What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
If you’ve been living with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis and are searching for alternatives to surgery, you may have come across the term genicular artery embolization (GAE). It’s a procedure that’s gaining attention for its ability to relieve knee pain without joint replacement or invasive surgery, and it’s helping many patients move, walk, and live more comfortably again.
At Pedes Orange County, we specialize in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures like GAE that treat the root cause of pain while helping patients recover faster. Here’s what you need to know about how this treatment works, who it’s for, and what you can expect from it.
Understanding Genicular Artery Embolization
Genicular artery embolization is a non-surgical procedure used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by knee osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions your knee joint wears down over time, causing bones to rub together. This friction leads to inflammation and increased blood flow to the lining of the joint (the synovium), which contributes to pain and swelling.
GAE targets this problem at its source by reducing abnormal blood flow to the inflamed areas of the knee. Using advanced imaging guidance, a specialist inserts a small catheter into the genicular arteries, the tiny blood vessels surrounding the knee, and releases microscopic embolic particles that block the abnormal vessels.
The result? Less inflammation, less pain, and improved mobility, all without the need for open surgery or prolonged recovery.
How GAE Works
GAE is performed in an outpatient setting, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day. Here’s what happens during the procedure:
- Local anesthesia and light sedation are administered to keep you comfortable.
- Your physician inserts a tiny catheter through a small puncture in the wrist or groin.
- Using real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), the catheter is carefully guided to the arteries that supply blood to the knee.
- Once the inflamed areas are located, microscopic embolic particles are released to block abnormal blood vessels.
- The catheter is then removed, and no stitches are required.
The procedure typically takes about one to two hours, depending on the complexity of your knee anatomy and the severity of inflammation.
What Conditions Can GAE Treat?
GAE is most commonly used to treat knee osteoarthritis, particularly in patients who experience chronic knee pain but are not ready or eligible for total knee replacement surgery.
It may also benefit individuals who have:
- Persistent knee pain despite physical therapy or medications
- Pain that limits daily activity or mobility
- A history of steroid injections that provided only short-term relief
- Mild to moderate arthritis confirmed through imaging
GAE focuses on symptom management, not structural repair. While it doesn’t restore cartilage, it effectively reduces inflammation and discomfort, making it easier for patients to stay active and delay or even avoid knee surgery.
Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization
GAE offers several key advantages over traditional knee treatments:
1. Minimally Invasive
There are no large incisions, stitches, or hospital stays. Most patients can walk out of the facility the same day.
2. Faster Recovery
Because GAE doesn’t involve cutting into the knee joint, recovery is much quicker than surgical alternatives. Most patients resume normal activity within a few days.
3. Long-Lasting Pain Relief
Many patients report significant and lasting pain reduction, often for one to two years or more, depending on individual factors.
4. No Impact on Future Surgery
GAE does not disqualify patients from having a knee replacement later. It’s an excellent bridge treatment for those who want pain relief now but may consider surgery in the future.
5. Reduced Need for Medications
After GAE, many patients are able to reduce or eliminate their dependence on pain medications or steroid injections.
Who Is a Good Candidate for GAE?
GAE may be right for you if you:
- Have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
- Experience chronic pain or stiffness not relieved by other treatments
- Want to avoid knee replacement surgery, or are not a good surgical candidate
- Are seeking a non-surgical, outpatient treatment with minimal downtime
Patients with severe, bone-on-bone arthritis may not experience as much benefit from GAE, but the procedure can still help reduce inflammation and improve comfort in some cases. A full evaluation by a vascular or interventional specialist is the best way to determine whether GAE is appropriate for your situation.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients go home within a few hours of their procedure. You may experience mild soreness or bruising at the catheter insertion site, which usually resolves within a few days.
Some patients notice improvement in pain and function within one to two weeks, while others may experience gradual improvement over several months as inflammation continues to subside. Recovery time is similar to that of Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE).
Your doctor will likely recommend light activity for the first few days after GAE and a gradual return to normal movement. Staying active with low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can help maintain mobility and support long-term results.
How Long Does GAE Last?
For most patients, pain relief lasts one to two years or longer. Some may experience continued relief beyond that, especially if they maintain a healthy lifestyle. If knee pain eventually returns, the procedure can often be safely repeated.
The longevity of results depends on factors like the severity of osteoarthritis, activity level, and overall vascular health. At Pedes Orange County, your care plan is customized to support long-term success and ongoing joint health.
Risks and Side Effects
GAE is considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure, but like any medical treatment, it carries minimal risks. Possible side effects include:
- Mild bruising or soreness at the catheter site
- Temporary increase in knee pain as inflammation subsides
- Rare allergic reactions to contrast dye
Serious complications are uncommon, and your physician will review your medical history thoroughly to minimize risk.
Comparing GAE to Other Treatments
When compared to other knee pain treatments, GAE offers a unique middle ground between conservative and surgical options.
| Treatment | Type | Typical Results |
| Physical therapy | Non-invasive | Short-term improvement |
| Steroid injections | Minimally invasive | Relief for weeks or months |
| Genicular Artery Embolization | Minimally invasive | Relief lasting 1–2 years or more |
| Knee replacement surgery | Invasive | Long-term relief but longer recovery |
GAE bridges the gap for patients who want lasting pain relief without the risks and downtime of surgery.
Genicular Artery Embolization in Irvine, CA
If you’re living with chronic knee pain and looking for alternatives to knee replacement, Genicular Artery Embolization may be the solution. At Pedes Orange County, our team offers advanced vascular and interventional treatments designed to restore comfort, enhance mobility, and help you return to the activities you love.
Don’t let chronic knee pain control your life. Learn more about how Genicular Artery Embolization in Orange County can help you move comfortably again. Schedule your consultation with Pedes Orange County today and start your path toward long-term pain relief without surgery.
