Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) in Queens & Long Island
Non-surgical treatment for enlarged prostate. Outpatient procedure, no general anesthesia, fast return to normal activity.
Why Embolization?
Written by Practice Editorial Team · Medically reviewed by Amir Salem, MD, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist · Last updated April 26, 2026
What is Prostate Artery Embolization?
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks an enlarged prostate by reducing its blood supply. Performed by an interventional radiologist using a thin catheter inserted through the wrist or groin, PAE relieves urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) without surgery, general anesthesia, or hospital stay.
PAE may be a good fit for men who:
- Have BPH-related urinary symptoms (weak stream, frequent urination, nighttime trips, incomplete emptying)
- Have not responded adequately to medication
- Want to avoid TURP or other surgical options
- Are poor candidates for surgery due to age or other conditions
What Is Prostate Artery Embolization?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common conditions affecting men over 50, causing the prostate gland to enlarge and press against the urethra. This leads to the frustrating urinary symptoms — weak flow, urgency, frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom — that significantly diminish quality of life.
PAE targets the root cause. Using real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), an interventional radiologist navigates a microcatheter through the radial artery in the wrist or the femoral artery in the groin, threading it into the tiny prostatic arteries that feed the gland. Tiny embolic microspheres are then released into these vessels, slowing blood flow and causing the prostate to gradually shrink. As the prostate decreases in volume, urinary symptoms improve.
The procedure is performed entirely through a pinhole-sized puncture — no incisions, no general anesthesia, no overnight hospital admission. At M&S Vascular, PAE is performed by Dr. Amir Salem, our board-certified interventional radiologist with subspecialty training in vascular and interventional procedures.
Am I a Candidate for PAE?
The first step is completing the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) — a validated 8-question survey that quantifies your symptom severity. Patients with a moderate-to-severe score who have tried lifestyle modifications or medications without adequate relief are typically strong candidates.
Typical good-fit candidates
- ✓Men with moderate-to-severe IPSS score
- ✓Inadequate response to alpha-blockers or 5-ARIs
- ✓Wish to preserve sexual function
- ✓Prefer to avoid general anesthesia
- ✓Poor surgical candidates (anticoagulation, comorbidities)
- ✓Large prostate volume confirmed by imaging
Contraindications / not ideal for
- –Confirmed or suspected prostate cancer (separate workup required)
- –Severe renal impairment (contrast use requires evaluation)
- –Significant arterial occlusive disease in access vessels
- –Active urinary tract infection
Not sure if PAE is right for you?
Find out if you qualify — request a consultationHow PAE Works: Step-by-Step
1Pre-procedure imaging and consultation
Before PAE, we obtain cross-sectional imaging — typically a CT angiogram or MRI of the pelvis — to map the prostatic arterial anatomy and confirm the prostate volume. This planning step is critical: every man's prostatic artery anatomy is unique, and precise mapping allows us to perform the embolization safely and completely. Your IPSS score, uroflow, and urologic history are reviewed at the same appointment.
2The PAE procedure itself
On procedure day, you arrive at our outpatient suite and receive conscious sedation — you remain comfortable and lightly sedated throughout, with no need for general anesthesia or an epidural. The interventional radiologist makes a small puncture at the wrist (radial) or groin (femoral) and advances a microcatheter through the arterial system under continuous fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance. Once selectively positioned in the prostatic arteries, calibrated embolic microspheres are deployed, reducing blood flow to the gland. Both sides are typically treated in the same session.
3Recovery in the outpatient suite
After the procedure you'll spend a few hours in our recovery area while the sedation fully clears. Most patients go home the same afternoon with a responsible adult driver. A small adhesive bandage covers the access site — no stitches required. We provide written discharge instructions and a direct line to reach our clinical team with any questions.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure
In our practice, we perform PAE under conscious sedation in a fully accredited outpatient suite at our Great Neck location. You'll arrive approximately one hour before the scheduled start time to complete check-in and have an IV placed. Our nursing team will review your allergies, medications, and any questions you have before Dr. Salem begins.
The embolization itself typically takes between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours depending on arterial anatomy. We believe in keeping you informed throughout — if you have questions during the procedure, ask. After completion, you move to recovery where we monitor your vital signs, manage any discomfort, and confirm you feel ready to go home before discharge.
We ask that a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for the first night. You'll leave with a same-day contact number and clear written instructions. We typically schedule a follow-up call the next business day to check in.
