A man starting to exercise after Genicular Artery Embolization, GAE

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

A minimally invasive procedure to treat symptoms of chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis. It's an alternative to knee replacement surgery and is more than 90% effective.1

Request appointment

What is genicular artery embolization (GAE)?

What is osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain?

Are you experiencing chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis (OA)? Knee osteoarthritis causes painful inflammation in your knee joint. It happens when your natural cartilage wears down and the bones in your knee rub together. This causes new arteries to grow in your knee, resulting in pain.

If you're dealing with OA knee pain, genicular artery embolization may offer relief. This procedure reduces the inflammation and pain in the knee by blocking off the new arteries, relieving the pain you are experiencing.

A woman rubbing her knees because of osteoarthritis pain

Who is a candidate for GAE?

Genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure for osteoarthritis knee pain. This condition causes new arteries to grow in the knee, which can lead to pain and discomfort. If you're dealing with these symptoms, GAE may be able to help.

You may be a candidate for GAE if you:

  • Have chronic knee pain
  • Have tried other remedies like lifestyle adjustments, knee braces, or steroid injections, but they did not help
  • Want to avoid knee replacement surgery
A man hugging a woman

How is GAE performed?

Our interventional radiologists perform this procedure in an outpatient setting. The procedure is not painful and usually takes one or two hours. You'll be able to go home the same day and can get back to your normal routine quickly.

Here's how GAE is done:

  • First, the doctor uses X-ray guidance to insert a catheter, or a very small tube, through your upper leg.
  • Next, the catheter is guided to the inflamed arteries.
  • Then, microscopic beads are injected into the inflamed arteries, blocking blood flow to those arteries.

Blocking the inflamed arteries redirects blood flow, reducing inflammation and alleviating the symptoms you've been experiencing.

What are the benefits of GAE?

Genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure that provides lasting relief from the painful, disruptive symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

Other benefits of GAE:

  • Minimally invasive—no incisions or scarring
  • Requires only conscious sedation, so you can go home the same day
  • Requires virtually no recovery time
  • Improves quality of life and delays the need for a surgical option, like a knee replacement

Some studies show that genicular artery embolization is more than 90% effective in reducing joint pain.1

Some studies show that genicular artery embolization is more than 90% effective in reducing joint pain
A woman discussing genicular artery embolization, GAE with her doctor
We Can Help

Experts in genicular artery embolization

We put you and your needs at the center of your care. Our team of experts uses the latest imaging technology and minimally invasive techniques to perform genicular artery embolization (GAE). Experience relief and get back to your daily routine with a simple procedure and minimal recovery time. Request an appointment at one of our centers to see if GAE is right for you.

Request appointment
FAQs

Learn more about genicular artery embolization

A woman golfing after a genicular artery embolization, GAE procedure

Genicular artery embolization is very successful. Some studies show over 90% effectiveness in reducing joint pain.1

Genicular artery embolization is very safe, especially with an experienced doctor. Some people may experience minor bruising or soreness where the catheter was inserted. The most common side effect is skin discoloration around the knee. Your doctor will discuss risks and benefits with you during your appointment.

Getting ready for genicular artery embolization is simple. You'll meet with your doctor to review your health history and do a physical exam. Your doctor may perform an X-ray or order an MRI of your knee. This will give them updated pictures of your knee joint and the area around it. On procedure day, you'll want to arrange for someone to drive you home.

Recovery after genicular artery embolization is usually quick and easy. It's an outpatient procedure, so you'll go home the same day with just a small bandage. Some will experience immediate pain relief, while others get relief within a few days of the procedure. It is recommended to stick to light activities for the first 24-48 hours. Most people return to normal activities within a few days. Your doctor will check in regularly after the procedure to see how your recovery is going.

Genicular artery embolization works fast, and you should feel relief within a few days after the procedure. Most people feel relief for several years. If pain comes back after a few months, follow up with your doctor to see if you need another GAE procedure to help relieve the pain again. It is possible that you might need a knee replacement later on.

Our centers take most insurance plans. However, always check with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers and any costs you may incur, such as a co-pay.

Sources

  1. Taslakian, Bedros et al. Genicular artery embolization for treatment of knee osteoarthritis pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoarthr Cartil Open. 2023;5(2):100342. doi:10.1016/j.ocarto.2023.100342