A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Chronic Knee Pain

Living with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair difficult. If medications, injections, or physical therapy have not provided lasting relief, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be an effective treatment option.

At Pinnacle Vein and Vascular Center, this procedure is performed in our office-based laboratory (OBL). GAE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to reduce inflammation inside the knee and provide long-term pain relief, without the need for major surgery or an extended recovery.

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is an image-guided procedure used to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.

As osteoarthritis progresses, abnormal blood vessels can develop around the lining of the knee joint. These vessels contribute to ongoing inflammation and pain. During GAE, a vascular surgeon uses advanced imaging to guide a small catheter to these blood vessels and delivers tiny embolic particles that reduce blood flow to the inflamed tissue.

By decreasing inflammation, many patients experience significant pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life.

Who Is a Candidate for GAE?

You may be a candidate for Genicular Artery Embolization if you:

• Have chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis
• Continue to experience pain despite medications, injections, or physical therapy
• Want to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery
• Are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to surgery
• Have been told you are not a good candidate for knee replacement due to age or other medical conditions

During your consultation, our expert providers will evaluate your symptoms, review your imaging, and determine whether GAE is the right treatment for you.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Genicular Artery Embolization is performed in our accredited office-based laboratory and typically takes 45 to 90 minutes.

During the procedure:

• A small incision is made, usually in the groin.
• A thin catheter is inserted into the artery and guided using advanced X-ray imaging.
• The physician identifies the genicular arteries supplying blood to the inflamed lining of the knee.
• Tiny medical beads (embolic particles) are delivered through the catheter to reduce blood flow to the abnormal blood vessels causing inflammation.
• Once the treatment is complete, the catheter is removed and a small bandage is applied.

The procedure is performed without the need for large incisions or general surgery, allowing most patients to return home the same day.

Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization

GAE offers several advantages for patients seeking relief from chronic knee pain, including:

• Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
• Performed in our office-based laboratory
• No hospital stay required
• Same-day discharge
• Recovery time of approximately 1- 2 hours before going home
• Reduced inflammation within the knee joint
• Significant pain relief and improved mobility for many patients
• Low-risk procedure with a quick recovery
• Does not prevent future knee replacement surgery if it becomes necessary

Clinical studies have shown that approximately 70% of appropriately selected patients experience meaningful improvements in knee pain and function following Genicular Artery Embolization.

Recovery After GAE

Most patients at Pinnacle recover quickly following Genicular Artery Embolization.

After a brief recovery period in our office, you’ll be able to return home the same day. Mild soreness at the catheter insertion site is normal and typically resolves within a few days.

Many patients begin noticing improvements in pain and mobility over the weeks following treatment as inflammation decreases. Your provider will provide personalized post-procedure instructions and discuss when you can safely return to your normal daily activities.

Why Choose Pinnacle Vein and Vascular Center?

At Pinnacle Vein and Vascular Center, we are committed to providing advanced, minimally invasive treatments that help patients improve their quality of life while avoiding unnecessary surgery whenever possible.

Our experienced expert providers perform procedures using state-of-the-art imaging technology in our accredited office-based laboratory (OBL), allowing patients to receive expert care in a comfortable outpatient setting.

Our goal is to help you move more comfortably, stay active, and get back to doing the things you enjoy.

Schedule Your Consultation

If chronic knee pain is affecting your mobility or keeping you from enjoying everyday activities, Genicular Artery Embolization may be an option.

Contact Pinnacle Vein and Vascular Center today to schedule a consultation and learn whether GAE is right for you.

Call: 1-888-553-VEIN (8346)

Visit one of our convenient Arizona locations:

• Avondale
• Gilbert
• Sun City

You can also request an appointment through our website by clicking contact us, and a member of our team will contact you to schedule your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Will this prevent me from having knee replacement surgery later?

No. One of the advantages of Genicular Artery Embolization is that it does not prevent or interfere with future knee replacement surgery. If your arthritis progresses over time, you can still pursue surgical treatment if needed. For many patients, GAE offers meaningful pain relief while helping delay the need for joint replacement.

Is Genicular Artery Embolization surgery?

No. GAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure performed through a tiny catheter. There are no large incisions, and most patients return home the same day.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure typically takes 45 to 90 minutes, followed by a short recovery period before you are discharged home.

Will I need general anesthesia?

Most patients do not require general anesthesia. Your physician will discuss the type of sedation used during your consultation.

How soon will I feel relief?

Many patients begin noticing improvements over the weeks following treatment as inflammation decreases. Results vary depending on the severity of osteoarthritis and individual healing.

Can I still have knee replacement surgery later?

Yes. Having Genicular Artery Embolization does not prevent you from having knee replacement surgery in the future if it becomes necessary.