Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, is a non-surgical treatment for knee-related osteoarthritis (OA) pain. The best candidates for GAE in Atlanta are those who have not experienced success with conservative therapies.
An interventional radiologist (IR) performs this minimally invasive procedure. This specialist uses X-rays and other imaging technologies to see inside the body and treat diseases without surgery.
At Georgia Endovascular, Dr. Kevin Lie performs all genicular artery embolization procedures. His patients are in good hands because he is a highly qualified, board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist with over 15 years of experience in all areas of minimally invasive interventions. He is well-known and respected in the medical community, and patients trust him to provide accessible, leading-edge care.
Keep reading to learn more about genicular artery embolization in Georgia.
What is genicular artery embolization in Atlanta?
The GAE knee procedure is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment to help alleviate osteoarthritis knee pain. GAE slows the progression of the disease and helps delay (or avoid) total knee replacement.
GAE is a two-hour outpatient procedure that does not require large incisions, surgery, or hospitalization. It works by slowing down the blood flow in the knee joint to decrease painful inflammation.
Genicular artery embolization only uses moderate sedation and local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day.
How Genicular Artery Embolization works
This osteoarthritis knee treatment in Georgia involves several steps to provide nonsurgical joint pain relief:
- A local numbing agent is injected into the leg, where a catheter will be placed.
- A small catheter is inserted into the artery in the groin.
- The catheter is advanced into the genicular arteries using X-ray guidance.
- Arteriograms are performed to map out the genicular arteries that need to be treated.
- Tiny particles are injected into the appropriate genicular arteries to reduce the blood flow to the inflamed synovial lining of the knee.
- The catheters are removed, and a sterile dressing is applied.
Patients can typically walk within two to three hours after the GAE knee procedure and resume normal daily activities the following day. In most cases, relief begins after two weeks as inflammation subsides.
Benefits of GAE Treatment in Atlanta
If you have arthritis in your knees but are not ready for total knee replacement surgery, genicular artery embolization in Georgia may be the answer.
This minimally invasive procedure is less expensive than surgery and is covered by most medical insurance and Medicare. It also comes with several other benefits:
- Outpatient procedure: All GAE procedures at Georgia Endovascular occur same-day and in-office. This gives you greater convenience, affordability, and less risk of infection.
- Long-lasting pain relief. You may begin experiencing knee pain relief in as little as two weeks following the procedure, with effects lasting six months and up to two years.
- Non-surgical treatment. At Georgia Endovascular, all GAE procedures are performed by doctors specially trained to do minimally invasive vascular procedures.
- No scarring. Because the GAE procedure for knee pain does not involve cutting through tissues like surgery, there is no risk of scarring.
- Delays or eliminates the need for knee replacement surgery. One GAE procedure offers long-term symptom relief without increasing your risk of complications.
Who is a Good Candidate for GAE?
If you are interested in this interventional radiology joint treatment, you might wonder if it is right for you. Those who meet the following conditions are typically good candidates for GAE for knee pain:
- Males and females aged 40-80 years
- Moderate to severe knee pain (especially when walking up the stairs)
- Persistent or chronic usage-related knee pain
- Localized knee tenderness
- Osteoarthritis of the knee, without advanced bone-on-bone joint space loss
- Degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- Resistance to or failed conservative treatments like supplements and GAE alternatives
Those with one or more of the following conditions may not qualify for GAE:
- Advanced arthritis with bone-on-bone joint space narrowing (based on x-ray)
- Current infection or malignancy
- Knee replacement candidate
Preparing For Your GAE Procedure in Atlanta
On the days and weeks leading up to your GAE procedure, your interventional radiologist physician will request the following appointments, information, tests, and labs
- Initial consultation
- Medical history assessment
- Physical exam
- Symptom assessment
- Pain assessment (WOMAC score)
- MRI scan, CT scan, or other imaging studies
- Bloodwork (to check for blood clotting factors and general health)
- Allergy testing (if needed for contrast dye)
- Medication review and adjustments (if required)
- Discussion of procedure benefits and risks
- Informed consent documentation
- Confirm insurance coverage and financial arrangements
- Schedule the procedure date and time
- Preoperative assessment (to identify pre-existing co-morbidities that may increase your risk of complications)
- Arrange transportation for the day of your procedure
These may vary depending on your unique medical situation.
Following all healthcare guidance when preparing for a GAE procedure is essential.
What To Expect During Your GAE Procedure
The day before your GAE procedure, your IR physician may request certain dietary and medication restrictions to ensure your experience is as safe and comfortable as possible.
On the day of your GAE procedure, your physician will ask you to arrive at the medical facility approximately one hour before your scheduled appointment to allow enough time to prepare for the osteoarthritis knee treatment.
