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.

What is recovery like?

Most patients go home the same day, resume light activity quickly, and increase activity as comfort allows after follow-up guidance.

Am I a candidate for UFE?

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

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.

Minimally invasive care for BPH, fibroids, and cancer

Office-based procedures using image guidance. Patients go home the same day and return to normal activities quickly.

Explore procedures Common questions

Serving Long Island and the greater NYC area

Why patients choose Dr. Michael J. Drabkin

Nationally recognized, high-volume interventional radiology serving Long Island and the greater NYC area.

500+

Prostate Artery Embolizations each year*

20,000+

Total interventional procedures performed

Chief of IR

NY Imaging / NYCBS

Top Doctor

*Among the highest-volume PAE physicians in the United States; figures reflect current practice data.

Dr. Drabkin is the Chief of Interventional Radiology & Interventional Oncology at NY Imaging / NYCBS, board-certified in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology. Education and training includes Columbia University, The Mount Sinai Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering (Chief Fellow), and Weill Cornell.

Procedures

Focused on effective, same-day treatments.

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

~1-hour outpatient procedure
Improves urinary flow and quality of life
Most patients resume activity next day

Varicocele Embolization

Minimally invasive treatment for varicocele
Improves fertility potential and relieves pain
Same-day discharge

Uterine Fibroid/Artery Embolization (UFE/UAE)

Treats heavy bleeding and bulk symptoms
Preserves uterus
Back to routine in days

Interventional Oncology

Thermal ablation and embolization
Port placement and biopsies
Personalized, multidisciplinary care

What patients can expect

2–4 hours

Same-day discharge

Next day

Return to activity (most)

Minimally invasive

Tiny access, no large incisions

About Dr. Drabkin

Board-certified in Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology. Special focus on PAE, UFE, Varicocele, and interventional oncology. High-volume practice with same-day, minimally invasive care. Collaborates closely with urology, gynecology, and oncology colleagues.

Education and training includes

Undergraduate: Columbia University
Medical School: SUNY Upstate
General Surgery Internship: The Mount Sinai Hospital
Radiology Residency: Nassau University Medical Center
Vascular & IR Fellowship: Memorial Sloan Kettering (Chief Fellow) & Weill Cornell

Selected Publications

Outpatient percutaneous image-guided microwave ablation (Clinical Imaging, 2023)
Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET for ablation treatment planning and response (PET Clinics, 2019)
Age-stratified patterns of thymic involution on CT (Journal of Thoracic Imaging, 2018)

Full list available in CV or on request.

FAQ

Am I a candidate for PAE?

Most patients with BPH and bothersome urinary symptoms are candidates. A consult includes history, labs, and imaging to confirm suitability.

How long is recovery?

Most patients go home the same day and resume light activity the next day; full recovery is usually within a few days.

Is UFE safe if I want future fertility?

UFE treats fibroids while preserving the uterus. Fertility considerations are individualized and discussed during consultation.