Genicular artery embolization could help
Arthritis of the knees can make it miserable to do simple things like climbing stairs, walking, and just staying active in general. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a leading-edge, effective, and minimally invasive procedure that addresses knee pain at the source.
So, if you are finding it difficult to do things you love, your knee pain is getting in the way of your life, you might benefit from GAE. If you have been told that you need a knee replacement and you are not ready or able to have one, GAE may be a good option for you.
The primary cause of knee pain in arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage, a protective cushion behind the knee, leading to bone-on-bone friction. Another source of pain is inflammation in the joint lining (synovial membrane) due the growth of new blood vessels in the area. So, both the arthritis itself and the overvascularization of the knee area contribute to your knee pain.
Take a quick survey about your knee pain.
The GAE procedure addresses knee pain by simply shutting down some of the arteries that are causing inflammation. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist accesses your circulatory system through a small incision in your groin or wrist, inserting a catheter and navigating to the knee area using real-time moving X-ray. There, the radiologist deposits tiny beads that block some of the arteries. Over the next few weeks and months, the lowered blood supply results in a significant reduction in pain as the area becomes less inflamed.
The procedure requires only light sedation and some local numbing injections and takes from one to two hours. Then you will rest for a few hours at our outpatient clinic and go home the same day.
More on the GAE procedure.
Still sidelined by knee pain? You’re not alone—more than 30 million Americans struggle with painful knee arthritis and can’t climb stairs, get outside, or even tie their shoes without wincing. But what if there was a breakthrough to stop the cycle of inflammation and get you moving again, without joint replacement?
In this video, Dr. Corey Area with ARA Diagnostic Imaging, introduces a game-changer for knee arthritis: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
Take a quick survey to see if you are a candidate for GAE.
or up to 75% reduction in pain within 1-3 months
of patients have sustained pain relief at 1 year
complication rate, primarily bruising or mild discomfort
You may be used to your knee pain but consider for a minute how it is affecting your daily life. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, having more comfortable knees might improve your mobility, activity level, and get you back into things you love doing.
What are the benefits of GAE?
Will my insurance cover this procedure? Generally, insurance companies, including Medicare, will cover genicular artery embolization minus any deductible owed. You may need to have tried certain medications and physical therapy. Our interventional case coordinators will help you navigate the insurance process.
Get started on the path to happier knees with a GAE consult. You can take steps to relieve your knee pain with GAE right now by taking our symptom survey. Our ARA interventional coordinators will look at your information and talk to you about the procedure to see if it might be a good solution.
If so, we will help you make an appointment with an ARA interventional radiologist who will discuss your treatment options.
TAKE A QUICK SURVEY
For more information, please contact interventional case coordinators at (512) 467-9729. Patients and physicians can fax materials to (512) 343-9099.
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