Say daily life improved
a year after GAE
Say knee pain dropped
a year after GAE
How long relief held
in follow-up studies
Outpatient procedure,
1 to 2 hours
Most patients are monitored for several hours after the procedure and return home the same day. Your physician will provide specific instructions for activity and recovery.
Pain relief does not necessarily occur immediately. Improvement may develop gradually as inflammation decreases, with some patients noticing changes within the first several weeks.
In a 403-patient study presented at the Radiological Society of North America, 87% of patients reported improved quality of life and 71% reported reduced knee pain one year after genicular artery embolization. Follow-up showed those benefits holding for two years or more.
You are numbed, not put under. We numb a small area at your ankle or groin. A thin catheter goes into the artery through a single puncture. No incision, no stitches.
We find the source of the pain. Contrast dye and real-time imaging show us which genicular arteries are feeding the inflamed lining of your knee. Tiny particles are released to reduce that abnormal blood flow.
You go home the same day. The catheter is removed and a small bandage is applied. Most patients are up and walking in 2 to 3 hours and back to their usual routine the next day.
No hospital stay and no general anesthesia. You rest briefly, then go home.
A single puncture at the ankle or groin. Your knee is never cut.
Targets the inflammation driving your pain while leaving the joint intact.
Our team verifies your benefits and explains your coverage before you schedule.
GAE treats chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, the wear-related form of arthritis that gradually breaks down cartilage and inflames the lining of the joint.
You may be a candidate if knee pain continues to interfere with walking, exercise, sleep, work, or the everyday activities you want to get back to.
GAE is generally considered after medication, physical therapy, bracing, or injections have been tried and have not provided enough relief on their own.
GAE may be a fit for patients who want to try a minimally invasive option before committing to knee replacement or another more invasive surgical procedure.
Not all knee pain comes from osteoarthritis. Your interventional radiologist will review your imaging and symptoms before recommending the GAE procedure.
GAE is designed to manage symptoms and reduce pain. It does not restore damaged cartilage, rebuild the joint, or reverse osteoarthritis that has already developed.
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Approach | Typical Setting | Joint replacement? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genicular artery embolization (GAE) WHAT WE DO | Minimally invasive (pinhole) | Reduces abnormal blood flow associated with inflammation | Outpatient | No |
| Physical therapy | Non-invasive | Improves strength, flexibility, and function | Outpatient/Home | No |
| Medication | Non-invasive | Manages pain and inflammation | Home | No |
| Injections | Minimally invasive | Delivers medication directly to the knee | Office/Outpatient | No |
| Knee replacement | Surgical | Replaces damaged joint surfaces | Hospital/Surgical center | Yes |
Our board-certified interventional radiologists specialize in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures.
Advanced imaging allows us to map the blood vessels around the knee and target the vessels appropriate for treatment.
GAE is performed through a small catheter access point rather than opening or replacing the knee joint.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing most patients to return home the same day.
Your diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatments, medical history, & goals are all considered when determining whether GAE is appropriate.
GAE is available through Georgia Endovascular locations in Atlanta, Tucker, and Stockbridge.
3225 Cumberland Blvd. Southeast
Suite 520
Atlanta, GA 30339
1975 Lakeside Pkwy
Suite 300
Tucker, GA 30084
1035 Southcrest Dr.
Suite 220 + 250
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for chronic knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. A thin catheter is used to reach selected blood vessels around the knee, where tiny embolic materials are delivered to reduce abnormal blood flow associated with inflammation.
Osteoarthritis can cause inflammation and changes in the blood vessels around the knee joint. GAE targets selected abnormal vessels and reduces blood flow to those areas, which may help decrease inflammation and knee pain.
No. GAE is a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure. The knee joint is not surgically opened, and the procedure does not involve replacing the knee.
GAE may be considered for adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis who continue to experience meaningful pain despite conservative treatments. Your physician will evaluate your diagnosis, symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments to determine whether GAE is appropriate.
GAE may allow some appropriately selected patients to delay more invasive treatment, including knee replacement. However, it cannot guarantee that knee replacement will never be necessary, and GAE does not repair damaged cartilage.
The procedure itself typically takes approximately one to two hours, although the total time at the treatment center will include preparation and recovery. The exact duration varies depending on the patient's anatomy and treatment plan.
Local anesthesia and sedation are used to help keep patients comfortable during the procedure. Some patients may experience temporary soreness or discomfort afterward. Learn more about preparing for GAE here.
Yes. GAE is performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients return home the same day after a period of monitoring.
Patients are typically monitored after the procedure and can walk once the care team determines it is safe to do so. Your physician will provide specific instructions based on your procedure and access site.
Pain relief varies from person to person. Some patients begin noticing improvement within the first few weeks, while others may experience more gradual changes as inflammation decreases. In a recent study, 71% reported reduced knee pain one year after GAE.
Research has reported meaningful improvements in knee pain and function at follow-up after GAE, but the duration of benefit varies between patients and longer-term data continue to develop. Georgia Endovascular's research resources discuss studies evaluating outcomes at one year and beyond.
No. GAE is intended to address the inflammatory and vascular component associated with knee osteoarthritis. It does not restore cartilage that has already been damaged by osteoarthritis.
Whether another GAE procedure could be appropriate depends on the individual patient, the initial response to treatment, and other clinical factors. Your physician can discuss your options if symptoms return.
Insurance coverage depends on your specific plan, diagnosis, medical-necessity requirements, and the treatment being provided. Georgia Endovascular can help verify benefits and explain your expected coverage before treatment.
Scheduling
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