Genicular Artery Embolization

What is Genicular Artery Embolization, or GAE?

  Genicular artery embolization, or embolization of the knee, is a novel, minimally-invasive procedure to reduce knee pain for patients with osteoarthritis (OA), by reducing the blood flow to the lining of the knee, known as the synovium. By blocking these extra arteries, there is a reduction in the amount of inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, a process that can help or eliminate the associated knee pain. This is particularly useful in arthritis that is exacerbated by going up and down stairs, or up and down incline or decline terrain.

GAE uses a catheter inserted into an artery in the leg. No incisions are required and it is performed as an outpatient procedure. Using real-time X-ray we guide the catheter to the arteries around the knee.

There, we inject tiny particles that block the excess blood flow around the lining of the knee. This reduces inflammation and pain.

Who can benefit from a Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

  While they do not cure osteoarthritis, genicular artery embolization procedures help patients improve their quality of life, reduce the use of opioids and other pain-killers, and avoid pain management injections or physical therapy.

GAE is usually considered for people who:

• Have knee osteoarthritis (OA) or persistent knee pain despite conservative care (exercise, medications, steroid injections).

• Want to delay or avoid knee replacement or are not good candidates for surgery.

• Have localized knee pain and imaging or clinical findings that suggest a vascular / inflammatory component to the pain. Your doctor will decide if GAE is appropriate for your specific knee and health history.

What is Osteoarthritis?

  Arthritis is 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. This leads to inflammation in the joint and is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It cannot be reversed. However, there are some treatments available to help improve joint function or reduce pain.

What can I expect during a Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

  The procedure can be done with or without sedation; you will be awake and ready to go home shortly after the procedure. Under image-guidance, your physician places a thin, hollow tube called a catheter into the patient's artery by gaining access through the foot or upper thigh in some cases.

Using X-rays, the catheter is guided down to the arteries that supply blood to the tissue that lines the knee. Once it is in position, your physician injects tiny particles that block the abnormal arteries. This reduces inflammation, abnormal nerves, and pain.

As a result of the procedure, patients can expect to experience a reduction in pain and other functional symptoms of osteoarthritis.

What can I expect after a Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

  After the procedure, mild-to-moderate soreness or tenderness around the knee or at the catheter access site is common for a few days. Many patients notice improvement in their knee pain within days to weeks, while others may experience gradual relief over one to three months. Individual results vary, so your recovery timeline may differ.