Osteoarthritis Treatment

WHAT IS GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION (GAE)?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE), or embolization of the knee, is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of knee pain related to osteoarthritis. It can reduce knee pain for patients with osteoarthritis (OA), by reducing the blood flow to the lining of the knee, known as the synovium. By blocking these arteries, there is a reduction in the amount of inflammation and edema (swelling) associated with osteoarthritis.  This can reduce or eliminate the associated knee pain. It is performed by a physician who is specially trained to use X-rays and other imaging modalities to see in the body and treat diseases without surgery and has specific expertise pertaining to the vascular system and blood vessels of the body.

GAE is a non-surgical treatment alternative for patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis who have failed conservative therapy, such as anti-inflammatory medications or knee injections, and who do not wish to undergo or are ineligible for knee replacement surgery.

WHO ARE GOOD CANDIDATES FOR THE GAE PROCEDURE?

Patients with chronic knee pain who have not received relief through conventional therapies are good candidates for endovascular, minimally invasive treatment.

The following conditions make for a good candidate for GAE:

• Age between 40-80 years
• Moderate to severe knee pain
• Osteoarthritis based on x-ray, but without bony deformity/sclerosis
• Local knee tenderness
• Knee pain resistant/failed conservative treatment (pain meds/physical therapy/joint injection)

THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MAY DISQUALIFY A PATIENT AS A CANDIDATE FOR GAE:

• Current or history of cigarette smoking
• Advanced arthritis based on x-ray
• Infection or malignancy
• Severe PAD

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY GAE PROCEDURE?

The GAE procedure is performed with twilight, sedation as an outpatient procedure in our Vascular Procedure Suite, meaning the patient will go home after the procedure. Your physician will insert a catheter into the artery of the upper thigh, with the use of x-rays, guide the catheter to the arteries supplying the lining of the knee. Tiny particles are then injected through the catheter into these arteries, reducing the blood supply. This reduces the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, which alleviates the pain. Once the procedure is complete, the catheter will carefully be removed.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER MY GAE PROCEDURE?

Immediately following your GAE procedure, we will monitor the access site for bleeding for a short time. You may experience some mild bruising and tenderness at the access site. This is normal and side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days of treatment. Patients go home the same day. In most cases, relief begins to occur in two weeks, as the inflammation in the lining of the knee is reduced, relieving the knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Your specialist will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions prior to your GAE, so you can better know what to expect during your recovery.

HOW MUCH DOES A GAE PROCEDURE COST?

The cost of your GAE procedure will vary depending on your health insurance coverage. To get a better idea of how much your GAE will cost, we encourage you to come in for a private consultation with one of our specialists.

The doctors and expert medical team at Hamilton Vascular are proud to offer surgical and non-surgical treatments for vein disease, artery disease, and feminine conditions. We are proud to offer a wide range of services to patients in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and the neighboring communities in southern Texas. Contact us to schedule your private consultation with one of our vascular specialists today.

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