Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

Around 46% of people develop knee osteoarthritis, a painful chronic condition.  Genicular artery embolization (GAE) provides a safe, effective way to treat this pain and provide lasting relief. At Atlanta Embolization Centers in Atlanta, Georgia, the team specializes in GAE procedures. Call Atlanta Embolization Centers to schedule a GAE consultation, or book your visit online today.

What is genicular artery embolization?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that provides immediate, long-term relief of osteoarthritis knee pain. The treatment reduces blood flow to the lining of your knee (the synovium), easing inflammation and improving mobility.

Am I a candidate for genicular artery embolization?

You could benefit from genicular artery embolization if you’re between 40 and 80 and have moderate to severe osteoarthritis knee pain. That’s especially true if you’ve tried other, more conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, and/or injections, but your symptoms continue or get worse.

Tell your provider if you smoke or have a knee deformity. These conditions might disqualify you from this particular procedure.

What happens during a GAE procedure?

GAE is an outpatient procedure performed at a hospital or surgical facility.

On the day of treatment, your Atlanta Embolization Centers provider administers a “twilight” anesthetic that causes you to feel drowsy but doesn’t necessarily put you to sleep.

Once the anesthetic kicks in, your provider inserts a catheter –– a thin, hollow tube –– into an artery in your upper thigh. They use X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to guide the catheter into the arteries that carry blood to the knee’s lining.

After positioning the catheter, your provider injects tiny particles into it. These particles reduce the blood supply to your knee’s lining, easing inflammation and pain.

At the end of treatment, your provider removes the catheter, closes the incision in your upper thigh, and moves you to a recovery room. It takes several hours for the anesthetic to wear off, so you must arrange for someone to drive you home.

Does genicular artery embolization provide immediate pain relief?

It depends. Some people experience a significant reduction in knee pain immediately after treatment. Others find that it takes several weeks to get complete pain relief.

Be patient, follow your provider’s instructions, and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. Most people notice a significant reduction in knee pain within a month of their GAE procedure.*

What is recovery like after GAE?

After a GAE procedure, it’s normal to experience mild swelling and bruising. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and avoid strenuous activities for at least a week. Most people return to work within three to five days of their procedure, but it could take longer. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can reduce inflammation and speed your recovery.

Call Atlanta Embolization Centers to schedule a GAE consultation, or book your appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary.