Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) Treatment in Chicago & Libertyville IL

A Non-Surgical Alternative for Enlarged Prostate & Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Joint & Vascular Institute

A Minimally Invasive Solution for Enlarged Prostate and BPH Symptoms

At Joint & Vascular Institute, we offer Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate in Chicago and Libertyville. Our nationally recognized physicians use the latest image guided techniques to provide lasting relief, helping you avoid surgery and get back to the activities you love.

 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms do not have to be a part of your life. If you experience frequent urination, a weak stream, or incomplete bladder emptying that has not responded to other treatments, you may be a candidate for prostate embolization. This innovative procedure is performed in our comfortable outpatient center, allowing you to go home the same day.

Get Help for BPH Symptoms

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Benefits of Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

No Large
Incisions

A tiny puncture means minimal scarring.

Outpatient
Procedure

Go home the same day.

Quick
Recovery

Return to daily activities faster.

Lower
Cost

More affordable than hospital based surgery.

Avoids
Traditional Surgery

A less invasive alternative to major surgery.

Proven
Effectiveness

Clinically proven to reduce prostate size and improve urinary flow.

Preserves
Sexual Function

Alleviates symptoms without compromising normal function.

What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?

PAE is a minimally invasive treatment that treats BPH by reducing the blood supply to the prostate gland. In an enlarged prostate, excess tissue compresses the urethra, causing disruptive lower urinary tract symptoms. PAE works by blocking the specific blood vessels feeding the prostate with tiny embolic particles. This deprives the excess tissue of blood, causing the prostate to shrink and providing significant symptom relief.

The J&VI Advantage for PAE Treatment

Where you receive your BPH treatment in Chicago matters. An outpatient based lab (OBL) like Joint & Vascular Institute offers a more personalized, convenient, and efficient experience compared to a hospital setting.
Dimension
Joint & Vascular Institute (OBL)
Hospital
Specialization
PAE Experts: Led by board certified interventional radiologists who are highly experienced in the PAE procedure.
General Care: You may see various doctors, not all of whom specialize in PAE.
Technology
State of the art: Equipped with the latest imaging and interventional technology specifically for vascular and men’s health care.
Variable: Technology can vary widely by hospital and department.
Experience
Personalized & Comfortable: A private, calm environment focused entirely on your care and comfort.
Institutional & Overwhelming: Large, busy environments with long waits and less personal attention.
Scheduling
Fast & Direct: Get an appointment quickly without waiting for weeks or months for a referral.
Slow & Complex: Multiple appointments, long wait times, and complicated scheduling.
Cost
Lower Cost: Fewer overhead expenses often result in more affordable care without sacrificing quality.
Higher Cost: Hospital overhead and facility fees lead to significantly higher expenses.
Recovery
Go Home Same Day: Recover at home and get back to your life faster.
Hospital Stay: Procedures may require an overnight stay for observation.

Results & Clinical Evidence

PAE is supported by a growing body of clinical evidence demonstrating its safety and effectiveness. Our physicians at Joint & Vascular Institute are at the forefront of providing this advanced care, utilizing established medical literature to guide treatment.


The American Urological Association officially recognizes PAE as a recommended treatment option, specifically upgrading the procedure to Grade B evidence for patients with an enlarged prostate of 50cc or greater. This established guidance helps solidify PAE as a viable treatment option for patients suffering from symptomatic BPH who wish to avoid traditional surgery.


Further demonstrating the durability of the procedure, a comprehensive study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology provides crucial data on long term clinical outcomes. This research offers patients valuable insights into what they can expect from PAE treatment over time, showing significant and sustained symptom relief for up to five years.


Additional important studies further validate the effectiveness of PAE compared to other options. Research published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe highlights that PAE provides superior symptom reduction when compared to combined medical therapy. Furthermore, data from the National Institutes of Health reinforces that PAE carries a significantly lower risk of sexual side effects compared to traditional surgical methods. Together, these peer reviewed studies reinforce the growing body of evidence supporting PAE as a safe and effective treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PAE painful?
The PAE procedure itself is performed through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin and is generally not painful. During the treatment, you will be given a local anesthetic and a mild sedative to ensure you remain comfortable and relaxed. While the procedure is well tolerated, it is common to experience mild pelvic discomfort or a frequent urge to urinate in the first few days following the treatment as the prostate begins to shrink. Our medical team will provide you with a comprehensive pain management plan to help you manage this effectively during your recovery at home.
The PAE procedure typically takes about one to two hours to complete from start to finish. Because it is a minimally invasive treatment performed in our outpatient center, there is no need for an overnight hospital stay. After a brief observation period in our recovery area to ensure you are feeling well, you will be able to go home the very same day to begin your recovery in the comfort of your own home.
Most men are able to return to work and resume their normal daily activities within a few days after the PAE procedure. This recovery time is significantly shorter than the recovery period required for traditional surgical options, which can take several weeks. We recommend taking it easy for the first couple of days and gradually increasing your activity level as you feel comfortable.
One of the most significant advantages of PAE is its ability to preserve sexual function. Unlike traditional surgeries for an enlarged prostate, which carry a high risk of causing retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, clinical data shows that PAE has a minimal impact on sexual health. In fact, many men report an improvement in their overall sexual function once their disruptive urinary symptoms are resolved.
After the embolic agents are injected into the prostatic arteries, the blood supply to the excess prostate tissue is blocked. Without a blood supply, the enlarged tissue begins to shrink over the course of several weeks to months. As the prostate shrinks, the pressure on the urethra is relieved, and symptoms such as a weak urine stream and frequent nighttime urination will gradually improve. The treated prostate remains in place but is significantly smaller and no longer causes disruptive symptoms.

Take the Next Step

Do not wait for your enlarged prostate symptoms to get worse. The first step toward relief is a comprehensive evaluation with a specialist who understands your condition. At Joint & Vascular Institute, we will diagnose the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing issues with restricted blood flow in other areas of your body, we also specialize in advanced PAD treatment to restore healthy circulation. Additionally, for men dealing with testicular pain or fertility issues, our experts provide minimally invasive varicocele embolization to provide lasting relief.

Regain Comfort.
Restore Mobility.
Live Pain-Free.

We are proud to serve patients across Northern Chicago from our Libertyville and Rockford clinics, including Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Gurnee, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Mundelein, Northbrook, Palatine, Skokie, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Wheeling, Wilmette, and surrounding areas.

Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Care at Joint & Vascular Institute in Libertyville, IL

At Joint & Vascular Institute, our skilled interventional radiologists are dedicated to providing compassionate care, guiding you through the PAE process, and designing a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. We understand the challenges of BPH and LUTS and are here to help you achieve lasting relief.

Take the First Step Toward Relief
Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re ready to explore PAE as a solution for BPH and LUTS, contact our Libertyville office to schedule a consultation. Joint and Vascular Institute is committed to helping you find comfort and confidence through this advanced, minimally invasive treatment.