Essential Guide to Genicular Artery Embolization: Preparation, Procedure, and Recovery
Knee pain is a daily struggle for many, especially those dealing with osteoarthritis of the knee. If you’ve tried physical therapy, knee injections, or pain medications without lasting relief, you might be wondering what else can help. Some turn to knee replacement surgery, but not everyone wants to undergo surgery with a long recovery time.
At the same time, newer options like GAE offer a minimally invasive procedure to help manage chronic knee pain by reducing blood flow to inflamed areas.
So, what does the Genicular Artery Embolization procedure look like? Here’s what you need to know about preparing for GAE and what to expect.
Key Takeaways:
- Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that helps reduce knee pain by blocking blood flow to inflamed areas in the knee joint.
- Most patients experience pain relief within one to two weeks, with long-term benefits lasting several years, making it an effective non-surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
- GAE is performed by an interventional radiologist using a small catheter and tiny particles, avoiding the need for knee replacement surgery or large incisions.
- Recovery is quick, with patients going home the same day and returning to normal activity within a week, while avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period.
Understanding Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
For those dealing with chronic knee pain from knee osteoarthritis, surgery isn’t the only option. The genicular artery embolization procedure is a minimally invasive treatment that targets abnormal blood vessels in the knee lining, helping to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Here’s how it works: an interventional radiologist inserts a small catheter into the femoral artery and, using X-ray guidance, injects tiny particles to block blood flow to inflamed areas. This helps lower swelling and ease discomfort. According to a study published by the Society of Interventional Radiology, patients who rated their pain an 8 out of 10 before GAE saw it drop to a 3 out of 10 within a week.
With no large incisions and a faster recovery time, GAE is a non-surgical treatment option for those looking to avoid knee replacement surgery.
Who is a good candidate for GAE?
Not everyone with knee pain needs knee replacement surgery, but when physical therapy, pain medications, or knee injections stop working, it can feel like options are running out. That’s where the GAE procedure may help.
You might qualify for GAE if you:
- Are between 45 and 80 years old
- Have moderate to severe knee pain
- Have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis on an X-ray
- Experience knee tenderness in a specific area
- Have tried NSAIDs, joint injections, or physical therapy without relief
- Want to avoid or are not eligible for knee replacement surgery
For many, GAE offers a way to manage chronic knee pain without the long recovery of open surgery.
Pre-Procedure Preparations
Preparing for the genicular artery embolization procedure is essential for a smooth experience and recovery. Your doctor will assess your condition, review your medical history, and provide specific instructions to follow before the procedure.
Medical Evaluation & Consultation
Before undergoing GAE, you’ll need a full evaluation to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate for your condition. This includes:
- X-ray helps assess knee osteoarthritis, joint space narrowing, and bone changes.
- MRI provides a detailed view of joint inflammation, soft tissue damage, and cartilage health.
- Doppler ultrasound evaluates blood flow and detects abnormal blood vessels in the knee lining.
- CT angiography (in some cases) maps the blood supply to the knee joint for precise embolization.
Your interventional radiologist will also review your medical history, current medications, and prior treatments, such as knee injections, steroid injections, or physical therapy, to determine if you’re a good candidate for GAE.
Medication & Lifestyle Adjustments
Certain medications and habits may need to be adjusted before the procedure:
- Blood thinners (such as aspirin or warfarin) may need to be stopped a few days before to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Pain medications, including NSAIDs, might be adjusted based on your doctor’s recommendations.
- Dietary restrictions may apply, so follow specific instructions from your doctor.
- Hydration is important, so drink plenty of fluids leading up to the procedure unless instructed otherwise.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
On the day of your outpatient procedure, follow these guidelines:
- Fasting: You may need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.
- What to wear: Choose loose, comfortable clothing to avoid pressure on the puncture site in the groin area.
- Transportation: Since mild sedation may be used, you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Following these steps ensures a safe and successful embolization procedure, helping you get the most out of this non-surgical treatment for chronic knee pain.
What to Expect on the Day of the Genicular Artery Embolization Procedure
Knowing what happens on the day of your genicular artery embolization procedure can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. From check-in to discharge, here’s what you can expect.
Arrival & Pre-Procedure Preparation
When you arrive at the medical facility, you’ll check in and complete any last-minute paperwork. A nurse will take your vitals and start an IV line for sedation and fluids. Unlike knee replacement surgery, GAE doesn’t require general anesthesia.
Instead, you will be given moderate sedation, similar to that used during a colonoscopy or breast biopsy, which helps you stay relaxed while remaining alert and responsive.
Step-by-Step GAE Procedure
Before and After Genicular Artery Embolization Procedure
During the procedure, an angiogram is performed to pinpoint areas of inflammation. In the area labeled A, hyperemia is visible, which may be contributing to the swelling and pain. The angiogram shows increased blood supply at the site of discomfort. During the Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) procedure, particles are released via the catheter, targeting the small blood vessels that are causing this discomfort and blocking the blood supply.
In the after picture, arrow B highlights the same area, where you can observe a clearer view with reduced highlighting. This indicates a reduction in blood flow, confirming the successful embolization of the smaller arteries. The procedure helps to control blood flow, preserving the larger knee artery while shutting down the smaller vessels responsible for the symptoms, ultimately easing persistent knee pain and improving mobility.
- Local Anesthesia: The puncture site in your groin area is numbed to prevent discomfort.
- Catheter Insertion: A small catheter is inserted into the femoral artery, guided by X-ray imaging.
- Angiogram: A contrast dye is injected to highlight abnormal blood vessels in the knee joint.
- Embolization: Tiny particles are delivered to block blood flow to inflamed areas in the knee lining, helping to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Procedure Duration: The entire process typically takes one to two hours and is performed without large incisions.
Once the embolization procedure is complete, doctors will monitor you in a recovery room for a short period. Typically patients go home the same day since GAE is an outpatient procedure with no hospital stay required.
Post-Procedure Recovery & Care
Since genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure, most patients go home the same day after spending a few hours in the recovery room. While the procedure doesn’t require large incisions, you may experience mild discomfort at the puncture site in the groin area.
Here’s what to expect after GAE:
- Mild swelling, bruising, or soreness at the catheter site
- Avoid strenuous activities for a few days
- Return to light activity within 24 hours
- Resume exercise and heavy lifting after one week
- Pain relief typically begins in 1-2 weeks as inflammation in the knee joint subsides
Your doctor may recommend pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, or cold therapy to ease any discomfort. A follow-up visit will ensure proper healing and monitor your knee pain relief progress.
Find out if you are a candidate
Expected Results and Long-Term Outcomes
Most patients start feeling pain relief within one to two weeks after the genicular artery embolization procedure as joint inflammation decreases. Many report a significant improvement in chronic knee pain, allowing them to return to normal activity without relying on pain medications or frequent knee injections. The effects of GAE can last several years, making it a strong alternative for those who want to avoid knee replacement surgery.
Start Your Path to Pain Relief
Taking the right steps before and after your genicular artery embolization procedure is important for the best results. Following your doctor’s instructions, staying active, and managing joint inflammation properly can help improve your recovery.
At Knee Pain 360, we aim to help individuals find effective solutions for chronic knee pain through innovative, non-surgical treatments like GAE. Our network of experienced interventional radiologists are available nationwide to ensure you receive quality care.
You can take a FREE risk assessment to see if you’re a good candidate for