CONTACT US

Geniculate Artery Embolization (GAE)

Advanced Non-Surgical Relief for Chronic Knee Pain

If knee arthritis pain is limiting your mobility, sleep, exercise, or quality of life—but you’re not ready for knee replacement surgery, or continue to suffer from disabling knee pain after joint replacement surgery—Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be an innovative solution.

At Pacific Vascular Associates, we specialize in minimally invasive vascular procedures designed to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve everyday function.

Benefits of GAE

  • No joint replacement surgery
  • No large incision
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Minimal downtime
  • Preserves future surgical options
  • Can delay need for knee replacement
  • Targets inflammation directly

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?

GAE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure used to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Over time, arthritic knees develop abnormal tiny blood vessels that fuel inflammation and stimulate pain nerves inside the joint lining.

Procedure Overview

GAE is performed using advanced image guidance.

  • 1. A small access point is made, usually at the wrist or groin
  • A tiny catheter is guided through the blood vessels toward the knee
  • Contrast dye is used to identify abnormal blood flow around the painful part of the knee
  • Microscopic embolic particles are delivered into the abnormal vessels
  • Blood flow to the inflamed area is reduced while preserving normal circulation
  • The catheter is removed, and most patients go home the same day

The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and light sedation. Recovery is usually much faster than surgery, with many patients resuming light activity within a few days. Pain relief may develop gradually over several weeks as inflammation decreases.

What Conditions Does GAE Treat?

GAE is most commonly used for:

Knee Osteoarthritis

  • Mild to moderate arthritis pain
  • Chronic swelling and inflammation
  • Pain with walking, stairs, standing, or exercise
  • Stiffness-reducing activity levels

Procedure Overview

Other Potential Uses

  • Persistent knee pain after failed injections
  • Patients delaying or not yet ready for knee replacement surgery
  • Recurrent pain in the knee after joint replacement surgery

Patients with severe arthritis pain who have not had a consultation for joint replacement surgery should be evaluated by an orthopedic joint replacement surgeon first before considering GAE.

How the Procedure Works

Step 1: Consultation & Imaging

We review your symptoms, X-rays/MRI, mobility limitations, and treatment history.

Step 2: Procedure Day

  • Performed in an outpatient setting
  • Local anesthesia + light sedation
  • Tiny entry point at wrist or groin
  • Advanced imaging guides a microcatheter to knee arteries
  • Microscopic particles are delivered to reduce blood flow

Step 3: Completion

  • No stitches required
  • No hospitalization
  • Procedure time: ~1–2 hours

What to Expect After GAE

Recovery Timeline

Day 1–2:

  • Mild soreness or bruising possible
  • Walking usually allowed same day

Week 1:

  • Resume normal routine for most patients

Weeks 2–6:

  • Gradual pain reduction
  • Improved walking tolerance and activity levels

1–3 Months:

  • Many patients report meaningful pain and function improvement

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION