A Non-Surgical and Highly Innovative Option for Knee Pain Treatment at Preferred Vascular Group in Cleveland and Akron
If you suffer from ongoing knee pain due to osteoarthritis and want to avoid surgery, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be the relief you’ve been looking for. This minimally invasive procedure is now available right here in Northeast Ohio at Preferred Vascular Group, where our interventional physicians and specialists help patients reduce pain and improve mobility—without a knee replacement.
The GAE procedure is an outpatient, image-guided process designed to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA). The procedure targets the genicular arteries, which supply blood to the lining of the knee joint. When these arteries are overactive, they fuel inflammation and pain. Genicular Artery Embolization works by reducing that blood flow, easing inflammation, and helping you get back to the joys of daily life—without major surgery.
GAE may be right for you if:
You have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee
Conservative treatments (like physical therapy, NSAIDs, or injections) haven’t provided lasting relief
You are not a candidate for or want to delay total knee replacement
You want to stay active without a long surgical recovery
If you live in the Cleveland region or Akron vicinity and suffer from ongoing knee pain, schedule a consultation with our team to find out if GAE is a fit for your condition. Info on our office locations is at the bottom of this page.
Learn more about who makes a good candidate for GAE in Northeast Ohio.
Patients who benefit from GAE often experience:
Persistent knee pain that limits activity
Swelling or inflammation around the knee
Stiffness or loss of motion
Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
Pain that interrupts sleep or impacts quality of life
Our Cleveland and Akron-based vascular teams will start with a full assessment, including:
Imaging (MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound)
Review of medical history and prior treatments
Physical evaluation and personalized care plan
Performed in one of our three outpatient centers in the Northeast Ohio area
A catheter is inserted through a small incision in the groin or wrist
The catheter is guided to the genicular arteries using imaging
Microscopic particles are injected to reduce abnormal blood flow to the inflamed joint lining
Most patients return home the same day
Light activity is encouraged within 24–48 hours
Full results may develop over several weeks
GAE offers several important advantages:
No surgery – Avoid joint replacement and extended recovery
Quick recovery – Return to daily activities faster
Joint-preserving – Helps delay or eliminate the need for surgery
Outpatient procedure – No hospital stay required
Significant pain relief – Many patients report relief within weeks
Most Cleveland and Akron patients report improvement in pain and mobility within 2–4 weeks
Continued improvement often occurs over 3–6 months
Effects typically last 12 months or longer
Our team schedules follow-ups to monitor your progress
The GAE procedure is considered very safe when performed by trained specialists like the physician team at Preferred Vascular Group. Risks are minimal and may include:
Bruising or soreness at the catheter site
Mild swelling or discomfort in the knee
Very rare risk of non-target embolization
Temporary skin discoloration
Our Northeast Ohio office follows strict safety protocols and will walk you through everything before the procedure.
| Factor | GAE | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Major surgery |
| Recovery Time | A few days | Several months |
| Hospital Stay | None | Required |
| Joint Impact | Preserved | Removed and replaced |
| Ideal For | Mild to moderate OA | Severe, end-stage OA |
For many patients in Northeast Ohio, GAE offers a chance to stay active, enjoy life, and delay or avoid joint replacement surgery.
Patients throughout Cleveland, Akron, Beachwood, Hudson, Munroe Falls and Cuyahoga Falls, Westlake and the surrounding area trust Preferred Vascular Group for:
Board-certified interventional providers
State-of-the-art vascular labs and technology
Our collaborative approach with orthopedic and pain specialists
Convenient locations and outpatient care model
Compassionate, personalized service
We take time to explain your options, answer your questions, and provide the best possible outcome.
How long do results from GAE last?
Most patients experience relief for at least 12 months. Some see lasting results for years.
Is the procedure painful?
Patients typically feel only mild discomfort during the procedure, which is performed under local anesthesia and light sedation.
Is GAE covered by insurance in Ohio?
Some insurance plans may cover GAE depending on your policy. Our Cleveland office staff will help verify coverage and explain any costs up front.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for GAE?
If you have chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis and haven’t responded to other treatments, the GAE procedure could be a great option. Schedule a consultation with our Cleveland or Akron teams to find out.
Don’t let chronic knee pain hold you back. If you live in the Akron, Beachwood, or Westlake area and want a non-surgical, low-risk solution for osteoarthritis-related knee pain, Genicular Artery Embolization could be the right solution for you for a better quality of life!
Download our GAE brochure to share with your primary care physician.
Read or download an article on a successful GAE procedure and our satisfied patient.
Contact one of our offices today, below, with any questions you may have!
23709 Center Ridge Road
Suite 101
Westlake, OH 44145
P: 216.516.8401
