When the condition is mild to moderate, most doctors prescribe “conservative” therapies such as medication, cortisone injections and physical therapy. When it becomes severe, many doctors advocate total knee replacement or total knee arthroscopy (TKA) surgery. A new treatment option called genicular artery embolization is now available for patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis, but there must be remaining cartilage within the knee to qualify for the procedure.

GAE is a minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis. It is an outpatient procedure performed by an interventional radiologist, a doctor who uses medical imaging to guide treatment inside the body using tiny catheters navigated through the blood stream. The procedure partially blocks the flow of blood through one or more of the genicular arteries that supply blood to the synovium—the lining of the knee. The reduced blood flow in turn reduces inflammation within the joint, dramatically reducing pain and slowing or halting further cartilage erosion.

The full effect of pain relief is achieved about 2 weeks after the procedure, but many patients report reduced pain in the days immediately following. GAE is clinically shown to reduce VAS pain scores from an average of 8 out of 10 to an average of 3 out of 10. Most patients are also able to reduce or eliminate the pain medication they have been taking for their condition.

Clinical studies have shown that the effects of GAE will last for four years or longer. If needed, the procedure can be performed again in the future, and it does not impact your ability to have knee replacement surgery down the road if you so choose.

No, Genicular Artery Embolization has been performed at hospitals and leading health systems for many years and has a proven track record for success. It is FDA-approved and covered by insurance.

Yes, in fact the procedure is safer than surgery. With GAE there is no general anesthesia required, and no hospital stay, two factors that increase risk. GAE complications are very rare. The most common complication is temporary skin discoloration or bleeding at the catheter site, which typically goes away on its own.

Yes, most insurance plans and Medicare cover the GAE procedure. If you call us, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about your insurance coverage for Genicular Artery Embolization.

Genicular Artery Embolization is recommended for patients between 40 and 80 years of age, have moderate to severe knee pain and have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. It is appropriate for patients who have first tried conservative treatments that have not worked. It is also important that you have knee cartilage remaining to benefit from the procedure. If your cartilage has fully worn away, total knee replacement may be your only option.

Our doctors are among the most experienced in the region at performing GAE. In addition, GAE procedures are performed in our comfortable, state-of-the-art outpatient center, where patient service is elevated to a higher standard. Finally, procedures performed at our outpatient center cost less than those performed at a hospital, which can make a big difference even for insured patients.