Genicular Artery
Embolization Procedure

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.

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.