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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:09
Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Safe Prostatic Artery Embolization with Cyanoacrylate: Representative Cases Demonstrating Non-Target Artery
Antonio Vizzuso1, Antonio Spina1, Maria Vittoria Bazzocchi1
1Radiology Unit, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL (Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale) Romagna, 47121 Forli, Italy.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
N-butyl cyanoacrylate methylsulfone (NBCA) glue offers precise prostatic artery embolization (PAE) control for complex anatomy. This technique enhances embolization and preserves non-target arteries, including the penile artery, presenting a safe alternative to particle embolization.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Urology
Background:
- Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Standard PAE often uses particulate embolization, which can pose challenges in complex pelvic vascular anatomy.
- Preserving non-target arteries, particularly the penile artery, is crucial during PAE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the technical advantages of n-butyl cyanoacrylate methylsulfone (NBCA) glue for PAE.
- To assess NBCA's efficacy in managing complex pelvic vascular anatomy.
- To determine NBCA's ability to preserve non-target arteries, focusing on penile artery protection.
Main Methods:
- Five cases of PAE were performed using NBCA mixed with iodized oil (1:5 dilution).
- Injections were delivered in small aliquots (0.1-0.3 mL) under fluoroscopy using a blocked-flow technique.
- The microcatheter was withdrawn before complete glue polymerization to allow contralateral side use.
Main Results:
- NBCA provided precise embolic control through various mechanisms (distal, proximal, reflux, contralateral).
- The technique avoided the need for protective coiling.
- Non-target artery preservation, including the penile artery, was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Glue-based PAE using NBCA is a reproducible, safe, and efficient alternative to particulate embolization.
- NBCA offers enhanced embolization control in complex pelvic vascular cases.
- This method facilitates superior non-target artery preservation.
