Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for Arthritis Knee Pain
Osteoarthritis is a condition that is caused by repetitive wear and tear of the joint. Damage to the cartilage results in persistent inflammation that causes tiny new blood vessels and nerves to grow within the knee joint. Genicular Artery Embolization is a procedure that injects microscopic beads into the areas with abnormal blood vessels, so they are reduced, drastically minimizing the pain associated with abnormal vessels.
The GAE Procedure
- Small needle puncture made into a blood vessel at the top of the leg
- Microcatheter guided into the blood vessels that supply the inflamed part of the knee
- Microscopic beads injected into the areas with abnormal vessels and hypervascularity, reducing the excessive flow that is causing the pain and swelling
- Normal blood flow to the knee and surrounding tissue remains intact after procedure
The GAE Procedure – What to Expect
- Procedure lasts about one hour
- Performed under a ‘twilight’ sleep and is relatively painless
- Done in office
- Return home the same day
The GAE Procedure – Advantages
- No surgical incision
- Relief of knee pain instead of taking frequent medication or getting injections into the knee joint
- Typically return to work within a day or two without the need for a lengthy recovery
- Very low complication rate without any effect on future knee replacement
- Symptom improvement usually within 1-3 weeks
- GAE is not necessarily a substitute for a total knee replacement and has not been shown to negatively impact future knee replacement surgery when performed with our technique
Could Genicular Artery Embolization be right for you?
You can also contact the IR Center directly at miu@ircenters.com or 947-999-8244.
