Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Many patients who undergo this procedure find symptom relief, allowing them to delay or entirely avoid knee replacement surgery. But what is the success rate of GAE? Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Success Rate of GAE

There are several ways to evaluate GAE success, according to the most recent scientific research. In this study,  following 25 patients, there was a 100% technical success rate for GAE. (Meaning all the procedures were performed perfectly, with no complications.) One following their treatment, 71% of patients resolved their knee pain, while 57% resolved their stiffness. Inflammation, function and quality of life also showed dramatic improvement, leading researchers to conclude that GAE is “providing clinically significant pain relief for a subset of patients.”

Safety Profile

In addition to the success rate of GAE, this research reported that the procedure was well-tolerated by most patients. All of the adverse events reported in the study were mild, including skin changes and slight bruising around the access site. (GAE treats knee osteoarthritis by blocking blood flow to the genicular artery to reduce inflammation. The blood is blocked by depositing tiny embolic particles in the artery, and those particles are delivered via catheter, requiring just a small access point of entry instead of a large surgical incision.) Luckily, these mild effects resolved within five weeks of treatment, without requiring further intervention.

How Does GAE Compare to Surgery?

The pain-relief success rate of total knee replacement surgery is fairly high—close to 90% in younger patients. The results are also long-lasting, with most implants able to remain in place for between 15 and 25 years, according to The Arthritis Foundation. However, the recovery period is extensive, involving physical therapy and restrictions on activities for up to a year or longer after surgery. Plus, you will need to undergo general anesthesia, and stay overnight in the hospital, increasing the cost of your procedure. Finally, as with any surgery, there is a higher risk for side effects, and those effects could be more severe than the ones associated with GAE.

Understanding the Success Rate of GAE for You

Every patient is different, and there are many factors to consider when choosing your best knee osteoarthritis treatment. However, given the relatively high success rate of GAE, and its excellent safety profile, many patients prefer this option to surgical treatment. If you are considering minimally invasive knee osteoarthritis treatment and want to explore your GAE candidacy, we encourage you to contact our team at Georgia Endovascular to request a consultation.