Living with chronic knee pain can impact every part of your life, from walking across the room to getting a good night’s sleep. When physical therapy, injections, and medications stop working, many patients worry that knee replacement is the only remaining option. But there’s now a minimally invasive procedure that may provide lasting relief without major surgery: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
At Pain & Vascular Institute, we’re proud to offer GAE as part of our commitment to advanced, compassionate care for patients throughout the greater Chicagoland area.
What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?
Genicular Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces inflammation and pain in the knee by blocking specific blood vessels called genicular arteries. These arteries supply the lining of the knee joint. In people with chronic inflammation, especially those with osteoarthritis, these vessels can become overactive and contribute to ongoing pain.
By selectively blocking these arteries with tiny particles, GAE reduces blood flow to the inflamed areas, which helps decrease pain and inflammation. The result is a noticeable improvement in knee function and comfort, often without the need for major surgery.
Who Is a Candidate for GAE?
GAE may be a good option for people who:
- Have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis or chronic knee pain
- Have not found relief from physical therapy, NSAIDs, or joint injections
- Are looking for non-surgical options or want to delay total knee replacement
- Have medical conditions that make surgery risky or undesirable
- Experience persistent pain even after previous knee surgeries
This treatment is especially promising for older adults or those who may not be ideal candidates for joint replacement due to other health issues. It also offers hope for patients who want to maintain mobility and independence without the downtime that comes with surgery.
What to Expect During the Procedure
GAE is typically performed by a vascular or interventional specialist using imaging guidance. At Pain & Vascular Institute, we perform this procedure on-site in our advanced procedural suite for added convenience and safety.
Here’s what the process looks like:
- A small catheter is inserted into an artery, usually through a puncture in the wrist or groin.
- Using live imaging, the provider guides the catheter to the genicular arteries that supply the knee.
- Tiny particles are released into the artery, which block blood flow to the inflamed areas.
- The catheter is removed, and the entry site is bandaged. No stitches are typically required.
The entire procedure usually takes approximately one hour and most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from GAE is generally quick. Patients may experience mild soreness or bruising at the catheter site, but most people are up and moving the same day or the day after. There’s no need for general anesthesia, hospital stays, or weeks of immobility.
Within a few weeks, many patients report reduced knee pain and increased mobility. Studies have shown that this relief can last for years. While GAE doesn’t reverse joint damage, it significantly reduces symptoms, thus allowing people to return to walking, standing, and exercising with greater ease.
Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization
- Minimally invasive: No large incisions or hospital stays
- Outpatient procedure: Go home the same day
- Quick recovery: Return to normal activities faster than with surgery
- Reduced inflammation: Targets the root cause of pain
- Alternative to surgery: Helps delay or avoid knee replacement
Is GAE Right for You?
If you’ve been living with chronic knee pain and feel like you’ve tried everything, Genicular Artery Embolization could be a promising next step. At Pain & Vascular Institute, our team will perform a full evaluation, review your imaging, and talk through your symptoms to determine whether GAE is appropriate for your condition.
Because we offer both vascular and pain management expertise in one location, we’re uniquely equipped to help patients with complex, persistent pain find personalized solutions. Our on-site imaging suite and interventional capabilities allow us to diagnose and treat you quickly and effectively, all with the compassionate, coordinated care our practice is known for.
A New Option for Long-Term Relief in Fox River Grove, IL
Chronic knee pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence. If your current treatments aren’t working and you’re not ready for surgery, Genicular Artery Embolization may offer the relief you’ve been searching for. Call 224-357-4001 and reach out to Pain & Vascular Institute in Fox River Grove, IL today to schedule a consultation and learn whether GAE is right for you.
