March 4, 2025

A New Way to Address Knee Pain: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

By Anish Gonchigar, MD
ARA Interventional Radiologist

If chronic knee pain is affecting your quality of life and traditional treatments like medications or injections haven’t worked, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) might be the solution you’ve been looking for. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to reduce knee pain by targeting the blood vessels that fuel inflammation in the joint.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization?

Genicular Artery Embolization is a procedure that reduces knee pain from conditions like osteoarthritis by blocking the genicular arteries. These arteries supply blood to the knee joint, including the areas causing pain and inflammation. By blocking the blood flow to these areas, GAE stops the release of inflammatory molecules and offers lasting pain relief.

How Does GAE Work?

GAE is performed by an interventional radiologist—a doctor who uses advanced imaging techniques and small wires and catheters to perform minimally invasive procedures.

Here’s how the procedure typically works:

1. Imaging: Before the procedure, your doctor will order an MRI to identify the areas of greatest inflammation.
2. Technique: Under local anesthesia and moderate sedation, a small incision is made in your groin to insert a thin catheter into the blood vessels. The catheter is carefully guided toward the genicular arteries around your knee using live x-ray guidance. Once the catheter reaches the targeted arteries, the interventional radiologist injects tiny particles into the blood vessels. These particles block the blood flow to the painful areas of the knee, reducing inflammation and pain.
3. Recovery: Since GAE is minimally invasive patients go home the same day with only a brief recovery period. You’ll likely be able to return to normal activities within a few days.

 

Why Choose GAE?

GAE is an excellent option for those suffering from knee pain due to inflammation, especially if other treatments haven’t provided relief. Here’s why GAE might be right for you:

– Minimally Invasive: No large incisions or lengthy hospital stays. GAE is performed through small puncture sites, so recovery is quicker.

– Targeted Treatment: GAE directly targets the blood vessels causing pain, offering focused relief from inflammation.

– Long-Term Results: Many patients experience long-lasting pain relief, making it easier to move and enjoy activities.

What to Expect After GAE

Most patients feel some mild discomfort or swelling at the catheter insertion site, but this typically goes away within a few days. You may start to feel pain relief right away, though for some, it can take a few weeks for the full benefits to take effect. Over time, the reduction in inflammation will lead to improved knee function and mobility.

Is GAE Right for You?

GAE is typically recommended when other treatments like injections or physical therapy, have not provided sufficient relief. Your doctor will evaluate your knee condition and determine if GAE is a good fit for your needs. If

If chronic knee pain is affecting your life, Genicular Artery Embolization could offer a safe, effective solution. Contact ARA to see if this minimally invasive procedure is right for you and get back to living pain-free.

Genicular Artery Embolization main page

Interventional Radiology main page