Prostatic artery embolization is an approach to treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using a minimally invasive approach. BPH produces an enlarged prostate gland that is non-cancerous in nature. This benign tumor is the most common form encountered in male patients. PAE treats this condition by blocking blood flow to the tumor, causing it to shrink and be reabsorbed by the body. Below, we’ll cover how to identify the right center to perform this procedure when it’s necessary.

Understanding PAE And How To Choose A Center 

Ongoing advancements in medical technology have touched all fields of medicine. Urologists now have a significant number of tools available to improve their diagnosis process. Urologic Radiology, in particular, now has numerous ways to look at our reproductive and urinary systems to identify concerns. You’ll want to select a clinic to perform your PAE that has the latest equipment available. Some imaging tools your center should provide include:

• Angiography: Also known as arteriography, this imaging technique is used to visualize the blood vessels through the use of a contrast agent. This dye is visible to x-ray technology, allowing films to reveal their presence. The goal of angiography is to track the flow of blood to and from our organs.
• CT Scan: This tool utilizes small X-ray beams to create an image viewed from different angles as it rotates around the body. These beams produce thousands of x-ray images to create a comprehensive image of the target area. The results are processed through software and viewed on a monitor.
• Intravenous Pyelography: IVP utilizes x-rays and contrast dye to produce a viewable image of the bladder, kidneys, and ureter. It can provide valuable information about the function of your renal system and how it handles fluid waste. This is used to identify concerns in your urinary system.
• Bone Scans: These are used when cancer has been identified to determine if it has advanced. These scans have been used less in recent years but can be of benefit when assessing urologic cancers that have advanced. A radionuclide is injected, and images are taken of the body over several hours. Places where the radionuclide has been absorbed indicate the presence of cancer or trauma of the bone.

These systems are essential in providing comprehensive prostate care for patients. The images they produce will help provide an improved diagnosis. It will also provide essential guidance when performing treatments such as a PAE.

Some Final Considerations

In addition to considering the equipment they have available, you should also consider their qualifications. You can check to ensure they have the proper qualifications to perform a PAE. This includes checking for certificates indicating the necessary specialization. You can also inquire about how many times they’ve performed the procedure, what their success rate is, and what outcomes they’ve seen. These are all parts of being an involved patient and are essential when selecting a center to have your PAE performed at. Consider seeking recommendations from friends and family and check reviews on the center online.