Minimally Invasive Genicular Artery Embolization for Effective Knee Pain Relief

Integrated Vascular & Interventional Radiology Associates

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What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that helps relieve chronic knee pain, particularly pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA). In this procedure, tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels (genicular arteries) supplying the knee joint. These particles block abnormal blood flow to areas of inflammation, reducing the pain and discomfort associated with OA.

GAE is an alternative to more invasive treatments, such as knee replacement surgery, and is primarily used to reduce pain and improve mobility in patients who haven’t responded to conventional therapies.

Who Would Benefit from GAE?

  • Patients with osteoarthritis: Especially those suffering from moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis who are not yet ready for knee replacement surgery.
  • Patients who haven’t responded to conservative treatments: Such as physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections.
  • Patients seeking to delay surgery: GAE can provide pain relief and improve quality of life, often helping individuals delay or avoid more invasive surgeries like knee replacement.

Who May Not Be Ideal Candidates?

  • Patients with other causes of knee pain (like infections or ligament tears) that aren’t related to osteoarthritis.
  • Patients with severe knee damage or deformity that may require surgical intervention.

What to Expect: The Genicular Artery Embolization Process

Before the Procedure:

  • Consultation: You will meet with an interventional radiologist who will review your medical history, examine your knee pain, and perform imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to ensure GAE is a good option for you.
  • Preparation: Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure. You will also receive instructions on how to prepare, such as fasting for a few hours before the procedure.

During the Procedure:

  • Setting: GAE is performed in an outpatient setting by an interventional radiologist. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes about 1-2 hours.
  • Anesthesia: You will be awake during the procedure but given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted.
  • Procedure Steps:
    1. A small incision is made, usually in the groin or wrist.
    2. A catheter is guided into the arteries supplying the knee (genicular arteries) using X-ray imaging.
    3. Tiny particles (called embolic agents) are injected through the catheter to block the abnormal blood flow causing inflammation and pain in the knee joint.
    4. The catheter is then removed, and the incision is bandaged.

After the Procedure:

  • Monitoring: You will be observed for a few hours after the procedure to ensure you’re recovering well and to manage any initial discomfort.
  • Going Home: Most patients go home the same day.

Recovery and Follow-Up

Post-Procedure Expectations:

  • Pain Relief: Some patients may experience noticeable pain relief within days, while for others, it may take weeks to feel the full benefits.
  • Recovery Time: GAE requires minimal downtime. Most people can resume normal activities within a few days, with a complete recovery taking 1-2 weeks.
  • Symptom Improvement: Patients often report reduced knee pain, increased mobility, and less reliance on pain medications within a few weeks to months.

Follow-Up Care:

  • You will have follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and pain relief. Imaging may be used to assess how well the embolization is working.

Find out if you are a candidate

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)

Discover If You're A Candidate For Our Procedure

Contact us to complete a quick questionnaire to see if this treatment is right for you.
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