For more than a decade, Linda lived with chronic knee pain that cast a shadow over nearly every aspect of her daily life. Simple tasks—driving, grocery shopping, climbing stairs—became a painful, exhausting effort.
Even after three different knee surgeries, including a full replacement, the relief she so desperately sought never came. Instead, she was left with severe bursitis, a deep ache just below her knee that made movement difficult and left her relying heavily on her husband for day-to-day support.
“I became the poster child for why not to get knee surgery,” Linda shared. “It just didn’t work for me.”
A Chance Encounter and a Life-Changing Decision
Linda’s turning point came unexpectedly. While waiting for an appointment with a podiatrist in a shared medical office, she noticed a poster advertising a procedure she had never heard of: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
“It felt like a bolt out of the blue,” she recalled. “I didn’t even check with my doctors; I just called and made an appointment.”
Linda met with Dr. Alison Messina at The Vascular Care Group in Hyannis, MA, to explore her treatment options. Because most Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) patients have not previously undergone knee replacement, Dr. Messina was initially uncertain whether the procedure would be appropriate for Linda’s more complex case.
After thoroughly reviewing Linda’s situation and consulting with her colleagues, Dr. Messina called Linda that same evening with encouraging news: “Let’s move forward with the procedure.”
The Procedure That Changed Everything
Linda underwent Genicular Artery Embolization on December 5, 2024. This minimally invasive procedure is performed in the office-based lab, takes about 30 minutes, and targets the small genicular arteries around the knee that supply the knee joint. These arteries are the primary means through which inflammatory signals travel to the knee, which cause pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Parts of these arteries can be embolized (blocked) with tiny beads to reduce the flow to the synovium (lining of the knee). This process has been shown to reduce the inflammation and pain that often accompanies knee osteoarthritis. When done properly, this DOES NOT affect the blood flow to the leg.
Linda prepared herself for a gradual recovery, expecting to wait weeks—or even months—for improvement.
Instead, something remarkable happened.
The pain was gone. Immediately.
After 10 long years of discomfort, Linda could walk without wincing, climb stairs with ease, and move freely without hesitation. She returned to her gym, where her trainer had grown used to hearing, “No knee work today.” Now, she’s embracing full workouts—squats, lunges, and stairs—with confidence and strength.
“I’m doing stairs, grocery shopping, and enjoying life so much more,” she said. “Life is good again for me.”
A New Chapter of Freedom
Today, Linda is living proof that surgery isn’t always the final answer, and that non-surgical solutions like GAE can offer powerful relief—even for those with a long history of procedures and persistent pain.
Her story is one of hope, action, and trust in expert care. At The Vascular Care Group, Linda found not just treatment, but a pathway to reclaiming her life.
Is GAE Right for You?
If you’re struggling with chronic knee pain and wondering if there’s another way forward, Linda’s story is a reminder that relief is possible—even when nothing else has worked.
Contact The Vascular Care Group today to schedule a consultation and learn if Genicular Artery Embolization is right for you.
Don’t let pain define your future. Let us help you take the first step toward enjoying life pain-free.