Radial vs. Femoral for Prostate Artery Embolization

In this episode, Dr. Blake Parsons and our host Dr. Chris Beck discuss access sites for prostate artery embolization, along with advice for visualizing pelvic anatomy, procedural tips, and post-operative care.

We start by comparing radial and femoral access. Dr. Parsons prefers femoral access because it is faster, although both approaches share the same amount of bleeding risk. Radial access may offer more pushability and may be more appropriate for patients with tortuous iliac arteries. Additionally, we discuss the closure methods for each approach-- TR Band for radial access, and Angio-Seal for femoral access.

Since pelvic anatomy varies from patient to patient, it can be challenging and time-consuming to identify the prostate artery. Dr. Parsons recommends using the obturator and pudendal arteries as landmarks. He also emphasizes that resources like lectures, meetings, papers, and courses can help IRs gain exposure and confidence in the pelvic anatomy.

Finally, we talk about managing patient expectations about post-operative pain and dysuria relief. Dr. Parsons prescribes antibiotics, Medrol Dosepak, and Pyridium. The timeline for improvement in benign prostatic hyperplasia is different in each patient, but improvement can be tracked with the IPSS score at follow up appointments.