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A Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) or embolization of the knee, is a novel, minimally-invasive procedure to reduce knee pain for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or pain after a knee replacement. Some knee pain is caused by abnormal small arteries. GAE can block these extra arteries, which can decrease inflammation and get rid of nerves that cause pain.
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.
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, the physician places a thin, hollow tube called a catheter into the patient's artery by gaining access through the foot.
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, the 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.