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Stanford Health Care

Techniques

Our Approach to Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

The Stanford Health Care PAE Program is one of the first in the US to offer you this innovative procedure. PAE is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. 

Our interventional radiology specialists have extensive training and experience in the safe, effective use of PAE. Using the most advanced technique and imaging technology, we generally perform PAE as an outpatient procedure. Most people go home the same day and may experience relief within the first month.

In addition to delivering excellent care personalized to your condition, our doctors conduct research to continually advance the PAE procedure, and we train new specialists – tomorrow’s leaders – to perform PAE.

FEATURED

Minimally Invasive Outpatient Procedure Eases Prostate Enlargement

What We Offer You for Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

  • Extensive experience as one of the first in the US offering minimally invasive PAE as an alternative to surgery
  • Expertise using PAE to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) safely and effectively
  • Fast treatment usually on an outpatient basis, with relief within the first month for many patients
  • Collaboration with Stanford Urologists and clinics to offer comprehensive urologic care
  • Thought leadership by our doctors who train other interventional radiology specialists in the latest PAE advances
  • Convenience and comfort for you with appointments available within days and treatment delivered in a private setting designed with your well-being in mind
  • Active research programs to advance the use of this nonsurgical treatment for all appropriate BPH patients

What is Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)?

Techniques for Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

PAE is an outpatient procedure, and most people go home the same day.

We generally use local anesthesia and “conscious sedation.” This is designed to help you relax but stay awake. 

Then we take the following steps:

  1. We make a tiny incision in your wrist or groin. 
  2. A small tube is inserted into an artery. 
  3. We use real-time imaging to guide the tube to the arteries leading to your prostate. 
  4. Tiny synthetic particles, smaller than grains of sand, are injected through the tube into the arteries. 
  5. The particles reduce the blood supply to the prostate and shrink it to relieve your symptoms.

Your doctor may make additional recommendations for your care after your PAE procedure to help make sure you get the best result possible.

Make An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-724-7362