PAE in the San Fernando Valley
Enlarged-prostate treatment without surgery for Encino, Sherman Oaks, and Studio City patients, minutes from our Tarzana office.
Editorially updated September 8, 2026. This educational page was prepared by SoCal Interventional using the cited primary and authoritative sources. It does not replace an individualized medical evaluation.
Quick answer: SoCal Interventional treats Encino men with enlarged-prostate symptoms using prostate artery embolization (PAE) at its Tarzana office, a few minutes west along Ventura Boulevard or the 101. PAE is an outpatient, image-guided procedure that shrinks the prostate by limiting its blood flow, offering relief from nighttime urination, weak stream, and urgency without removing tissue through the urethra.
Who performs PAE for Encino patients: Dr. Nathanael Sabbah, an interventional radiologist fellowship-trained at NYU Langone Health, performs prostate artery embolization for SoCal Interventional. There is no Encino office: Encino patients are seen at the Tarzana office, 18370 Burbank Blvd, 5th Floor, about two miles west, or at the Van Nuys office, 15211 Vanowen Street, Suite 305. Call (310) 929-0026.
SoCal Interventional — Tarzana
18370 Burbank Blvd, 5th Floor, Tarzana, CA 91356
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM · (310) 929-0026
On Burbank Boulevard just west of Reseda Boulevard, a short drive from the 101 (Ventura) Freeway. Office details and directions
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is offered at our Fountain Valley office in Orange County as well as in Los Angeles and Tarzana.
The Tarzana office is the nearest SoCal Interventional location for Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Valley Village, Lake Balboa, and Reseda. Patients often come to us after years on tamsulosin or finasteride, or after a urologist mentioned surgery. Because the office is so close, the initial consultation, pre-procedure imaging review, the procedure itself, and follow-up can all happen without leaving the Valley.
This page describes the actual practice location where Encino patients are seen. SoCal Interventional does not have a physical office in every community named above.
PAE is an image-guided procedure rather than an operation. Using live X-ray, a microcatheter is navigated from a small access point at the wrist or upper thigh into the prostatic arteries, and microscopic particles are used to limit their blood supply. The enlarged tissue then shrinks over time. Because the urethra is never instrumented, PAE carries a low reported rate of the sexual side effects associated with some surgical BPH treatments.
Men are evaluated for PAE when bothersome enlarged-prostate symptoms persist despite medication or the medication is poorly tolerated, and especially when the prostate is very large, a catheter is in place, surgery carries extra risk, or they want to avoid the ejaculatory side effects of other procedures. A consultation confirms candidacy before anything is scheduled.
An evaluation may be appropriate when urinary symptoms of BPH — weak stream, straining, frequency, urgency, incomplete emptying, or getting up repeatedly at night — interfere with daily life and medication is insufficient, poorly tolerated, or not preferred. PAE is also discussed with men who have a very large prostate, catheter dependence, prostate-related bleeding, medical conditions that raise surgical risk, or concerns about the ejaculatory side effects of other procedures. Candidacy is confirmed with a history, examination, PSA review, imaging, and often urodynamic or flow studies, because similar symptoms can come from infection, bladder dysfunction, urethral narrowing, medications, or prostate cancer.
From Encino, follow Ventura Boulevard west to Reseda Boulevard and turn north to Burbank Boulevard, or take the 101 west one exit to Reseda Boulevard. From Sherman Oaks and Studio City the 101 west to Reseda Boulevard is usually quickest. Parking instructions are provided when you book. Because sedation is used, plan for someone to drive you home on procedure day.
Most patients return home the same day and resume light activity within a day or two. Temporary pelvic discomfort, urinary frequency, or mild burning during the first week is common and usually managed with over-the-counter medication. Symptom improvement is progressive over roughly one to three months. Follow-up visits track symptom scores, and some men need additional treatment if response is incomplete.
PAE is not appropriate for everyone. Reported risks include temporary pain or urinary symptoms after the procedure, urinary tract infection, blood in the urine or semen, access-site bruising, and rare non-target embolization. Anatomy that makes the prostatic arteries difficult to reach can limit the procedure. Outcomes vary, and a minority of patients do not achieve adequate relief.
PAE is covered by Original Medicare and by many PPO plans when it is medically necessary and appropriately documented. SoCal Interventional accepts most PPO plans, Medicare, and self-pay, and verifies benefits before scheduling so there are no surprises. Prior imaging, PSA results, and urology notes are helpful to share before the first visit.
Ready to find out whether PAE is right for you? Encino patients are seen at our Tarzana office.
Yes. Encino patients are seen at the Tarzana office on Burbank Boulevard, just west of Reseda Boulevard, a few minutes from Encino along Ventura Boulevard or the 101.
Often, yes. Dizziness, fatigue, nasal congestion, and sexual side effects from alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are common reasons men ask about PAE. The consultation reviews whether your symptoms, prostate size, and anatomy make you a candidate.
Most men resume desk work and light activity within one to two days. Improvement in urinary symptoms builds over the following one to three months.
No. PAE is performed as an outpatient procedure with sedation, and patients go home the same day.
Any PSA results, prostate imaging, urology notes, and a list of current medications. If you have not had recent testing, it can be arranged.
Medical content reviewed by Nathanael Sabbah, MD, interventional radiologist.