Prostate Artery Embolization

What is PAE?
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a 
minimally invasive procedure designed to 
alleviate urinary symptoms resulting from an 
enlarged prostate. This approach serves as a 
nonsurgical alternative for men experiencing 
urinary tract symptoms due to prostate 
enlargement. Following PAE, symptoms 
gradually improve over the next 1-2 weeks 
as inflammation subsides. Subsequently, 
tissue healing occurs, leading to the gradual 
shrinkage of the prostate gland over 1-2 
months. PAE boasts a high success rate, with 
over 90% of men finding relief within the first 
year. Notably, unlike other treatments that may 
have undesirable sexual side effects, PAE 
does not impact sexual performance.

  • Minimally Invasive Procedure
  • Quick Recovery with Minimal Downtime
  • Reduced Risk of Side Effects and Complications
  • Preserves Prostate Tissue


During PAE
The majority of procedures take 1–2 hours, 
but could be up to 4 hours, depending on 
vascular network and other factors.

It’s performed by an interventional radiologist 
who inserts a small catheter into an artery in 
the groin or wrist. The procedure involves 
injecting inert particles into the prostate 
arteries to starve them of blood flow.

After PAE
PAE is an outpatient procedure, so most 
patients go home the same day. After the 
procedure you will be followed closely for 
several hours by our healthcare team 

PATIENT EDUCATION VIDEOS: CLICK HERE 

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Our Urologists

Kevin Asher, MD

Kevin Asher, M.D. graduated from Towson University and Columbia University Medical School. He completed his residency in Urology at Boston University and has completed a fellowship in Urologic On

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Aaron Berkenwald, M.D.

Dr. Berkenwald received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at Lahey Medical Center. He graduated summa cum

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Stephen Gallo, MD

Dr. Gallo received his BA Degree from Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree from New York Medical College. He completed his training in urology at New York Medical College. Dr. Gallo is th

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Andrew Kim, MD

Dr. Kim received his medical degree from University of Maryland School of Medicine, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at University of Maryland Medical Center. He earned his BS

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Joshua Pagar, MD

Dr. Pagar received his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine, and completed his surgical and urological residency at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics, Columbia, MO.

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Joseph Sarcona, MD

Dr. Sarcona received his medical degree from New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, and he completed his surgical and urological residency at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY. He earned his BS deg

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Jonathan Starkman, MD

Dr. Starkman received his bachelor of science degree in molecular biology, from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI. He comp

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William Swanson, MD, MBA

Dr. Swanson received his bachelor of arts degree, with honors and in biology, from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College

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Michael Zavaski, MD

Dr. Zavaski, a Connecticut native, is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in partnership with Baystate Health in Springfield, MA. He earned his BS in

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