Geniculate Artery Embolization (GAE) for Osteoarthritis in Cary, NC

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common disease, affecting millions of Americans. Osteoarthritis of the knee can lead to severe pain, joint deformity, and limited mobility and function. Initial therapies usually include weight loss, exercise, and pain control. But these are often temporary solutions because this knee degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is progressive.

Once you develop severe osteoarthritis of the knee, you can suffer tremendous pain and loss of function, limiting your mobility and activity. This takes a further toll on your overall health as it may limit your activity and ability exercise.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a novel minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce inflammation and chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis and other conditions.

For patients who have not found lasting relief with conservative treatments, GAE may provide both immediate and long term improvement in pain and mobility.

Why Choose Vascular Tree for GAE?

  • Helps relieve knee pain and potentially delay or avoid knee replacement
  • Covered by some insurance plans; cash pay options available
  • Over 60 years of combined experience in selective arterial embolization

What is GAE?

GAE is a procedure that reduces or blocks blood flow to areas of inflammation and pain in the knee joint. During the procedure, there is a natural formation of a blood clot, air bubble, a piece of fatty deposit, or other objects in the bloodstream to obstruct the artery. This procedure is also called Geniculate artery embolization (GAE).

How does it work?

GAE offers a targeted approach to blocking the abnormal blood vessels to the knee joint synovium and other structures, which reduces the production of inflammatory agents that cause knee pain and limited range of motion.

This procedure does not reverse the arthritis, but is a safe and effective way to manage the symptoms

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a progressive disease that can range from mild to severe.

  • Mild OA may cause occasional discomfort.

  • Moderate to severe OA often results in chronic pain, stiffness, joint deformity, and decreased mobility.

When conservative options like weight loss, physical therapy, medications (e.g. NSAIDs or steroid injections), and joint supplements no longer help, it may be time to consider other treatment options like GAE. 

How the Procedure Is Performed

After a consultation with Vascular Tree to review your goals and medically history, you will be seen for the knee embolization procedure.
  • It is performed through a small puncture in the groin or upper thigh.
  • During GAE an interventional radiologist performs an angiogram (Xray of blood flow around the knee) to identify abnormal blood vessels contributing to pain and inflammation.
  • A thin hollow tube or catheter is positioned in the arteries around the knee.
  • Tiny microparticles are injected into the abnormal blood vessels of the knee joint capsule and other structures. This process is called embolization.
  • The procedure generally takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
  • You are able to go home the same day.

Who is a candidate for GAE?

Geniculate artery embolization is a highly effective treatment for those patients who are:

  • 40-80 years old
  • Experiencing moderate or severe knee pain
  • Have chronic pain that is resistant to conservative treatments like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), physical therapy, joint injections or genicular nerve ablation.
  • Patients with poor arterial circulation in the legs may not be suitable for the procedure. All patients are evaluated for lower extremity blood flow with ultrasound by Vascular Tree specialists if necessary

It’s important to talk with your doctor to decide which treatment option is the best for you.

Benefits of Geniculate Artery Embolization

GAE offers a safe and minimally invasive targeted approach to greatly reducing chronic knee pain and limited range of motion due to advanced osteoarthritis and synovitis. Studies have shown GAE offers both immediate short term and no longer term (4 year) pain relief and improved joint range of motion and quality of life. GAE does not interfere or eliminate other potential future treatment options.

Schedule Your GAE Consultation Today

If you’re suffering from chronic knee pain and looking for a non-surgical option, GAE could be the right solution. Call Vascular Tree at 919-378-1448 to schedule your consultation today and find out if you’re a candidate for this innovative treatment.