Overview

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is an advanced, image-guided procedure used to treat select patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis pain.

Rather than replacing the joint, GAE targets abnormal blood flow associated with inflammation around the knee.

The result: a minimally invasive option that may reduce pain and improve function for patients who are not ready for or not ideal candidates for surgery.

How GAE Works

Using advanced imaging guidance:

1. A small catheter is inserted through a small access site
2. The catheter is guided to the genicular arteries supplying inflamed areas around the knee
3. Tiny particles are delivered to reduce abnormal blood flow
4. Inflammation may decrease over time, helping reduce pain

The procedure is precise, targeted, and performed without joint replacement surgery.

Benefits of GAE

For appropriate patients, GAE offers:

• Minimally invasive treatment
• No joint replacement
• Outpatient procedure
• Short recovery time
• Potential reduction in chronic knee pain
• Option for patients who have not responded to conservative care

GAE may help bridge the gap between conservative therapy and major surgery.

What to Expect

Before the procedure:

• Clinical evaluation and review of knee pain history
• Imaging review to assess osteoarthritis and anatomy
• Review of prior treatments
• Coordination with referring physician
• Pre-procedure instructions

During the procedure:

• Catheter-based treatment through a small access site
• Advanced imaging used to identify target vessels
• Embolization performed to reduce abnormal blood flow
• Typically performed with sedation or local anesthesia

After the procedure:

• Same-day discharge in most cases
• Mild soreness or bruising at the access site may occur
• Knee symptoms may improve gradually over weeks
• Follow-up is used to monitor pain and function

Recovery Timeline

• Light activity often resumes within a few days
• Most patients avoid strenuous activity briefly after the procedure
• Pain improvement may develop gradually over weeks
• Follow-up helps assess symptom response and next steps

Who is a Good Candidate

GAE may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have chronic knee osteoarthritis pain
• Have persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment
• Want to avoid or delay joint replacement
• Want to eliminate or reduce need for repeated/chronic joint injections and/or pain medication use
• Are not ideal surgical candidates
• Have symptoms and imaging findings appropriate for embolization

A consultation and imaging review are required to confirm eligibility.

Clinical Considerations

GAE is performed by interventional radiologists with specialized training in image-guided embolization procedures.

Not all knee pain is appropriate for GAE. Outcomes depend on the cause of pain, degree of arthritis, vascular anatomy, and prior treatments. ELMNT IR works closely with referring providers to ensure appropriate patient selection and coordinated care.

How GAE Compares to Surgery

Joint replacement can be highly effective for advanced osteoarthritis but involves major surgery, implants, anesthesia, and a longer recovery.

GAE offers a different approach: