Genicular Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive alternative to eliminate pain symptoms and delay the need for a total knee arthroplasty (total knee replacement).
Benefits of GAE
- Outpatient procedure, no hospital stay
- Better quality of life
- No knee incision required
- Performed under conscious sedation,
no general anesthesia
About the Procedure
Our minimally-invasive treatment method for knee pain and osteoarthritis takes about 90 minutes to complete. It is performed by an Interventional Radiologist through a small access point in the groin or wrist. Tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels that feed the tiny arteries surrounding the knee. This blocks the blood flow to the areas that are inflamed. By blocking these arteries, there is a reduction in the amount of inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, a process that can help or eliminate the associated knee pain.
Who is a Good Candidate for GAE?
- Age: 40-80 years
- Moderate to severe knee pain Osteoarthritis based on x-ray
- Local knee tenderness
- Pain at rest or pain that wakes you up at night
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications
- Previously had joint injections
At Vascular Institute, our Interventional Radiologist that perform the procedure are experienced and specialized in GAE procedures. No other specialists can diagnose and treat for Genicular Artery Embolization!
Check out our video on how we treat GAE here at Vascular Institute!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCDQi0XSFFA&t=3s
Genicular Artery Embolization
What is Genicular Artery Embolization?
Genicular artery embolization is a minimally-invasive treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. This innovative procedure is performed by an Interventional Radiologist in an outpatient setting. By placing a small access point in the groin or wrist were able to insert a small catheter into the Genicular Artery. The catheter allows us to identify abnormal vessels that have grown that cause inflammation and pain in the knee joint. Once the vessels are identified, we inject biocompatible embolization spheres into the affected blood vessels that feed the inflammation and pain. By blocking ONLY these abnormal vessels, patients are experiencing a significant reduction in inflammation and pain and are able to resume normal daily activities.
Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the cartilage of the joint being worn down over time or trauma. It is most common in the knees and cannot be reversed. However, there are some treatments available to help improve joint function or reduce pain.
Over 32 million adults in the US have osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with overuse of the joint, injury to the joint, age, and obesity. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis and genetics can indicate increased risk for osteoarthritis.
Is GAE by Vascular Institute Right For You?
Do any of the following symptoms apply to you? If the answer is yes, reach out to us to see if Knee Pain Solutions by Vascular Institute is the right fit for you.
- Resting Pain
- Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
- Pain in one or both knees
- Pain in your knees with activity
- Joint Stiffness
- Joint Swelling
- Knee Tenderness
- Persistent usage-related knee pain
- Feeling the Knee may “give out”
- Failed or diminishing relief from conservative treatment – i.e. Physical therapy, joint injections
Why choose Vascular Institute?
- Our team of Interventional Radiologists are among the most experienced in the nation at treating osteoarthritis of the knee with the Genicular Artery Embolization procedure.
- Our easy and efficient scheduling allows for us to get patients in for consultation to assess their pain and develop a treatment plan.
- Knee Pain Solutions by Vascular Institute is contracted with Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial plans
- We take pride in our quality patient care and outcomes!