(GAE) to Genicular Artery Embolization
Background of Osteoarthritis in the Knee
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common types of arthritis, affecting millions of people, particularly as they age and is the leading cause of disability in the United States. OA is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions the knee joint gradually wears down with time and injury.
Improvement of Inflamed Joint Area After Embolization Treatment
GAE was developed to specifically target and treat abnormal blood vessel growth called angiogenesis that is responsible for causing inflammation and pain in a degenerative joint with arthritis. Angiogenesis refers to a network of blood vessels and nerve endings that grow as a result of cartilage tissue breakdown caused by arthritic changes. GAE selectively targets the source of the inflammation by injecting small particles called embolic beads under X-Ray guidance to restrict blood flow into this network of vessels that are responsible for causing inflammation and pain in the knee joint.
- Minimally-invasive procedure: GAE is performed by a Vascular & Interventional Radiologist that specializes in endovascular procedures. They use live X-rays to guide a tiny catheter into the blood vessels supplying the knee (the genicular arteries). Under contrast angiography, the abnormal network of blood vessels is visualized.
- Targeted treatment: Microscopic beads are injected through the catheter to block the abnormal blood vessels that have formed in the lining of the knee joint (synovium) due to osteoarthritis.
- Goal: The goal is to reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis by decreasing this abnormal blood flow.
- Pain reduction: Studies show significant improvement in pain and function for many patients.
- Minimally invasive: This means non-surgical, less pain, and faster recovery time compared to surgery.
- Lower risk: Fewer complications compared to knee replacement surgery.
- Preserves the knee joint: It’s an option for delaying or potentially avoiding major surgery.
- Have moderate to advanced osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Experience persistent pain despite trying other conservative treatments like injections.
- Are not an ideal candidate for surgery, or wish to avoid it.
- Someone who has had a Joint Replacement and is still having pain 9+ months after surgery.
- Yes, the same treatment can be performed for the hip or shoulder and we have seen the same positive treatment outcomes from these joints as we have seen in the knee. See hip embolization and shoulder embolization on our website for more information.
Interested in Learning More?
- GAE is a safe and effective treatment for knee arthritis and post joint replacement knee pain, an alternative to knee replacement and other surgical interventions. If you're considering GAE, schedule a consultation at Arthritis Relief & Vascular Centers to discuss if this procedure is right for you.
