Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee pain from osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition. It leads to pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the knee. Many treatment options exist. These include heat or cold therapy, exercise, physical therapy, medication, and surgery.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a new, minimally invasive procedure. It provides patients with osteoarthritis (OA) an alternative to standard treatments.

The synovium is a thin membrane inside the knee joint capsule. It is important for joint health and function. GAE is non-surgical procedure that  focuses on blood flow to reduce pain in the synovium.

What Are the Benefits of GAE?

GAE has a quick recovery time and does not require hospitalization. The procedure is performed by a vascular interventional radiologist, a board-certified specialist with expertise in treating this condition.

How Does GAE Work?

• GAE starts with a small cut in the groin. This gives the doctor access to the arteries that supply blood to the knee.
• Using special X-ray guidance, the doctor threads a catheter (small tube) into one or more genicular arteries. They place it near the most painful spot in the knee.
• Small medical-grade spheres are injected through the catheter into the blood vessels feeding the inflamed synovium. This process helps lower joint inflammation, ease pain, and boost knee mobility.
• Once the treatment is completed, the catheter is removed, and a Band-Aid® is applied.

How Long Does the Treatment Take?

The entire GAE procedure typically takes 1–2 hours, and patients can return home the same day. After a few days of rest, most patients can resume work and normal activities.

Why Choose SLUCare for GAE?

• We are minimally invasive image-guided specialists. Our board certified and interventional trained doctors offer expertise in treating knee OA.
• One of the few in the Midwest.  We are one of the only centers in the Midwest offering this advanced, minimally invasive approach to knee OA.
• Collaborative and comprehensive care. SLUCare interventional radiologists work closely with orthopedic specialists, sports medicine physicians, and rheumatologists to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.