Am I a candidate for PAE?

Many patients with BPH and bothersome urinary symptoms are candidates for PAE. A consultation reviews symptoms, labs, and imaging to confirm suitability.

How long does PAE take and what is recovery?

The procedure usually takes about 1 hour. Patients recover for roughly 2 hours and go home the same day, with most returning to normal activity soon after.

What access route is used?

PAE is performed via a tiny arterial access. Dr. Drabkin typically uses a left wrist approach, guiding microcatheters to the prostate arteries under imaging.

Does PAE preserve sexual function?

PAE is designed to improve urinary symptoms while preserving sexual function compared with traditional surgical procedures. Individual results vary and are discussed during consultation.

What is varicocele embolization?

It is a minimally invasive procedure that treats dilated scrotal veins (varicocele) by closing abnormal venous pathways under imaging guidance to relieve pain and improve fertility potential.

Is it outpatient and how fast is discharge?

Yes. Varicocele embolization is performed as an outpatient procedure and discharge is typically about 1 hour after the procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

Through a tiny vein access, a catheter is guided to the internal spermatic vein under imaging. Coils or embolic agents are placed to redirect blood flow away from the varicocele.

How long does UFE take and when do I go home?

UFE typically takes about 30 minutes. Patients go home around 2 hours after the procedure and resume regular activities within a few days.

Does UFE preserve the uterus and future options?

Yes. UFE treats fibroid blood supply while preserving the uterus. Fertility plans are individualized and discussed during consultation.

What symptoms can improve after UFE?

Heavy menstrual bleeding, cramping, pelvic pressure, frequency/urgency, and bulk-related discomfort commonly improve in appropriately selected candidates.

What is Interventional Oncology?

Interventional Oncology uses image-guided, minimally invasive procedures such as ablation and embolization to treat cancer and provide supportive care like port placement and biopsies.

Which treatments are offered?

Thermal ablation, embolization therapies, percutaneous biopsies, and venous access (ports). Recommendations are individualized in coordination with oncology teams.

Are these treatments outpatient?

Many procedures are outpatient or short-stay with small access sites and focused recovery guidance. Exact recovery depends on the treatment and clinical context.

How do I know which option is right for me?

A consultation reviews your diagnosis, imaging, and goals to determine candidacy and the most appropriate image-guided options.

Uterine Fibroid / Artery Embolization (UFE/UAE)

This procedure helps treat heavy bleeding, cramps, and bulk symptoms related to fibroids or adenomyosis. A small catheter is guided into the uterine arteries and tiny particles are injected to reduce blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes, patients go home about 2 hours after, and most resume normal activities in just a few days.

Serving Long Island and the greater NYC area

UFE angiogram – targeted embolization of uterine arteries

Angiogram during UFE: catheter-directed treatment of fibroid blood supply.

Why UFE?

Preserves uterus

Relieves fibroid symptoms while avoiding hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Quick recovery

Outpatient procedure with same-day discharge; most resume activity in days.

Minimally invasive

Tiny arterial access, no large incisions, catheter-directed therapy.

Before & after imaging

MRI shows shrinkage of fibroids following UFE.

Before and after MRI demonstrating fibroid shrinkage after UFE

Representative MRI set: fibroids shrink after embolization as blood supply is reduced.

Targets fibroid blood flow while preserving normal uterine tissue.
Treats fibroids and adenomyosis symptoms (bleeding, cramps, pressure).
Typically 30-minute procedure, 2-hour recovery, home the same day.
Most patients resume regular activities in just a few days.
Minimally invasive, no large incisions.

Patient experience

Hear directly from a patient about recovery and results after UFE.

Frequently asked questions

Am I a candidate for UFE?

UFE is appropriate for many with fibroids or adenomyosis causing heavy bleeding, cramps, or pressure. A consult includes history, labs, and imaging to confirm suitability.

What is recovery like?

Patients go home the same day. Most resume routine activities in a few days; cramping and fatigue are common early and improve with time.

Will UFE affect fertility?

UFE preserves the uterus. Fertility plans are individualized and discussed during consultation, depending on fibroid pattern and patient goals.

How effective is it?

Most patients experience significant symptom relief and improved quality of life, with durable results in appropriate candidates.

Ready to discuss UFE/UAE?

Minimize downtime and preserve the uterus with a targeted, image-guided approach.

Contact Page