Genicular Artery Embolization Treatments
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a new, minimally invasive outpatient treatment that relieves chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis by reducing abnormal blood flow and inflammation. It uses tiny particles to block overgrowth blood vessels near the joint without major surgery.
How Do Genicular Artery Embolization Treatments Work?
Catheter placement
A doctor guides a tiny tube through a blood vessel from the groin or wrist to the knee.
Targeted blocking
Special tiny beads or particles are injected to block abnormal, inflamed micro-vessels.
Relief
Cutting extra blood flow lowers swelling and stops pain signals.
What are Genicular Artery Embolization Treatments For?
Failed Conservative Care
When standard options like physical therapy, NSAIDs, and steroid or hyaluronic acid injections have failed for 3 to 6 months.
Not Ready for Surgery
When patients want a minimally invasive, non-surgical alternative or are not yet ideal candidates for a total knee replacement.
Post-Surgical Pain
When individuals experience lingering chronic pain and stiffness even after a previous knee replacement procedure.
What are the Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization Treatments?
Pain and function benefits
Meaningful pain relief: At 12 months, 78% of patients met the minimal clinically important difference for pain, and 92% for function, in one study. InventUM
Rapid and sustained relief: Earlier pilot studies reported a dramatic and rapid reduction in symptom and pain scores after the procedure. clinicaltrials
Reduces inflammation: By blocking inflamed arteries feeding the synovium, GAE reduces inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, which can help or eliminate knee pain. UCLA Health
Improves physical function: In one study, all pain and function scores, as well as physical performance tests, improved significantly after treatment. nih
Durability
Long-lasting results for many patients: Only 5.2% of patients needed knee replacement and 8.3% needed repeat GAE over two years in one study. InventUM
Possible disease-modifying effect: Continued follow-up using MRI showed a significant reduction in synovitis, suggesting embolization may not only alleviate pain but also potentially alter the course of the disease — meaning patients might be able to delay knee joint replacement, though this needs more long-term study to confirm
Are You a Candidate for a Genicular Artery Embolization Treatments?
Age and Health
Typically aged 40 to 80 with chronic knee pain and inflammation (synovitis).
Failed Treatments
Tried physical therapy, pain meds, or steroid/hyaluronic acid injections without lasting relief.
Surgery Goals
Want to delay or avoid a knee replacement, or are not a good fit for major surgery
