Patient Success Stories: Real Experiences With the GAE Procedure

Living with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis can make even simple daily tasks feel like an obstacle course. For many of our patients, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) offered a turning point — a way to reduce inflammation and regain function without major surgery. Here are some of the experiences our patients have shared.

Getting Their Life Back

One of the most common things we hear after GAE is a version of the same sentence: “I can do things I hadn’t done in years.” Whether it’s walking the dog, keeping up with grandchildren, or simply getting through a full day without reaching for pain medication, the improvements patients describe are deeply personal.

For patients who had tried physical therapy, steroid injections, and prescription anti-inflammatories without sufficient relief, GAE often represents their first meaningful reduction in day-to-day pain. The outpatient nature of the procedure — most patients go home the same day — also means the disruption to their lives is minimal compared to surgical alternatives.

What Patients Say About the Procedure Itself

Patients consistently describe the GAE procedure as more comfortable than they expected. Under local anesthesia with mild sedation, most patients report feeling pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Recovery at home typically involves a day or two of rest, with a gradual return to normal activity in the days that follow.

Many patients express relief that the procedure did not require general anesthesia or an overnight hospital stay, factors that can make major knee surgery feel daunting for older adults or those with other health considerations.

Long-Term Outcomes

For many patients, the benefits of GAE extend well beyond the first few weeks. Reduced reliance on pain medication, improved sleep, and greater confidence in physical activity are outcomes that patients frequently mention at follow-up appointments. Some report that they were finally able to begin or return to physical therapy, something their pain had previously prevented them from completing effectively.

It is important to note that GAE addresses the inflammation driving arthritis pain — it does not reverse joint damage or eliminate arthritis. Patients who combine GAE with strengthening exercises, weight management if applicable, and low-impact movement tend to report the most sustained results.

Is GAE Right for You?

Every patient’s situation is different. The interventional radiologists at Preferred Vascular Group evaluate each patient individually, reviewing imaging and medical history to determine whether GAE is an appropriate fit. Ideal candidates typically have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis with persistent pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatments.

If you are living with chronic knee pain and want to explore whether GAE could help, contact us to schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Atlanta or Northeast Ohio.