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- What is Prostate Artery Embolization?
- What Happens During Prostate Artery Embolization?
- What Are the Benefits of Prostate Artery Embolization?
- Vascular and Embolization Specialists Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Advanced Relief for Prostate Issues
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What is Prostate Artery Embolization?
Prostate artery embolization (PAE), performed by Dr. Derek Mittleider at Vascular and Embolization Specialists in Space Coast Florida, offers a cutting-edge approach to treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This minimally invasive procedure can significantly alleviate urinary symptoms linked to BPH, such as frequent urination, difficulty in urine flow, and a weak urine stream. Patients often report an improvement in these urinary symptoms and a notable enhancement in their overall quality of life post-PAE. Patients opt for this treatment due to its minimal invasiveness, eliminating the need for general anesthesia or hospital stays, and its remarkably lower risk of complications compared to conventional surgical options for BPH. Contact our office in Cocoa, FL today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Mittleider to see if you're an ideal candidate for prostate artery embolization.
What Happens During Prostate Artery Embolization?
The prostate artery embolization procedure, conducted in Cocoa, FL, is a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgeries, like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser prostatectomy for treating BPH. This outpatient technique involves the insertion of a small catheter into an artery, typically through the wrist and sometimes through the groin. This catheter is carefully guided to the prostate gland. Here, tiny particles are injected to block the gland's blood supply, leading to its shrinkage and consequently easing urinary symptoms. The method is known for its minimal discomfort, allowing most patients to quickly resume their normal activities, usually within just 2 – 3 days.
What Are the Benefits of Prostate Artery Embolization?
Dr. Mittleider recommends prostate artery embolization as a highly effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Here are a few of the key benefits of PAE:
- Significant enhancement in urine flow
- Reduced frequency of urination
- Decreased urgency to urinate
- Improved sexual function
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Low risk of complication
- High rates of patient satisfaction
Vascular and Embolization Specialists Reviews
I owe my life to Dr. Derek Mittleider. I was brought into the hospital by ambulance with a complicated IVC filter issue as well as a new DVT in my groin and 3 blood clots (pulmonary embolism's) to my lungs, They got through the IVC filter and migrated to my lungs. Dr. Mittleider is a miracle worker and I am so grateful for his expertise in removing the IVC filter that has been attempted 3 times prior, unsuccessfully. I am a very rare case with many complications, another being I had to stay on blood thinners due to the Acute pulmonary embolisms in my body. His bedside manner is exceptional, he explains everything to where you completely understand what is happening. He is devoted, professional and calming. I am literally crying writing this as my health has been in such decline with challenging problems with the IVC filter and now these very scary blood clots. I could not have asked for a better more dedicated and brilliant Doctor and so relieved I found him, unfortunately via an emergency situation. On his entrance into the operating room, I heard a very positive message before falling asleep and that was, "It's a good day Palm Bay" giving me even more calm while beginning to go under anesthesia. I can't say enough great things about him and my husband, family and I are so grateful he has moved to Florida. Without him, I would not be in the situation I am currently in, I can't even say I would be here today. :)
On Sept. 24, 2017, a Sunday morning, Dr.Mittleider saved my life, literally. I had a severe bleed from the spleenic artery and he placed coils around the artery to stop the bleed. I had lost over half my blood when he worked his magic. I can never thank him enough to saving my life and returning me to my family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this procedure supported by the American Urologic Association?
Yes. The AUA Guidelines on the Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia [LUTS/BPH] were amended in 2023 and include PAE as an acceptable form of treatment. The Guidelines state: “PAE may be offered for the treatment of LUTS/BPH. PAE should be performed by clinicians trained in this Interventional Radiology procedure following a discussion of potential risks and benefits.”
What are the improvements in urinary symptoms following PAE?
A majority of patients who undergo PAE report a significant improvement in urinary symptoms, such as increased urine flow, reduced frequency of urination, and less urgency to urinate. In some published studies, up to 90% of men have reported improvement in urinary symptoms following PAE.
How do the urinary and sexual symptom benefits compare to treatment with medication alone?
The recently-published PARTEM clinical trial showed clinically superior reduction in prostate symptoms and improved sexual function with PAE compared to combined medical therapy with medications alone.
Does PAE impact erectile function?
The majority of men who undergo PAE experience no change in erectile function. A significant minority of men experience an improvement in erectile function. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2022 reported 38% of men who had mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) prior to undergoing PAE reported improvement in erectile function 3 months after the procedure. A retrospective review of 630 patients published in 2016 found that erectile function improved in 36% of men following PAE.
What are the commonly reported side effects and complications?
The most commonly reported side effects include temporary burning or irritation while urinating or difficulty urinating. Serious complications are very rare. There are rare reports of the development of very small ulcers the heal within weeks after the procedure. No permanent damage to any other structure (bowel, bladder, penis) has been reported.
Are patients who undergo PAE satisfied with the procedure?
Most men who undergo PAE report high levels of satisfaction with the procedure. A study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology reported that 80% of patients were satisfied with the results of PAE, and over 90% of patients said they would recommend the procedure to other men. A study published in the British Journal of Urology reported 84% patient satisfaction.
Advanced Relief for Prostate Issues
Prostate artery embolization at Vascular and Embolization Specialists provides an effective solution for addressing benign prostatic hyperplasia without the need for traditional surgical interventions. Many individuals find it challenging to manage BPH symptoms effectively, but prostate artery embolization offers a minimally invasive alternative. We invite you to contact Vascular and Embolization Specialists in Cocoa, FL to arrange a private consultation with Dr. Derek Mittleider and learn more about this innovative procedure.