Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) Atlanta

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

• A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
• Knee pain from osteoarthritis can make everyday activities—walking, exercising, even standing—difficult. If conservative treatments haven’t worked and you’re not ready for knee replacement surgery, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be an effective, non-surgical option.
• GAE is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists to reduce inflammation in the knee and relieve pain—without surgery or long recovery times. 

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?

• Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that targets inflammation in the knee caused by osteoarthritis.
• During osteoarthritis, abnormal blood vessels develop in the lining of the knee joint and contribute to chronic inflammation and pain. GAE works by safely blocking these abnormal vessels, reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.
• The procedure is performed through a tiny pinhole incision, typically in the femoral artery, using image guidance to precisely deliver microscopic particles to the affected knee arteries.

Who Is a Candidate for GAE?

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis
• Have not had adequate relief from:
  • Physical therapy
  • Medications
• Steroid or hyaluronic acid injections
• Are not ready for knee replacement surgery
• Want a minimally invasive alternative with faster recovery 

GAE is particularly appealing for patients seeking to delay or avoid surgery while maintaining an active lifestyle.

Benefits of GAE

• Minimally invasive (no incisions or stitches)
• Outpatient procedure
• Short recovery time (often days, not weeks)
• No general anesthesia required
• Targets the source of inflammation
• Can delay or potentially avoid knee replacement 

Clinical studies show meaningful pain improvement in many patients, with significant reductions in pain scores and improved function after treatment.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours
• Performed under moderate sedation
• A small catheter is guided to the arteries around the knee using imaging
• Tiny particles are injected to block abnormal blood flow
• Patients usually go home the same day 

Recovery After GAE

Recovery is generally quick:

• Most patients resume normal activities within a few days
• Mild soreness or bruising at the access site may occur
• Pain relief often begins within weeks, with continued improvement over time 

How Effective Is GAE?

Early and mid-term studies show:

• Significant improvement in pain and function scores
• High technical success rates (~99%)
• Majority of patients experience clinically meaningful relief
• Low rates of complications, typically minor and temporary 

While GAE is a newer therapy, growing evidence supports its role as an effective option for appropriately selected patients.

Is GAE Safe?

GAE has been shown to be a safe procedure with a low complication rate.

Most side effects are minor and temporary, such as:

• Mild skin discoloration
• Temporary soreness

Schedule a Consultation

We welcome referrals for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis who:

• Have persistent pain despite conservative management
• Are poor surgical candidates or prefer to avoid surgery
• Have imaging-confirmed osteoarthritis

If you’re struggling with knee pain from osteoarthritis, Genicular Artery Embolization may be an option.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.