Genicular Artery Embolization

Genicular artery embolization can offer tremendous knee pain relief for people living with osteoarthritis. At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, our physicians offer procedures like genicular artery embolization in a convenient and comfortable outpatient setting. Call the Fort Worth, Texas, office or click the online booking feature to make your appointment today.

What is genicular artery embolization?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood supply to the inflamed knee and its pain fibers.

I have osteoarthritis. Can genicular artery embolization help me?

Genicular artery embolization is a treatment designed for people with painful osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Although knee replacement is the most common treatment for advanced osteoarthritis, there are limited treatment options available for people with mild or moderate OA.

Medications, physical therapy, and knee joint injections usually provide some relief, however, they are often less beneficial with repeated use.

GAE may be a great option for you if you have persistent pain despite these treatments.

What is the genicular artery embolization process?

Genicular artery embolization is an outpatient procedure performed with a local anesthetic under moderate sedation. Through a very small incision (no stitches) in the upper thigh or near the ankle, a physician at Vascular & Interventional Specialists guides a slender tube to the artery near the knee and performs an angiogram to identify the sites of inflammation. They then inject tiny microspheres to block the very small arteries that deliver blood to the inflamed tissue and painful nerve fibers of the joint.

The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours and is no more painful than getting an IV. After the procedure, you’ll recover for about two hours before returning home.

What results can I expect from genicular artery embolization?

Most patients experience a meaningful reduction in knee pain. A study by the Society of Interventional Radiology showed that average pain scores decreased from 8 (on a 10-point scale) to 3 in the first week after the procedure.

Genicular artery embolization provides meaningful, durable pain relief in 85% of patients. Studies have shown results lasting for up to 4 years.

If osteoarthritic knee pain interferes with your regular activities, you may benefit from vehicular artery embolization. To learn more, call Vascular & Interventional Specialists today or click the online scheduler.