Did you know that more than 32.5 million adults in the U.S. are affected by osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can change bone shape and degrade cartilage, resulting in painful and uncomfortable symptoms. This disease can affect all joints in the body, but the knee is one of the most common areas that is touched by osteoarthritis.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a non-invasive, non-surgical specialized procedure that helps quell knee pain caused by osteoarthritis in the knee.
The procedure involves reducing blood flow to the parts of the knee that are causing pain. Blocking this blood flow reduces the amount of inflammation, which can help with pain and other symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis. GAE is a method of relieving knee pain without invasive surgery, giving you faster results.
This personalized approach to treating knee pain features:
- No major incision
- No stitches
- Fast relief
- Rapid recovery
- Less risk than traditional surgery
- Root cause treatment
- Enhanced mobility
Several studies have supported the effectiveness and safety of GAE for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, with improvements in pain scores and mobility in patients.
Are you ready to experience life without knee pain?
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Am I a candidate for GAE?
You may be a candidate for GAE if you experience issues with your knee(s), such as:
- Chronic pain in one or both knees
- Joint stiffness
- Limited mobility and/or flexibility
- Knee swelling
- Knee osteoarthritis diagnosis
Get in touch with us if you would like to know more about what qualifies a patient for GAE.
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What should I expect during a GAE procedure?
GAE is an outpatient medical procedure performed under light sedation. Your APEX provider will look at your blood vessels through an arteriogram to determine if the blood vessels in your knee are causing your pain. Tiny particles are then injected to treat the blocked vessels. The procedure typically takes less than 1 hour.
In the weeks following your procedure, you may experience a rash or increased pain from the treatment, but these are normal postoperative symptoms.
What should I expect during GAE recovery?
Since GAE is an outpatient procedure, you will be able to recover from the comfort of your own home. After a couple of hours of recuperation in our office, monitored by our GAE-trained and experienced medical staff, we will send you on your way with the necessary information to help your speedy recovery. Most patients return to normal activities within a week of the procedure.
We may request a follow-up visit to evaluate your treatment results and progress. Most patients notice pain relief within a few days to a few weeks after their GAE procedure. Inflammation continues to decrease in the months following, allowing you to enjoy a more active, pain-free lifestyle!
How effective is GAE in treating knee osteoarthritis?
GAE is a highly effective procedure in treating knee pain present due to osteoarthritis. The procedure was created to reduce inflammation and improve mobility and has a track record for helping patients experience long-lasting pain relief.
To learn if you should be screened for knee osteoarthritis or if you think you are a candidate for GAE call APEX Vascular or book an appointment online today.