Recovery Timeline
- Day 1Most patients return home the same day. Mild groin or wrist soreness at the catheter access site is normal. Rest at home.
- Days 2–7Resume light activity. Some men notice early urinary symptom improvement as initial swelling from the procedure resolves.
- Weeks 2–4Most patients return to full normal activity including work, driving, and exercise.
- 3–6 monthsMaximum symptom improvement is typically realized as the prostate continues to shrink and urinary flow improves.
Recovery timelines are approximate and vary by individual. Your care team will provide personalized guidance.
Risks and Alternatives
We believe informed patients make better decisions. Here is an honest comparison of the main treatment options for BPH so you can evaluate PAE in context.
| Treatment | Type | Anesthesia | Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAE (this procedure) | Minimally invasive, catheter-based | Conscious sedation | Same-day outpatient |
| TURP ↗ | Surgical — tissue removal | General or spinal | 1–2 night hospital stay |
| UroLift / Rezūm | Minimally invasive, endoscopic | Local / sedation | Outpatient |
| Medication (alpha-blockers / 5-ARIs) | Medical management | None | None |
| Watchful waiting | Active surveillance | None | None |
Known PAE risks
- •Minor bruising or soreness at catheter access site (wrist or groin)
- •Temporary urinary symptom flare in first days post-procedure
- •Post-embolization syndrome: low-grade fever, fatigue, pelvic discomfort (self-limited)
- •Rare: non-target embolization, urinary tract infection, bladder wall ischemia
For the full risk-benefit discussion, schedule a consultation with Dr. Salem. This list is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.
Why Choose M&S Vascular for PAE
Your Interventional Radiologist
Amir Salem, MD
Board-certified interventional radiologist with subspecialty training in vascular and interventional procedures. Member, Society of Interventional Radiology.
Two convenient locations
Forest Hills, Queens (accessible from LIJ Medical Center corridor) and Great Neck, Long Island.
AAAHC-accredited outpatient suite
Procedures performed in a fully accredited ambulatory setting.
Fast response
We respond to consultation requests within 5 minutes during business hours.
Insurance accepted
Most major plans accepted. View accepted insurances →
What patients say
“I was dreading surgery for years. Dr. Salem walked me through exactly what PAE involved and I went home the same afternoon. Symptom improvement within a few weeks.”
“The staff was incredibly patient explaining everything. I was nervous about a catheter procedure but it was completely manageable.”
“Finally sleeping through the night again. Six months out and the results have held. Wish I had done this sooner.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAE covered by insurance and Medicare?
Coverage varies by plan. Many commercial insurers and Medicare cover PAE for BPH when medically necessary criteria are met. Our team will verify your specific benefits and obtain pre-authorization before your procedure.
How is PAE different from TURP?
TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) is a surgical procedure performed under general or spinal anesthesia that physically removes prostate tissue. PAE is non-surgical — it uses a thin catheter to reduce the prostate's blood supply without cutting or removing tissue. PAE carries no risk of surgical bleeding or general anesthesia complications, and most patients go home the same day.
Will PAE affect my sexual function?
Unlike TURP, PAE does not carry the same risk of retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm) associated with surgical approaches. Published research suggests sexual function is generally preserved after PAE.
How long is recovery from PAE?
Most patients return home the same day. Light activity can typically resume within a few days, with full normal activity by weeks 2–4. Maximum symptom improvement is generally realized at 3–6 months as the prostate continues to shrink.
Where is PAE performed in Long Island and Queens?
PAE at M&S Vascular is performed at our Great Neck, Long Island location in a fully accredited outpatient suite. We serve patients from across Long Island, Queens, and the broader NYC metro area including Forest Hills, Bayside, Flushing, and Manhasset.
Who is a candidate for prostate artery embolization?
Good candidates include men with BPH-related urinary symptoms (weak stream, frequent urination, nighttime trips, incomplete emptying) who have not responded adequately to medication, or who wish to avoid surgery or are poor surgical candidates due to age or other medical conditions. A consultation and imaging review are required.
What are the risks of PAE?
PAE is generally safe, but like any procedure it carries risks including minor bruising or soreness at the catheter access site, temporary urinary symptoms, and rarely, non-target embolization. Serious complications are uncommon. Your interventional radiologist will review all risks specific to your anatomy during your consultation.
How quickly will I see symptom improvement?
Some men notice early improvement in urinary symptoms within days to weeks after PAE as swelling resolves. Maximum benefit is typically seen at 3–6 months as the prostate gradually shrinks.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
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