Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the bones in the knee joint to rub each other, creating friction. This leads to an increased flow of blood to the knee due to inflammation.
GAE minimizes the flow of blood to the knee lining, also called the synovium, to aid in alleviating inflammation. While the procedure does not treat the underlying cartilage damage, it effectively treats the symptoms associated with knee arthritis.
GAE is an outpatient procedure that takes one to two hours under light sedation and requires very minimal recovery time. During GAE, a catheter is inserted into a small puncture site in the leg. Using X- ray guidance, the catheter is then inserted into the blood vessels that supply the knee joint with blood.
Once positioned, tiny microsphere particles are carefully released to slow the blood supply to the inflamed portions of the knee joint. The decrease in blood flow reduces pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis.
Recovery from GAE is generally smooth, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort. Initially, patients may notice some mild swelling or bruising at the catheter insertion site, which typically resolves within a few days. It’s common to feel relief from knee pain within the first few weeks as the treatment begins to take effect. Patients are usually able to return to their normal activities within a short period, but it’s important to follow the post-procedure care instructions provided by our medical team to ensure the highest quality outcomes.
A good candidate for GAE is typically someone who experiences chronic knee pain that has not responded well to conventional treatments such as medication or physical therapy. This procedure is particularly beneficial for people seeking a minimally invasive option to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
However, GAE may not be suitable for those with certain vascular conditions or severe knee joint damage. A thorough evaluation by one of our vascular specialists is essential to determine if GAE is the right choice for managing osteoarthritis symptoms in the knee.
GAE offers several advantages over knee replacement surgery for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Unlike knee replacement, which is a major surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia and an extended hospital stay, GAE is minimally invasive and can often be performed on an outpatient basis.
In addition, recovery from knee replacement typically involves significant bedrest and up to six months of rehabilitation to regain full mobility. GAE, however, allows patients to experience pain relief with a much shorter recovery period and minimal disruption to their daily lives.
For these reasons, the vascular specialists at Pedes Orange County often recommend GAE to patients who are considering knee replacement surgery.
Don’t live your life in pain any longer. Instead, reach out to the expert team of vascular specialists at Pedes Orange County in Irvine, CA. Call us today at (949) 387-4724 to schedule your appointment with one of our dedicated physicians. You may also contact us online at your convenience to get your questions answered by our dedicated team members. We look forward to helping you live a pain-
free life.
The physicians at Pedes Orange County devote their lives to saving limbs and minimizing pain. Our conveniently located, state-of-the-art facility is designed for your comfort and utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide minimally invasive treatments. Our vascular surgeons and vascular specialists are board-certified and some of the best in Southern California. Personable staff members make every visit a positive experience, with short wait times and an efficient, streamlined process that ensures you leave feeling educated and confident that you are in good hands.
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Pedes Orange County offers quality care and treatments for all vascular men’s health conditions, including varicoceles and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Don’t suffer in silence any longer; visit our facilities and engage with our leading healthcare professionals who take the time to engage with you and curate the proper treatment, care, and management for your health concerns.
Advanced ultrasound-guided examination techniques will be used to visualize the veins, arteries, or both, in your legs. This is often used in the diagnostic process to detect the presence and extent of disease.
Once we review the results of your diagnostic tests, our physicians will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, ensuring the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
Your treatment plan will be personalized to you and your individual needs. At Pedes, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures and nonsurgical treatments, all of which are performed by our dedicated vascular physicians within the comfort of our state-of-the-art facility.
We ensure our patients receive continuous care and support with regular follow-up visits. Each follow-up visit is scheduled at the time of your in-office appointment. Should you have a concern between
appointments, we encourage you to call our office and get scheduled at any time.
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