Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

What is genicular artery embolization (GAE)?

GAE is an embolization of the knee. It’s a minimally invasive treatment that offers immediate and long-lasting pain relief for people with knee osteoarthritis. 

Using X-ray guidance, your specialist reduces blood flow to the lining of the knee joint (synovium). Blocking blood flow reduces inflammation and pain associated with it without undergoing knee replacement surgery. 

Who is a candidate for genicular artery embolization?

Candidates for genicular artery embolization are individuals with knee osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions who have not found relief via conservative knee pain treatments, such as knee injections, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. They also aren’t eligible for (or wish to avoid) knee replacement surgery. 

You might be a good candidate for GAE if you:

• Have moderate to severe knee pain
• Are active
• Are 40-80 years old
• Have osteoporosis (without bony deformities) confirmed with X-rays 
• Experience local knee tenderness or pain

However, you might not be a good candidate for this treatment if you have an infection, malignancy, advanced arthritis, or a previous or current history of smoking.

Your vascular surgeon discusses your goals, reviews your medical history, and completes a physical exam and diagnostic testing to create a customized plan that best suits you.

What happens during GAE procedures?

Before undergoing genicular artery embolization, you receive sedation to help you feel more relaxed. 

Your surgeon inserts a tiny catheter (hollow thin tube) into an artery in your upper thigh and uses X-ray guidance to guide the catheter into arteries supplying blood to your knee joint lining. 

They inject particles into the catheter to reduce blood supply, inflammation, and pain while enhancing knee mobility. The procedure usually lasts 1-2 hours. 

What should I expect after genicular artery embolization?

After a GAE procedure, you can usually go home the same day. However, you’ll need someone to drive you. 

You can expect pain relief in about 1-2 weeks as the inflammation in your knee subsides. Avoid strenuous activities until given permission, and call the Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, office at any time with questions. 

Schedule an appointment at Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, by calling one of the offices or requesting an appointment online today to determine if genicular artery embolization (GAE) is right for you.