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