Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, is a non-surgical treatment for knee-related osteoarthritis (OA) pain. The best candidates for GAE in Georgia 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?
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
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
Recovery and 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.
In many cases, patients experience immediate relief from knee pain, with noticeable improvements in mobility and quality of life within a few days. However, post-GAE recovery and long-term benefits may take several weeks to months as the body heals and adjusts.
Why choose Georgia Endovascular for 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.
FAQs
Below, you will find answers to some commonly asked questions about GAE.
What conditions can GAE treat?
Genicular artery embolization in Georgia treats chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis.
How long does the GAE procedure take?
GAE treatment for knee pain is an outpatient procedure at Georgia Endovascular. It typically takes about two hours.
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.
Are the results of GAE permanent?
While the results of GAE are not permanent, they can be long-lasting. Some patients experience up to two years of relief.
