title: Human cadaveric specimen study of the prostatic arterial anatomy: implications for arterial embolization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe and illustrate the prostatic arterial anatomy from human cadaveric specimens, highlighting implications for prostatic arterial embolization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dissection of 18 male pelves from white adults 35-68 years old was performed in the anatomy laboratory. Arterial branches were identified according to standard dissection technique using a 20-diopter magnifying lens for the prostatic sector. The branches were colored with red acrylic paint to enhance contrast and improve visualization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two main arterial pedicles to the prostate from each hemipelvis were identified in all cadaveric specimens: the superior and inferior prostatic pedicles. The superior prostatic pedicle provides the main arterial supply of the gland and provides branches to both the inferior bladder and the ejaculatory system. The inferior prostatic pedicle distributes as a plexus in the prostatic apex and anastomoses with the superior pedicle. This pattern of prostatic arterial distribution was constant in all cadaveric specimens. In contrast, the origin of the superior prostatic pedicle was variable from different sources of the internal iliac artery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The description and illustration of the prostatic arterial anatomy, as demonstrated by this cadaveric study, may provide useful information and guidance for prostatic arterial embolization.
authors: Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Juan D. Perón 4190, Buenos Aires C1181ACH. Electronic address: ricardo.garciamonaco@hospitalitaliano.org.ar.
authors: Ricardo
authors: R
authors: Garcia-Monaco
authors: Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors: Lucas
authors: L
authors: Garategui
authors: Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Juan D. Perón 4190, Buenos Aires C1181ACH.
authors: Nestor
authors: N
authors: Kizilevsky
authors: Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Juan D. Perón 4190, Buenos Aires C1181ACH.
authors: Oscar
authors: O
authors: Peralta
authors: Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Juan D. Perón 4190, Buenos Aires C1181ACH.
authors: Pablo
authors: P
authors: Rodriguez
authors: Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors: Jose
authors: J
authors: Palacios-Jaraquemada
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography; D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002102:Cadaver; D004210:Dissection; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011467:Prostate / Q000098:blood supply*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: BPH; IPA; PAE; benign prostatic hyperplasia; internal pudendal artery; prostatic arterial embolization