Osteoarthritis can significantly impact your health and quality of life, causing chronic knee pain and reduced mobility. Genicular artery embolization offers relief by reducing blood flow to inflamed knee areas. Understanding the duration of its effects helps you consider it as a treatment option, allowing you to make informed decisions about long-term pain management.
Genicular artery embolization offers significant pain relief lasting from months to years. While not permanent, it’s less invasive than knee replacement and is repeatable. Effectiveness varies based on health, osteoarthritis severity, and post-procedure care. You typically experience relief within weeks, with full benefits apparent after two weeks. A healthy lifestyle and adherence to care instructions can extend the benefits of treatment.
Understanding Genicular Artery Embolization
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure primarily used to treat knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. The purpose of GAE is to reduce inflammation and pain in the knee joint by targeting the small capillaries that supply blood to it.
The procedure works by selectively blocking or reducing blood flow around the lining of the knee. During GAE, a catheter is inserted through a small incision near the knee and guided to the problematic area. Using imaging guidance, microscopic particles are then injected into the genicular arteries to block blood flow.
GAE is typically considered for individuals with chronic knee pain who haven’t found relief through conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications. It’s particularly suitable for patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis who are either reluctant to undergo knee replacement surgery or are not eligible for it.
How Long Does Genicular Artery Embolization Last?
“How long does genicular artery embolization last?” is a common question we receive. The duration of pain relief from GAE can vary, but many patients experience significant benefits lasting from several months to several years. Studies have shown that 70% of patients reported reduced pain and improved symptoms 12 months after the procedure.
Compared to other treatments, GAE offers longer-lasting relief than medications, physical therapy, and other conservative options. While knee replacement surgery provides permanent results, GAE is less invasive and can be repeated if necessary.
For many patients, GAE serves as an effective alternative to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery while providing substantial pain relief.
Factors influencing GAE duration
Several factors influence the duration of GAE’s effects. Your overall health plays a significant role, with longer benefits occurring when you maintain a healthy weight and follow a balanced diet.
The severity of osteoarthritis also impacts GAE longevity. For example, GAE can still provide significant benefits if you have a more advanced case of osteoarthritis, but you may experience shorter durations of pain relief.
Post-procedure care and lifestyle play a crucial role, as well. Engaging in regular, low-impact exercises helps to maintain the benefits of GAE longer. Additionally, following your vascular surgeon’s post-procedure care instructions and avoiding physically demanding activities during the initial recovery period can contribute to better results.
Immediate Effects of GAE
You can expect to start experiencing relief from genicular artery embolization within days to weeks following the procedure. You may experience mild knee discomfort early on, but this gradually subsides over the course of two weeks as the effects take hold.
Significant improvements in pain and function begin to occur after about two weeks as inflammation in the knee lining reduces. Many patients report noticeable decreases in knee pain, swelling, and stiffness, leading to improved mobility and quality of life.
These initial improvements allow you to resume light activities within the first week following your procedure. The full benefits of surgery become apparent around the two-week mark.
Come to APEX Vascular for GAE in Knoxville, Tennessee
APEX Vascular in Knoxville, TN, provides exceptional care for genicular artery embolization, a cutting-edge treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Our experienced vascular surgeons provide personalized, high-quality care using state-of-the-art technology.
You can expect the longest-lasting GAE results possible at APEX Vascular thanks to our interdisciplinary approach and commitment to patient well-being. We educate patients about their options and create individualized treatment plans tailored to their goals.
With multiple locations across East Tennessee, including North Knoxville, Sevierville, Harrogate, and Decatur, as well as our Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) accredited vascular outpatient center in Lenoir City, APEX Vascular ensures accessible, advanced vascular care. Our focus on patient empowerment, respect, and dignity, combined with our expertise in vascular treatments, makes us the premier choice for GAE and other vascular procedures in the region.
Genicular artery embolization provides long-lasting pain relief for knee osteoarthritis. The duration of its effectiveness depends on your health, disease severity, and aftercare. Relief begins within weeks, peaking around two weeks post-treatment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adhering to care instructions can prolong the benefits.
APEX Vascular is a vascular surgery and vein center with locations in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Crossville, Decatur, Harrogate, and Sevierville, 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!
