Your Guide to Genicular Artery Embolization: Safe & Effective Knee Pain Management

Your Guide to Genicular Artery Embolization: Safe & Effective Knee Pain Management

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, especially as we age or stay active into our later years. For many, the culprit is osteoarthritis—a condition where the protective cartilage in the knee slowly wears away, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

If you’ve tried medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, or even PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and still haven’t found lasting relief, you're not out of options. There’s a promising, minimally invasive procedure you may not have heard of yet: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?

Genicular Artery Embolization, or GAE, is a modern, non-surgical treatment for knees that helps ease knee pain from osteoarthritis—especially for people looking to avoid or delay major surgery. It works by targeting the tiny arteries around the knee—called genicular arteries—that play a role in joint inflammation.

When inflammation builds up in the knee due to osteoarthritis, it increases blood flow to the area, which can make pain worse. GAE works by carefully reducing the extra blood flow to the inflamed areas of the knee, which helps soothe inflammation and ease pain

The Goal:

The goal of GAE is to give people long-lasting pain relief, restore mobility, and delay or avoid major surgeries like knee replacement.

Who Might Benefit From GAE?

GAE is an exciting option for people who:

• Have moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis
• Haven’t found relief from medications, injections, or physical therapy
• Aren’t ready for, or can’t undergo, knee replacement surgery
• Want a non-surgical, low-risk treatment with faster recovery
   

It’s particularly helpful for older adults or those with medical conditions that make surgery risky.

Who It Might Not Be Right For:

GAE isn’t ideal for everyone. People with very advanced joint damage, active infections, or certain blood vessel conditions might not be candidates. A consultation with a specialist—usually an interventional radiologist—is necessary to determine eligibility.

What Happens During the Procedure?

One of the most appealing things about GAE is how simple and low-impact the procedure is compared to surgery.

Here's what to expect:

1. Prep & Imaging: You'll arrive at an outpatient clinic or hospital. After some light sedation and local numbing, doctors use imaging to map out the arteries in your knee.
    
2. Tiny Catheter Insertion: A small catheter is inserted into an artery—often in the groin or wrist.
    
3. Guided Targeting: Using advanced imaging (like fluoroscopy), the doctor navigates to the genicular arteries that are feeding the inflamed areas in your knee.
    
4. Embolization: Tiny particles (microspheres) are released into those arteries to slow down the blood flow and reduce inflammation.
    
5. Done in About 1–2 Hours: Most patients go home the same day.
    

What’s Recovery Like?

GAE doesn’t require any hospital stay, general anesthesia, or large incisions. That means a much faster and easier recovery than traditional surgery.

After GAE:

• It's possible to experience slight bruising or minor discomfort where the catheter was inserted.
• The majority of patients are able to resume their everyday activities just a few days after the procedure.
• Full benefits can be felt over several weeks as inflammation continues to decrease.
   

No crutches, no physical therapy marathons, and no lengthy downtime.

Does It Actually Work?

According to clinical studies and patient reports, yes—GAE has shown to be highly effective for many people living with osteoarthritis knee pain.

What the Research Says:

• Approximately 70 to 80 percent of patients experience significant pain relief within a few weeks after treatment.
• Many experience improved function and quality of life for 6 months to 2+ years.
• Some patients may need a repeat procedure, but many don’t.
   

Keep in mind that GAE doesn’t cure arthritis, but it can provide significant relief, especially when other non-surgical treatments have failed.

Pros and Cons of GAE

Let’s break down the advantages and potential downsides of this procedure to help you make an informed decision.

✅ Pros:

• Minimally invasive – no large incisions or hardware
• Outpatient procedure with quick recovery
• Reduces pain and inflammation without surgery
• It can help you minimize or even avoid the need for joint replacement surgery altogether.
• Safe for people with medical conditions that make surgery risky
   

⚠️ Potential Risks:

• Minor bleeding or bruising at the insertion site
• Temporary numbness or leg discomfort
• Rare risk of affecting nearby tissues
• Not effective for everyone (depends on severity of disease)
• Limited long-term data (though early results are very promising)
   

GAE vs. Knee Replacement Surgery

Bottom line: GAE is a great middle ground—ideal for people who want to avoid or postpone surgery.

Why Maven Medical Center Is the Best Choice for Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

When it comes to treating chronic knee pain with Genicular Artery Embolization, experience, precision, and compassionate care matter—and that’s exactly what sets Maven Medical Center apart.

We’re proud to be recognized as one of the best hospitals for GAE treatment, offering not only world-class expertise but also a patient-first approach that makes all the difference.

Here's Why Our Patients Say We're the Best:

• Pioneers in GAE Treatment

• Expert-Led Care

• Advanced Technology Meets Personal Care

• Real Results, Real Relief

• Top-Rated for Patient Satisfaction

Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis can be life-limiting—but it doesn't have to be. If you've tried medications, injections, or therapy with little relief, and you're not quite ready for surgery, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) could be the solution you've been waiting for.

This minimally invasive, outpatient procedure is changing the way we treat knee pain—offering real results with less downtime and fewer risks. And when performed by experienced hands at a trusted facility like Maven Medical Center, GAE becomes more than just a procedure—it becomes a path back to comfort, movement, and freedom.

At Maven Medical Center, we combine expert care with compassion, advanced technology, and a personalized approach to ensure you receive the highest standard of treatment. We’re proud to be recognized as a leader in GAE and a trusted partner in your journey to better joint health.

Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. Reach out to our team today and take the first step toward a more active, pain-free life—with the support of the best hospital for Genicular Artery Embolization by your side.