Genicular Artery Embolization

Genicular Artery Embolization: A Minimally Invasive Treatment option for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Are you tired of dealing with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis? Have you tried medications, physical therapy, and injections without much relief? You’re not alone. Many people suffer from knee pain, caused by osteoarthritis. Fortunately, there’s a new, minimally invasive procedure that might be right for you: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).

What is GAE?

GAE is a pin hole procedure that blocks the abnormal blood flow to the inflamed lining of your knee joint. This helps to decrease inflammation and pain in patients with osteoarthritis. It’s performed by an interventional radiologist, who uses X-ray guidance to inject tiny particles into the arteries that supply blood to your knee. Please note that the normal blood flow to your knee joint is preserved.

How does GAE work?

The goal of GAE is to reduce the blood supply to the inflamed tissue in your knee. By doing this, the inflammation decreases, leading to pain relief. This pain relief can last for up to 3 years and the procedure can be repeated if required. While GAE is a promising treatment option it does not cure osteoarthritis.

Is GAE right for you?

GAE is a good option for osteoarthritis patients who:

• are reluctant to undergo total knee replacement
• have mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis,  so not eligible for surgery but have severe pain
• patients who are not a surgical candidate due to coexisting medical conditions or very frail due to old age
• Who are too young (40-50’s) for knee replacement

Your doctor will determine if you’re a good candidate for GAE based on your medical history and the severity of your knee pain.

Benefits of GAE

• Minimally invasive (pinhole procedure)
• No general anaesthesia or open surgery
• A much shorter recovery time compared to surgery
• Potential for long-lasting pain relief

Conclusion

GAE offers a promising option for patients with knee pain who haven’t found relief with other medical treatments or are not willing / suitable for knee replacement surgery.

Please consult an interventional radiologist if you are interested in having this procedure and want to know if this is the right treatment for you.

Please feel free to contact me via email (drkarthik4ir@gmail.com) for any further information if required.