Vascular Centers of Texas | Houston, TX

427 W 20th St. #300 Houston, TX 77008

Vascular Centers of Texas | Beaumont, TX

Beaumont 3395 Plaza 10 Drive, Ste. A Beaumont, TX 77707

Vascular Centers of Texas | Fort Worth, TX

1902 Windsor Place 2nd Floor Fort Worth, TX 76110

What is GAE?

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, we’re 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

Most people are familiar with arthritis, but don’t have a complete understanding of the condition. Arthritis is a way of describing many conditions involving inflammation that causes joint 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.

Find out if you are a candidate

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What to Expect After the GAE Procedure?

All patients go home the same day after a few hours in the recovery area. Pain relief usually begins to be noticed in two weeks, as the inflammation in the lining of the knee subsides and goes away thereby relieving the knee pain associated with the arthritis.

How do you know if you are a Candidate for GAE?

This is a good option for patients who have pain and have failed physical therapy and for those whose pain medications are no longer working. Treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications or knee injections usually only work for so long in controlling pain. GAE is also indicated in anyone who does not wish to undergo or is ineligible for knee replacement surgery.

The following are some guidelines for those thinking of GAE

Age: 45-80 years
Moderate to severe pain
Osteoarthritis based on x-ray findings
Knee tenderness that can be localized
Failed conservative treatment (NSAIDs/PT/joint injection)

Benefits of GAE for Knee Pain

No incisions so no chance of having a knee infection after the procedure
Outpatient procedure, back home, and at work the next day
Very little to no risk for anesthesia-related complications such as heart attacks and strokes during the procedure
Diabetics with high A1C levels can behave the procedure done

Recovery from a GAE Procedure

Patients go home the same day as the procedure after a few hours of recovery time. You may have a small bruise with some mild tenderness in the groin where the IV is started. Taking it easy the day of the procedure is recommended, however, by the following day we recommend returning to light activity with no heavy exercise or lifting greater than 15lbs. One week after the procedure the patient may return to heavy activity and exercise. Patients usually notice a significant improvement in their pain 1-2 weeks after the procedure as the inflammation in the joint goes away.