate size or other health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions