Genicular Artery Embolization

• steoarthritis (OA): The most common condition for which GAE is used, particularly in patients who do not respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections.
• Knee Pain: Chronic knee pain due to conditions such as OA, post-traumatic arthritis, or other degenerative conditions.
• Unsuccessful conservative treatments: When other treatments (e.g., steroid injections) fail, GAE may be considered as an alternative.
• Avascular Necrosis: In some cases, when parts of the bone in the knee joint lose blood supply, GAE can help by reducing blood flow to areas of inflammation.

• Pre-procedural Imaging: An initial diagnostic angiogram is performed to map out the genicular arteries and their branches, as well as to identify areas of the knee joint causing pain.
• Embolization: The interventional radiologist uses a catheter (a thin flexible tube) inserted into the femoral artery (in the groin) to navigate to the knee’s genicular arteries. Once the catheter reaches the target arteries, embolizing agents such as microspheres, coils, or other biocompatible materials are injected to occlude (block) the blood flow to the inflamed tissues in the knee joint.

• Minimally Invasive: GAE does not require large incisions or open surgery, which means less trauma to the body and a quicker recovery time.
• Pain Relief: Patients typically experience significant pain reduction, especially for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis or other inflammatory knee conditions.
• Reduced Need for Surgery: GAE can delay or prevent the need for knee replacement surgery in some patients, offering a conservative option for pain management.
• Quick Recovery: The procedure typically allows for a short hospital stay (often outpatient) with a return to normal activities within a few days to a week.

• Infection: Any invasive procedure carries a risk of infection at the insertion site.
• Hemorrhage: There’s a slight risk of bleeding, especially at the catheter insertion site.
• Unintended Embolization: If the embolizing agent moves to an unintended location, it could cause damage to surrounding tissues.
• Temporary or Mild Side Effects: Some patients experience temporary discomfort, bruising, or swelling in the knee after the procedure.

• Success Rate: Many patients experience significant pain relief within a few weeks of the procedure. However, the effectiveness can vary, and some patients may require additional treatments.
• Duration of Relief: The pain relief can last for several months, and for some, even longer. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.
• Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up with the treating physician is essential to monitor the effects of the procedure and ensure that the knee’s condition does not worsen.

• Severe peripheral vascular disease: If the patient has severe disease in the arteries elsewhere in the body, they may not be a good candidate for this procedure.
• Active infections** or other contraindications to invasive procedures.
• Severe allergies** to contrast dye or embolization materials.