What Is Interventional Radiology (IR)?

Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that uses imaging — such as live X-ray and CT — to guide tiny instruments through the body's blood vessels and treat conditions through a small pinhole-sized access point, without open surgery.

At Advanced Urology, our IR program currently offers Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — an enlarged prostate. We plan to add more interventional procedures over time.

A Different Approach to an Enlarged Prostate

Unlike treatments that work through the urethra, PAE treats the prostate from inside the blood vessels. Nothing is inserted through the urethra, and the risk of sexual side effects is very low. Learn more in our Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) guide.

Meet Our Interventional Radiologists

Your PAE is performed by one of our experienced interventional radiologists, working alongside your urologist. While your urologist manages your overall prostate care, an interventional radiologist performs the embolization itself.

Dr. Brad White

Interventional radiologist performing Prostatic Artery Embolization at Advanced Urology.

Dr. Jacinto Camarena

Interventional radiologist performing Prostatic Artery Embolization at Advanced Urology.

How Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) Works

Embolization works by reducing the blood supply to a targeted part of the body. For PAE, the radiologist blocks the small arteries that feed the prostate, causing it to shrink and easing your urinary symptoms.

The Steps

  • Access: A thin catheter is placed into an artery, typically at the groin (the femoral artery).
  • Mapping: Using live imaging, the radiologist guides the catheter to the arteries that feed the prostate.
  • Embolization: Tiny particles are released to block blood flow to the prostate.
  • Shrinkage: With less blood supply, the prostate gradually shrinks and urinary symptoms improve.

At-a-Glance

  • Anesthesia: No general anesthesia — moderate sedation, monitored by specially trained registered nurses with physician oversight
  • Incision: None — a pinhole access point in the artery
  • Urethra: Nothing is inserted through the urethra
  • Setting: Outpatient — home the same day

When Will I See Results?

Most men begin to notice a change about 4–6 weeks after PAE. Results typically continue to improve over time as the prostate shrinks in the months following the procedure.

For a week-by-week look at healing and what's normal afterward, see What to Expect After PAE.

Before Your Procedure

Imaging & Labs

  • Your urologist will order a CTA (CT angiogram) before your procedure can be scheduled.
  • The following labs are required within 30 days of your procedure: CBC (complete blood count), BMP (basic metabolic panel), PT/INR (clotting test), and PSA (prostate-specific antigen).
  • Our IR team will help coordinate the timing of your labs when your procedure is scheduled.

Medications

  • Blood thinners: Stop the day before your procedure, as directed by your team. You may be able to resume them on the second day afterward.
  • Diabetes medications: Do not take them on the morning of your procedure.
  • Blood pressure, cardiac, or asthma medications: You may take these with a small sip of water (just enough to swallow the pills).

Eating & Drinking

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and on the morning of your procedure (NPO), until it is completed.

Bring a Responsible Adult

You will need a responsible adult to drive you home after your procedure; they will also need to sign your discharge paperwork. Also bring your insurance card, a photo ID, a form of payment for any copay, and the medications your physician prescribed.

The Day of Your Procedure

Plan to be at the facility for about 5 hours total. Most of that time is preparation and recovery — the procedure itself is a smaller part of the day.

Stage Approximate Time
Check-in & pre-op ~1 hour
Procedure ~2 hours
Recovery ~2 hours

For what to expect once you get home, read What to Expect After PAE.

Medications You May Be Prescribed

Your physician will send prescriptions to your pharmacy (often about a week before your procedure). Please pick them up beforehand and bring them with you. Your physician may adjust these based on your allergies and other medications.

Medication How It's Prescribed What It's For
Cipro 500 mg Twice daily (#10) Antibiotic to help prevent infection
Medrol Dose Pack As directed on the pack Steroid to reduce inflammation and swelling
Docusate 100 mg Twice daily (#10) Stool softener to ease constipation
Pyridium 200 mg Three times daily (#15) Eases urinary burning and discomfort
Ibuprofen 600 mg Three times daily (#15) Anti-inflammatory pain relief

Scheduling & What to Expect

After your visit, our team begins the insurance authorization process for your procedure.

Scheduling Callback

You can expect a call to schedule your appointment within about 5–7 business days.

Time to Your Procedure

Most procedures are booked within about 2–4 weeks. Most major insurances are accepted and verified before your procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my urologist perform the procedure?

An interventional radiologist — Dr. Brad White or Dr. Jacinto Camarena — performs your PAE, working together with your urologist, who continues to manage your overall prostate care.

Will I be asleep during the procedure?

You will not receive general anesthesia. Instead, you'll receive moderate sedation — given by specially trained registered nurses with physician oversight — so you stay relaxed and comfortable.

Why might I choose PAE over TURP, UroLift, or prostatectomy?

PAE is minimally invasive with a very low risk of sexual side effects, and nothing is inserted through the urethra. The best option depends on your prostate and your goals — your urologist can help you decide.

How soon will I feel better?

Most men notice improvement about 4–6 weeks after the procedure, with continued improvement over the following months.

What happens after my procedure?

You'll go home the same day with a responsible adult. See What to Expect After PAE for recovery details, and our PAE guide for a full overview.

Considering PAE for an Enlarged Prostate?

Our interventional radiology program offers Prostatic Artery Embolization as a minimally invasive option for men with an enlarged prostate. Our team coordinates your imaging, labs, insurance authorization, and scheduling end-to-end.

  • ✅ Minimally invasive — nothing inserted through the urethra
  • ✅ No general anesthesia — moderate sedation only
  • ✅ Very low risk of sexual side effects
  • ✅ Imaging, labs, and insurance authorization handled by our team
Schedule Your Consultation

Call 678-344-8900 to speak with our team