Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Genicular Artery Embolization (Knee pain)
1746875356
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a treatment for knee pain, effective for osteoarthritis sufferers. This minimally invasive procedure reduces blood flow in the knee arteries by inserting tiny particles, decreasing inflammation and pain.
During the procedure, you'll relax while the doctor uses imaging to guide particles into the knee arteries through a small tube. This helps reduce inflammation, easing pain from conditions like arthritis. It’s usually done under moderate sedation. You must avoid blood thinners and fast for about 8 hours. The procedure typically lasts an hour. It's ideal for those who haven’t found relief from physical therapy or medications, aren’t ready for knee replacement, or have persistent pain post-surgery. Alternatives include physical therapy, medications, corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, radiofrequency ablation, PRP therapy, or bone marrow-derived stem cells. Other options are peripheral nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation for long-term relief. GAE is generally safe but may have risks such as infection or bleeding.
Post-procedure, you might feel knee soreness, which should improve gradually. Most patients experience significant pain relief within weeks and continue to improve. You can return to normal activities the next day, avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period as advised by your doctor.
If you have conditions like severe arterial disease, this procedure might not be suitable. Always consult with your provider team to determine if this is right for you.
FAQs
How is the GAE procedure performed and what should I expect?
During the GAE procedure, you will be under moderate sedation to ensure comfort. The doctor uses imaging to guide tiny particles into the knee arteries via a small tube. The entire procedure generally takes about an hour. You will need to avoid blood thinners and fast for approximately 8 hours prior. Post-procedure, some patients experience knee soreness, which usually improves over time.
How soon can I expect pain relief after undergoing GAE?
Most patients report experiencing significant pain relief within a few weeks after undergoing GAE. Overall improvement can continue over time, and you can typically resume normal activities the next day, though strenuous exercises should be avoided for a short period as advised by your doctor.
What are the alternative treatments to Genicular Artery Embolization for knee pain?
Alternatives to GAE for knee pain include physical therapy, medications, corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, radiofrequency ablation, PRP therapy, and bone marrow-derived stem cells. Furthermore, peripheral nerve stimulation and spinal cord stimulation may offer long-term relief for some patients.
What are the possible risks associated with Genicular Artery Embolization?
GAE is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, it carries potential risks. These risks can include infection and bleeding. It is important to discuss any existing conditions, such as severe arterial disease, with your healthcare provider to determine whether GAE is suitable for you.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) and who is it suitable for?
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate knee pain, particularly for osteoarthritis sufferers. It works by reducing blood flow in the knee arteries to decrease inflammation and manage pain. This treatment is ideal for individuals who have not found relief through physical therapy or medications, are not yet prepared for knee replacement surgery, or continue to experience discomfort following surgical interventions.