If you’re living with chronic knee pain—especially from osteoarthritis—you know how much it can limit your daily life. Walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or even standing for long periods can feel overwhelming. Many patients reach a point where medications no longer help, but they aren’t ready (or eligible) for knee replacement surgery.
That’s where Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) comes in. As an interventional radiologist, I’d like to walk you through what GAE is, how it works, and why it may be a promising option for managing your knee pain.
Genicular Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions. It works by targeting tiny blood vessels around the knee, called genicular arteries, that supply areas of inflammation.
In patients with arthritis, these vessels often become overactive, fueling ongoing inflammation and pain. By safely reducing blood flow to those inflamed tissues, GAE helps calm the inflammation, which can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
You may be a candidate for GAE if:
You have moderate to severe knee pain from osteoarthritis.
Pain interferes with your daily activities, sleep, or quality of life.
Medications, injections, and physical therapy haven’t given you lasting relief.
You want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.
You’ve been told you are not an ideal surgical candidate due to other health conditions.
Every patient’s situation is unique, which is why a thorough evaluation is essential. Imaging studies and a physical exam help us determine if GAE may be the right treatment for you.
One of the most appealing aspects of GAE is how straightforward the procedure is compared to surgery. Here’s what the process usually looks like:
Preparation
The procedure is performed in a specialized interventional radiology suite.
You remain awake but receive light sedation and local anesthesia for comfort.
Accessing the Artery
A tiny catheter (a flexible tube, about the size of a spaghetti strand) is inserted, usually through the upper thigh.
Using advanced imaging guidance, the catheter is carefully navigated to the arteries that feed the inflamed areas of your knee.
Embolization
Tiny particles—about the size of grains of sand—are injected into those arteries.
These particles reduce excess blood flow, decreasing inflammation and pain.
Completion and Recovery
The catheter is removed, and a small bandage is placed.
Most patients go home the same day, typically within a few hours.
Downtime: Recovery is quick, with most patients resuming normal daily activities within a few days.
Pain Relief: Many patients notice improvement within weeks, with pain relief continuing to build over 1–3 months.
Durability: Studies have shown that GAE can provide lasting relief for many patients, often delaying the need for knee replacement surgery.
Because it is minimally invasive, GAE avoids the long recovery times, risks, and complications that come with surgery.
Minimally invasive – no large incisions, no hospital stay.
Same-day procedure with quick recovery.
Reduces pain and stiffness, helping improve mobility.
May delay or prevent surgery, especially for patients not ready for joint replacement.
Safe and well-tolerated in clinical studies.
While GAE is considered safe, all medical procedures carry some risks. These may include:
Mild bruising or soreness at the catheter insertion site.
Temporary skin redness near the knee.
Rare risks of infection, blood vessel injury, or non-target embolization.
Your interventional radiologist will review your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate and discuss all risks and benefits in detail.
Interventional radiologists are specially trained physicians who use imaging technology to perform precise, minimally invasive procedures like GAE. We are experts in navigating the body’s blood vessels and tailoring treatments to each patient’s anatomy.
Because we focus on minimally invasive solutions, our goal is to help patients find relief with fewer risks and less downtime compared to surgery.
1. How long does the procedure take?
Most GAE procedures take 1–2 hours from start to finish.
2. Will I be asleep during the procedure?
No. You’ll be awake but relaxed with light sedation and local anesthesia.
3. How soon will I feel pain relief?
Many patients start to feel improvement within a few weeks, with results continuing to improve for several months.
4. Is GAE covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan and region. Our office can help verify your benefits and explore options with you.
5. Can GAE cure arthritis?
No. GAE does not reverse arthritis, but it can reduce pain and improve quality of life by targeting the inflammation that causes symptoms.
6. What if I eventually need surgery?
GAE does not prevent future knee replacement. In fact, it may help you delay surgery until the timing is better for you.
Chronic knee pain can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. You don’t have to keep suffering or wait until surgery is your only option. Genicular Artery Embolization offers a safe, minimally invasive path to relief.
If you’d like to learn whether GAE could be right for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Together, we can review your imaging, discuss your medical history, and determine the best path forward for your knee health.
