Knee pain from conditions like osteoarthritis can significantly impact your daily life, making even simple tasks challenging. With so many treatments available for knee pain, it’s important to find the option that’s right for you. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is one of the newest available treatments that may be the solution that you’re looking for.
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats knee pain by reducing blood flow to inflamed areas. It’s an alternative procedure to surgery for patients who haven’t found relief from treatments like pain medication and lifestyle changes. GAE is generally safe, with high success rates and potential for significant pain relief.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization?
The genicular arteries are small blood vessels that supply blood to the knee joint. This includes the synovium, which is the lining of the joint. In conditions like osteoarthritis, these arteries can contribute to inflammation and pain due to increased blood flow and the formation of new blood vessels in the affected area.
Known as GAE for short, genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat knee pain. It’s a targeted reduction in blood supply to help reduce pain and inflammation. It’s an alternative for patients who haven’t found relief from less invasive treatments but still want to avoid surgery.
What to Expect During the Procedure
You can expect a pretty straightforward experience with GAE. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how GAE works:
1. Preparation: The procedure begins with you lying on a padded table and being supplied with moderate sedation to ensure your comfort. To do this, your interventional radiologist makes a small incision in the upper thigh to access the femoral artery.
2. Catheter Insertion: A thin tube is inserted into the artery and guided using X-ray imaging to the genicular arteries, which supply blood to the knee joint.
3. Embolization: Once the catheter is in place, tiny particles are injected through it into the genicular arteries. These particles block the abnormal blood vessels that are contributing to inflammation and pain in the knee.
4. Reduction of Inflammation: By blocking these blood vessels, the procedure reduces the blood flow to the inflamed areas of the knee. This decrease in blood supply lowers inflammation and alleviates pain by reducing the release of inflammatory substances and calming painful nerve endings.
One to three arteries are typically treated in a single GAE session. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and you can often return home the same day. A dressing is applied to the access site after the procedure.
Recovery and Aftercare
It’s normal to experience some discomfort around the knee and at the catheter insertion site in the thigh during the first few days after treatment. You may also experience mild skin discoloration around the knee, but this usually resolves on its own.
For the best recovery possible, be sure to:
- Rest and elevate the leg for the first 24-48 hours
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
- Take prescribed pain medications as needed
- Keep the insertion site clean and dry
- Avoid strenuous activities for about two weeks
In most cases, patients can return to light activities within a week. However, it’s best to avoid high-impact exercises for at least two weeks.
Pain relief may begin as early as two weeks after the procedure as inflammation decreases. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
GAE is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks. Potential side effects include:
- Temporary skin discoloration
- Mild pain
- Bruising around the knee
Rare complications may involve infection or unintended blockage of blood vessels. Fortunately, serious complications are uncommon, and most patients experience only minor, short-term discomfort.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Treatment?
GAE is ideal for patients experiencing knee pain due to osteoarthritis or hemarthrosis, especially when other treatments haven’t been effective. Ideal candidates are those who have not found relief through conservative methods like:
- Physical therapy
- Weight loss
- Medications
Genicular artery embolization may be ideal if you have other health conditions that prevent you from undergoing surgery. It’s also beneficial if you want to delay knee surgery, such as partial or total knee replacement, to avoid the risks associated with more invasive procedures.
What is the Success Rate of Genicular Artery Embolization?
GAE has shown impressive success in treating knee pain, especially for people with osteoarthritis. Studies have found that the procedure has a very high technical success rate of 99.7%, meaning doctors can almost always complete it as planned. Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved knee function within months after the procedure.
Compared to other treatments, GAE offers several advantages. Unlike medications, which may have side effects or lose effectiveness over time, the procedure provides relief possibly lasting up to a year. It’s also less invasive than surgery, such as knee replacement, making it a good option for those who want to avoid or delay more extensive procedures.
While not a cure-all, GAE has proven to be a valuable addition to knee pain treatments, offering hope to many who haven’t found relief through other methods.
Why You Should Choose APEX Vascular for Your Procedure
There are several compelling reasons you should choose APEX Vascular for genicular artery embolization. Our team of board-certified specialists have extensive experience in vascular care and treatments, ensuring that you receive expert care.
We’re committed to delivering personalized, high-quality treatment that goes beyond medical intervention, focusing on empowering you and enhancing your overall well-being. Our patient-centered approach combines evidence-based research with the latest surgical advancements to create individualized treatment plans.
With over 50 years of collective experience, we’re passionate about providing comprehensive care as we guide you through your various endovascular and surgical options. With APEX Vascular, you can expect to be greeted with warmth and treated with dignity throughout your healthcare journey. Schedule an appointment today!
What is genicular artery embolization? It is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate knee pain by decreasing blood flow to inflamed areas. GAE serves as an alternative to surgery for patients who have not experienced relief from conservative treatments. The procedure is generally safe, boasting high success rates and the potential for substantial pain relief.
APEX Vascular is a vascular surgery and vein center with locations in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Crossville, Decatur, and Harrogate, TN. We are dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care that goes beyond medical treatment. Our exceptional vascular staff, boasting extensive experience in vascular surgery, works tirelessly to elevate the standards of patient care and contribute to your overall well-being. Visit us online or call us at 865-562-3232 to request an appointment today!
