New Hope for Knee Arthritis Sufferers: Why GAE Is Gaining Attention

Osteoarthritis of the knee affects at least 14 million Americans, making it one of the most widespread musculoskeletal problems. Living with knee arthritis can feel like a daily battle, with pain, swelling, and stiffness making even simple activities, such as sitting, climbing stairs, or getting out of bed, a daily challenge.

Many patients try medications, physical therapy, or joint injections, but only achieve temporary relief. And while knee replacement surgery helps some people, others avoid it because of the potential risks or extended recovery time.

If this sounds like you, there’s good news: a minimally invasive procedure called genicular artery embolization (GAE) is giving hope to people with knee arthritis. At Vascular Surgery Associates, we’re excited about how GAE is helping patients find long-lasting pain relief without surgery.

The facts about GAE

GAE is a nonsurgical, image-guided procedure that targets the small genicular arteries surrounding the knee joint. These arteries supply blood to the synovium (the lining of the knee), which becomes inflamed in people with osteoarthritis. This inflammation leads to chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness.

During the procedure, one of our vascular specialists inserts a slender catheter through a small incision (usually in the groin or wrist) and threads it through the blood vessels to reach the genicular arteries.

Using real-time imaging, they carefully inject tiny, medical-grade particles into the arteries that supply the inflamed areas. These particles partially block blood flow, which helps reduce inflammation and decreases the pain signals coming from your knee.

By limiting the blood supply to overactive, irritated tissue, GAE can provide long-term relief without damaging healthy joint structures.

GAE benefits

GAE is gaining attention because it offers several advantages over traditional treatments. For example:

• It can provide significant pain reduction for 12 months or longer
• It’s minimally invasive, so there’s no large incisions, stitches, or hospital stays
• GAE is low risk, with fewer complications compared to knee replacement
• You enjoy a quick recovery; most patients return to everyday life within days
• Less pain means better function and increased mobility

A recent review of GAE clinical trials reported that the procedure effectively relieves pain, enhances joint function, and delivers long-lasting relief.

Patient suitability for GAE

GAE is most helpful for people with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis who haven’t gotten enough relief from other treatments but can’t (or don’t want to) undergo knee replacement surgery. GAE may be right for you if:

• You’ve tried pain relievers, physical therapy, or injections with little success
• You’re not a good candidate for surgery due to age or other health conditions
• You want to delay or avoid knee replacement
• You’re looking for a low-risk option with quick recovery

GAE may not be the best fit for everyone. Our Vascular Surgery Associates team gives you a thorough evaluation, including imaging and physical exams, to see if you’re a good candidate.

The GAE procedure in stages

Here’s what to expect when you undergo GAE:

Stage 1: Local anesthesia and sedation

You’ll stay awake, but relaxed and comfortable.

Stage 2: Incision

We make a tiny incision in your upper thigh or wrist to insert a catheter.

Stage 3: Imaging

Using X-ray imaging, we guide the catheter into the arteries around your knee.

Stage 4: Embolization

We inject tiny particles into the catheter, blocking blood flow to the inflamed tissue.

Stage 5: Closure and recovery

We remove the catheter and close the incision with a bandage. You won’t need any stitches.

The entire GAE procedure usually takes 1–2 hours, and you can likely go home afterward.

Recovery after GAE

Recovery from GAE is much easier than recuperating after knee surgery. You may feel some soreness or swelling for a few days, but most people return to normal activities within a week. Many patients notice less knee pain within the first few days or weeks after the procedure.

Unlike major surgery, GAE doesn’t require physical therapy or a long healing period. You are encouraged to stay active and gradually increase movement as your pain improves.

If knee arthritis is keeping you from doing the things you love and conservative treatments aren’t working, it may be time to explore new options. Thanks to advances like GAE, you may be able to reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to the activities you enjoy, without surgery.

Learn more about GAE by calling Vascular Surgery Associates or completing the online inquiry form.