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Genicular Artery
Embolization Procedure

Restore Mobility, Independence and Quality of Life with GAE

The genicular arteries are small blood vessels that lead to the knee joint. These arteries are the main pathways that carry inflammatory substances to the knee, contributing to pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Parts of these arteries can be embolized (blocked) with tiny beads to reduce the flow to the lining of the knee. This process is genicular artery embolization (GAE) and has been shown to reduce the inflammation and pain that often accompanies knee osteoarthritis.

This procedure offers similar relief to that of a cortisone shot but can only be administered by a vascular surgeon.

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Relief for Chronic Knee Pain Without Surgery

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that can reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis — the common “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis. With osteoarthritis, the knee joint loses cartilage over time. As part of this process, the knee becomes chronically inflamed. Tiny blood vessels (capillaries) overgrow around the joint, which can irritate nearby nerves and act as pathways to keep feeding the inflammation. At Emory Healthcare, GAE is performed by a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive treatments. GAE provides longer lasting relief than cortisone and avoids potential steroid side effects.

Benefits of GAE:

  • A minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
  • Targets inflammation by blocking specific knee blood vessels
  • Does not compromise blood flow to the leg
  • No general anesthesia required
  • Proven pain reduction with short recovery time
  • Performed by a board-certified vascular surgeon
GAE Overview:

  • GAE may be a good option if you:

    • Have knee pain from osteoarthritis
    • Want to delay or avoid knee replacement
    • Were told you are not a surgical candidate for a knee replacement
    • Still have pain after knee replacement
    • Want a less invasive option

    GAE may not be right if you:

    • Have an active knee infection
    • Have severely impaired blood flow to the legs
    • During the procedure, you are awake, although light “twilight” sedation may be used as well as local numbing medicine.
    • A vascular surgeon inserts a tiny catheter — a thin, flexible tube — through a small hole in the foot or groin. You may feel a brief pinch or burning.
    • Using live imaging, the doctor identifies specific small arteries causing inflammation.
    • Microscopic particles are gently delivered to reduce abnormal blood flow to inflamed areas.
    • The entire procedure usually lasts between 45 to 60 minutes.
    • After a short recovery period, you’ll be able to walk out on your own.
  • After surgery, you may experience mild soreness or swelling for one to two days. You should avoid strenuous activity for about a week. For many patients, GAE restores mobility, independence and quality of life.
  • Schedule a consultation to learn if GAE is right for you. Call 404-251-2850.
Frequently Asked Questions

  • Studies show GAE works in about 75–80% of patients and may last several years, often longer than repeated steroid injections.

    As an outpatient procedure, GAE is performed in a comfortable ambulatory surgery center — no hospital stay required.

  • Patients typically note improvement in pain within one to two weeks after the procedure.
  • No. Knee replacement is the only treatment that can fully eliminate arthritis pain. GAE is the next best non-surgical option.
  • Yes. GAE has a very low complication rate and has been studied since 2017. It is FDA-approved and covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans.
  • No. Only abnormal, inflamed vessels are treated. Healthy blood flow remains intact.
  • Yes, though repeat procedures may not work as well as the first.
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Heart & Vascular