PAE is a minimally invasive procedure where a specialized Interventional Radiologist at Urology of Virginia inserts a thin catheter into an artery in the groin or wrist, and is able to navigate to the prostate where they can occlude (block) the largest arteries feeding the prostate. This leads to shrinkage of the prostate and improved urinary symptoms. The procedure is done under light sedation, takes a short time to do, and has minimal post-procedure restrictions or side effects. It is a desirable option for men who want improvement in urinary symptoms without having to commit to surgery and potential long-lasting side effects.

Do you think you have BPH and may be a candidate for PAE?
You may be a candidate if you experience:
• Weak and/or interrupted urine stream
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder/ difficulty starting urination
• Urgency/difficulty controlling urination
• Increased urinary frequency, particularly at night
• Inability to urinate leading to catheterization
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)

Interventional Radiology (IR) is a specialized branch of medicine that uses imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound to guide minimally invasive procedures. These procedures are often used for diagnosis and treatment, allowing doctors to treat a variety of conditions without the need for traditional open surgery. By using small incisions and guided imaging, interventional radiologists can precisely target areas in the body, which generally leads to shorter recovery times, less pain, and reduced risk compared to conventional surgery.

Yi Yang, MD,MPH, is a board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologist who grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She attended Duke University as an undergraduate, majoring in chemistry and minoring in English literature. She then obtained a joint MD/MPH degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. This was followed by a surgery internship year also at UNC Hospitals. Dr. Yang received her diagnostic and interventional radiology training at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital through their early specialization in interventional radiology pathway. She completed her interventional radiology training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Dr. Yang chose to practice interventional radiology because applying advanced imaging technology with minimally invasive techniques allows for precise treatments that often reduce or eliminate symptoms and hospital length of stays for patients.

Within medicine, Dr. Yang also participated in many research projects since high school. Most notably, working on global health projects in India, China, and Africa have allowed her to learn and contribute to understanding health on population levels. Nationally, her experience includes being in leadership positions within the resident/fellow/student section of the Society of Interventional Radiology as well as being a reviewer on the vascular interventional radiology panel for RadioGraphics, one of the premier journals published by the Radiological Society of North America.

BPH – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia