PAE in the San Fernando Valley
Evaluation and patient education for enlarged-prostate symptoms at our Van Nuys location.
Editorially updated July 20, 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: Men with bothersome urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can be evaluated for prostate artery embolization (PAE) at Socal Interventional in Van Nuys. PAE is a minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment that reduces targeted blood flow to the prostate so it can shrink over time.
The Van Nuys office is located at 15211 Vanowen Street, Suite 305, Van Nuys, CA 91405. Call (310) 929-0026 or request an appointment. Confirm the correct location and appointment instructions before traveling.
The Van Nuys location serves patients from across the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles, including Encino, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Reseda, Northridge, Burbank, Glendale, and surrounding communities. Patients from outside the region can ask which records should be reviewed before travel and how follow-up will be coordinated.
Van Nuys is a neighborhood within the City of Los Angeles. This page describes the actual Van Nuys practice location; it does not imply that Socal Interventional maintains offices in every nearby city.
During PAE, an interventional radiologist advances a small catheter through an artery, usually from the wrist or groin, to reach the prostate’s blood supply. Microscopic particles are delivered to selected arteries. The treated prostate tissue receives less blood flow and gradually shrinks, which can reduce bladder outlet obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms.
PAE does not remove prostate tissue through the urethra. It commonly uses fluoroscopic guidance and iodinated contrast, and it is often performed as an outpatient procedure. Sedation, observation, and discharge plans vary.
These symptoms can have causes other than BPH. A complete evaluation may involve urinalysis, prostate cancer assessment, imaging, kidney-function testing, measurement of bladder emptying, medication review, and urologic testing when appropriate.
PAE may be considered when BPH symptoms are bothersome and medication is insufficient, poorly tolerated, or not preferred. It can also be discussed with selected patients who have a large prostate, medical conditions that affect surgical risk, bleeding attributed to the prostate, urinary catheter dependence, or a strong concern about ejaculatory dysfunction.
Suitability depends on diagnosis, bladder function, prostate anatomy, arterial anatomy, kidney function, infection status, cancer evaluation, bleeding risk, prior treatments, and patient goals. Review the full PAE candidacy checklist.
PAE should not proceed solely because the prostate is enlarged. Unexplained symptoms, active infection, incomplete cancer evaluation, severe kidney or contrast risk, major arterial limitations, uncorrected bleeding problems, bladder dysfunction, or the need for a tissue diagnosis may require additional evaluation or another plan.
Potential advantages include small arterial access, no transurethral tissue removal, outpatient treatment for many patients, and a lower likelihood of ejaculatory change than some transurethral procedures in published studies. Improvement is usually gradual rather than immediate.
Possible risks include access-site bleeding or bruising, pelvic discomfort, temporary urinary symptoms, infection, urinary retention, blood in the urine or semen, contrast reaction, kidney injury, radiation exposure, unintended embolization, incomplete improvement, and later retreatment. No outcome or preservation of sexual function can be guaranteed.
Many patients return home on the treatment day. Temporary pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, urgency, burning, fatigue, or access-site soreness may occur. Light routine activity may resume within several days for some patients, while lifting and strenuous exercise remain restricted until clearance.
Urinary improvement develops over weeks to months as the prostate responds. Follow-up is important to assess symptoms, bladder emptying, medications, catheter goals, and whether another evaluation is needed. Read the day-by-day PAE recovery timeline.
BPH treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Transurethral or surgical procedures can provide more direct tissue removal or a faster flow response. PAE offers an artery-based approach and gradual improvement. The comparison should include anatomy, symptom severity, bladder function, anesthesia, catheter use, sexual effects, recovery, pathology needs, retreatment, and insurance.
Socal Interventional accepts most PPO plans, Medicare, self-pay, and some IPA plans. Coverage and authorization vary by plan, network, and medical necessity criteria. The office can verify benefits but cannot guarantee insurer payment.
Yes. Van Nuys is a neighborhood in the City of Los Angeles and is located in the central San Fernando Valley.
General anesthesia is often not required, but the sedation plan is individualized and must be discussed with the procedural team.
A very large prostate does not automatically exclude PAE. Imaging, arterial anatomy, bladder function, cancer evaluation, symptoms, and overall health determine candidacy.
Some patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms after another BPH treatment can be evaluated. The cause of ongoing symptoms and current anatomy must be established.
Return timing depends on symptoms, arterial access, job demands, and the treating team’s restrictions. Desk work may resume sooner than lifting or strenuous work.
Call (310) 929-0026 or request a PAE consultation. Bring or send relevant urology notes, prostate imaging, PSA history, medication list, urinary testing, catheter history, prior BPH procedure records, and insurance information when requested.
Medical disclaimer: This information is general education and does not replace an individualized diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
Explore more: Visit the PAE Patient Resource Center and review our Medical Editorial Policy.
