Genicular Artery Embolization

Genicular artery embolization is a new treatment for those with knee osteoarthritis or residual pain after knee replacement.

The genicular arteries are small blood vessels that supply the knee joint. These arteries are the primary means through which inflammatory mediators 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.

• Slight bruising at the incision site
• Minor inflammation or infection

• Outpatient procedure that does not require a
  hospital stay
• Ability to do this locally without anesthesia
• Clinical research shows 80% of patients report pain reduction from 8/10 to 3/10
• Up to 3 years of pain relief
• Short recovery time

The procedure is relatively painless. We give a numbing medication at the procedure site to ensure that you are comfortable.

A board-certified vascular surgeon does the procedure.

The procedure takes about 45 minutes. We monitor the patient afterwards for an additional 90 minutes.

There are four broad categories of patients who will benefit from GAE:

Those who need to increase activity before knee replacement but are limited by pain from doing so.

Those who are not candidates for knee replacement due to other medical conditions.

Those who have failed other conservative measures such as steroid injection.

Those who continue to have some residual pain AFTER knee replacement.

Our patients typically note improvement in pain in 1-2 weeks. Studies have shown that this pain relief can last up to several years (Okuno et al).

Genicular artery embolization is NOT a substitute for a knee replacement. For many, total knee replacement remains the definitive treatment for knee osteoarthritis.