Dead prostate tissue. Gross specimen of a prostate gland (sliced open) showing infarction (death of tissue, dark red area at upper left). Infarction occurs when the artery bringing oxygenated blood to the tissue is obstructed. This obstruction can occur due to a blood clot (thrombus) or an embolism. When only part of the organ has been affected, as here, it is known as an infarct.