Prostate artery embolization has been gaining increasing importance, creating a growing need for interventional radiologists familiar with the procedure. The European School of Interventional Radiology will host a two-day course on PAE at Milan’s AIMS Academy. CIRSE Insider talked to local hosts, Dr.s Fabiane Barbosa and Marco Solcia about their PAE practice and what course participants can look forward to.
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CIRSE: You are a well-known expert in PAE – what does your current practice look like? Why did it motivate you to host an ESIR course on the topic?
We work in a public university hospital, Ospedale Niguarda in Milan, where we have been performing PAE since 2011. Over the years, it has become an integral part of our interventional radiology practice. We have established a dedicated pathway for patient management, including pre-procedural assessment, hospitalization or outpatient management, and structured post-procedural follow-up, always in close collaboration with our urology team. We are proud to be hosting the ESIR PAE course for the fourth time – having previously hosted successful editions in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Our motivation is to share more than a decade of hands-on experience and to help other colleagues build their confidence in performing this complex but highly rewarding procedure.
CIRSE: PAE has come a long way over the last decade. When did you first begin performing PAE, and how has your practice evolved in this time?
We started performing PAE in 2011. At that time, it was still a pioneering technique, with limited clinical data and very few centers offering it. Since then, our practice has evolved significantly, especially in terms of patient selection, pre- and post-procedural management, imaging protocols, embolic materials, catheter techniques, and recovery pathways. We now treat a broader and more complex range of patients and have established a close multidisciplinary collaboration with urologists, which is essential for optimal outcomes.
CIRSE: Has the recent inclusion of PAE in the AUA guidelines impacted practice?
Yes, it has had a meaningful impact. The inclusion in the AUA guidelines has enhanced the credibility of the procedure and increased referrals from urologists and general practitioners. It has also encouraged more structured collaboration between specialties and reassured patients about the legitimacy and safety of the treatment.
CIRSE: What are the key techniques and skills essential for physicians performing PAE?
Physicians need to master pelvic vascular anatomy and have excellent microcatheter navigation skills. Pre-procedural imaging interpretation and cone-beam CT use are also essential. Managing anatomical variations and complications requires a solid technical background and clinical judgment. Good communication with the referring urologist, especially regarding patient selection and follow-up, is equally important for successful patient outcomes.
CIRSE: Who should attend this course? What will make this course different from previous PAE courses?
This course is ideal for interventional radiologists at any stage of their PAE learning curve – from those just getting started to those seeking to refine their techniques. What makes ESIR-PAE course unique is the combination of high-level theory, challenging case discussions, and extensive hands-on training with simulators. Also, as this is the fourth year we’re hosting the course, we’ve built a rich and evolving program based on participant feedback and clinical experience.
CIRSE: What are you most looking forward to?
We are especially looking forward to meeting and exchanging ideas with colleagues from across Europe and beyond. Every edition brings new perspectives, clinical challenges, and practical insights. Teaching in this setting is always stimulating – and it’s very satisfying to see participants grow in confidence during the course.