After you check-in at Georgia Endovascular in Atlanta, your medical team will
- Ask you to remove all clothing articles from the waist down and put on a hospital gown
- Lead you to an exam room, make sure you are comfortable, and ask if you have any questions or concerns before they begin
- Administer sedation to help reduce any pain or discomfort associated with the procedure (this procedure does NOT require general anesthesia, meaning you will be awake during the entire procedure)
- Set up image-guidance X-ray technologies to assist throughout the procedure
- Begin the procedure by inserting a catheter into the main (genicular) artery in the upper thigh
- Slowly and gently move the catheter through the vein and into the knee joint
- Identify smaller, pain-causing blood vessels and maneuver the catheter into them
- Administer microspheres (tiny particles to help reduce blood flow to this blood vessel)
- Slowly and carefully remove the catheter once all pain-causing blood vessels have been identified and treated
- Apply a bandage at the catheter site
- Allow you time to relax and recover
Post GAE Recovery & Surgery Results
Genicular artery embolization in Georgia temporarily blocks blood flow to inflamed areas around the knee joint. Doing so reduces inflammation, pain, and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis.
Many GAE patients experience relief from long-term symptoms for six months to two years after a single embolization procedure. Additionally, GAE can be performed multiple times without increasing your risk of complications, helping you slow the progression of osteoarthritis and delay (or avoid) total knee replacement.
Recovery time following genicular artery embolization can vary depending on the individual's overall health, the severity of knee pain, and any underlying conditions.
What To Expect After Your GAE Procedure
Immediate post-procedure
Immediately after osteoarthritis knee treatment, we monitor patients in recovery to ensure stability. Some people might experience minor discomfort or mild pain at the catheter insertion site, but this is generally manageable and subsides quickly.
Initial days to weeks after treatment
In the initial days following GAE, patients should rest and avoid strenuous activities. Mild discomfort or bruising at the procedure site might persist temporarily. However, patients can generally resume light activities as their healthcare provider advises.
Weeks to full recovery
Over the following weeks, patients often experience a gradual improvement in their knee pain. This is how long it typically takes for the effects of embolization to take full effect. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week post-procedure.
Why choose Georgia Endovascular for Atlanta genicular artery embolization
At Georgia Endovascular, we understand the toll osteoarthritis can take on your quality of life.
Persistent knee pain, limited mobility, and the fear of invasive surgeries can be overwhelming. That's why we consider genicular artery embolization in Georgia to be a powerful alternative for those in need of osteoarthritis knee treatment.
Your well-being is our top priority. Our board-certified IR physicians are experts in GAE research and treatment. Each one is dedicated to helping you return to the activities you love.
We understand that choosing a medical provider for any procedure is a big decision. Whether you have questions or want to explore your options for knee pain embolization, our specialists are standing by to help. We can help you decide if GAE is right for you.
Please contact us to book an appointment at one of our convenient locations. Your journey to pain-free knees begins with a single step, and we're here to help you prepare for it.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) Treatment FAQs
Below, you will find answers to some commonly asked questions about GAE.
What conditions can GAE treat?
Genicular artery embolization in Atlanta treats chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis.
How long does the GAE procedure in Atlanta take?
GAE treatment in Atlanta for knee pain is an outpatient procedure at Georgia Endovascular. It typically takes about two hours.
Is Genicular Artery Embolization Safe?
Yes, genicular artery embolization is safe.
GAE is a treatment alternative for patients who are poor surgical candidates, do not have debilitating OA knee pain, or do not want to undergo invasive surgery.
According to the National Institute of Health, OA treated by GAE is considered safe and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by the public.
Is Genicular Artery Embolization Painful?
No, the GAE procedure is not painful because you receive local anesthesia and mild sedation for it.
How soon can I walk after the procedure?
You can typically walk two to three hours after the genicular artery embolization procedure.
What Does Genicular Artery Embolization Cost?
GAE is a relatively new treatment, and each insurance company handles it differently. However, it is typically considered a covered procedure. Your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your specific health insurance plan and deductibles.
If you need help determining cost, our experienced medical and billing team at Georgia Endovascular can help you better understand your specific health insurance coverage.
Is Genicular Artery Embolization Covered by Medicare?
Medicare typically covers GAE, though prior authorization may be required. Your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your specific plan and any coinsurance you have.
If you need help understanding your Medicare coverage for GAE, our experienced medical and billing team at Georgia Endovascular can help you navigate your specific coverage options.
Are the results of GAE permanent?
While the results of GAE are not permanent, they can be long-lasting. Some patients experience from six months up to two years of relief.
Does Genicular Artery Embolization Help Knee Pain?
Yes, the main goal of GAE is to reduce and eliminate knee pain from osteoarthritis.
GAE blocks blood flow to the inflamed areas of the knee joint to reduce symptoms of inflammation, swelling, and pain often associated with osteoarthritis.
Other benefits include:
- Minimally invasive
- Non-surgical
- No incisions
- No bone removal
- No general anesthesia
- No hospitalization
- Minimal side effects
- Long-lasting pain relief
- Delay or avoid knee replacement surgery
Serving the Greater Atlanta Area at these Convenient GAE Treatment Centers
Each location offers the same specialized GAE care delivered by board-certified interventional radiologists. Atlanta GAE specialists serve patients throughout Georgia at convenient locations, including:
