At Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Miami, Florida, their team specializes in minimally invasive treatments that offer long-term relief from chronic knee pain. Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is an innovative, image-guided procedure designed to reduce inflammation and pain caused by knee osteoarthritis, providing an alternative to surgery. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure designed to treat knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. This innovative technique targets the small arteries supplying blood to the knee joint, reducing inflammation and providing lasting relief from pain and other symptoms. Vascular & Interventional Specialists offers GAE procedures on an outpatient basis.
You might be a candidate for the genicular artery embolization services available at Vascular & Interventional Specialists if you have chronic mild to moderate knee pain due to osteoarthritis that hasn't responded to conservative treatments. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down, leading to inflammation and pain. Factors that can contribute to osteoarthritis include:
The Vascular & Interventional Specialists providers may recommend GAE if you have failed conservative therapies such as weight loss, physiotherapy, or intra-articular corticosteroid injections but are not ready for or eligible for total knee replacement. The team will perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam and possibly imaging tests, to determine if GAE is the right treatment for you.
During genicular artery embolization, your Vascular & Interventional Specialists physician will insert a small catheter into an artery, typically in the groin area. They use fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) to guide the catheter to the genicular arteries supplying the knee joint. Through the catheter, your provider delivers embolic agents (such as microspheres or particles) to block these arteries, reducing blood flow to the targeted area and resulting in a decrease in inflammation.
The procedure usually takes about one hour and is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. Patients can go home the same day after a short recovery period. You may experience some knee soreness for three to five days following the procedure.
Many patients notice a significant improvement in pain and other symptoms, with durable results lasting up to a year or more. The procedure is generally safe, with few minor adverse events reported. Most people can return to their usual activities shortly after the procedure, making it an attractive option for those seeking relief from knee osteoarthritis pain without major surgery.
Call Vascular & Interventional Specialists to learn more about the benefits of genicular artery embolization, or book an appointment online today. The team looks forward to working with you.