Vascular Institute of Michigan – Whether it’s affecting your daily activities, mobility, or mental health, chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis can be devastating. For most people, managing chronic knee pain means an endless loop of doctor’s appointments, medications, injections, and physical therapy, with few options for long-lasting results. Those who choose surgery face a lengthy recovery process, rehabilitation, and no guarantees the procedure will lead to meaningful pain relief. This is why patients with difficult to treat chronic knee pain are turning to a minimally invasive procedure called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) that offers significant results without the risks and uncertainties of traditional surgeries.
The following is a brief overview of the GAE knee procedure, including five key ways it will improve your life.
How Does the GAE Knee Procedure Work?
The GAE knee procedure is minimally invasive and typically only takes about one hour to complete in an outpatient setting. Most patients will experience pain relief immediately following the procedure and are able to return to daily activities and work as soon as the next day. Here is a brief overview of the procedure:
Imaging: Prior to the procedure, a physician will use imaging to view the blood vessels surrounding the knee joint. This process allows them to identify which arteries will require embolization.
Incision: After the targeted arteries in the knee have been located, a small incision will be made to insert a catheter. The physician will use x-ray imaging during the entire process to guide the catheter to the correct location.
Injection: An embolic mixture consisting of microscopic particles is injected through the catheter and into the genicular arteries in the knee. This is what blocks the abnormal blood flow to the knee joint.
Recovery: Once the embolic mixture has been injected, the physician will remove the catheter and close the incision. The patient is then monitored in recovery and able to go home the same day.
5 Ways GAE for Knee Pain Will Improve Your Life
1) Long-Lasting Pain Relief
Chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis is debilitating for many people, impacting everything from walking and working to even sitting in a chair for extended periods. This is why the immediate relief people can expect after the GAE procedure for knee pain is so impactful. Most people will notice meaningful reduction in pain the same day as the procedure and it will continue to improve in the following days and weeks, improving mobility and offering a renewed sense of hope and accomplishment.
Pain relief from the GAE procedure is not permanent. However, it is common for most people to experience long-lasting relief that can range from a year or more. Another bonus, being pain-free allows people to be active again, which can help with weight loss and overall wellness to prevent additional damage to the joints.
2) No Surgery Required
The prospect of extensive surgery like a total knee replacement keeps many people struggling with chronic knee pain from seeking treatment options. Fortunately, the GAE procedure for knee pain is a non-surgical solution that comes with few risks and no down time for recovery. Most patients are able to return to normal activities as soon as the next day and will not require physical therapy or other time consuming rehabilitation.
Although benefits of this outpatient procedure serve everyone, they are particularly consequential for older patients, those with underlying health conditions, or people concerned about the significant risks that come with invasive surgical procedures.
3) Results With Few Risks
Compared to traditional surgeries like total knee replacement procedures, GAE is considered safe, highly effective, and comes with few risks. Side effects are generally limited to slight bruising or redness at the site of the incision.
4) Less Reliance On Pain Medication
If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis that is causing chronic knee pain, it is likely you have become accustomed to a combination of over the counter pain medications, prescription medications, and injections to find relief. Although these options offer short-term results, they do not get to the bottom of the problem and often come with serious side effects and reliance that can be hard to break.
The GAE procedure instead focuses on the root causes of your symptoms, targeting the blood vessels and inflammation causing chronic knee pain. Because pain relief begins shortly after GAE with minimal to no side effects, it is common for most people to completely eliminate daily pain medications and injections.
5) Return to Normal Life
One of the most discouraging aspects of chronic knee pain is the loss of mobility and functionality. Whether it’s your ability to shop for groceries, riding in a car for an extended period of time, or enjoying moments with family and friends, complications from pain and weakness can be all-consuming. The GAE procedure is designed to eliminate pain and inflammation in the knee so patients can regain their ability to move without restrictions. In fact, it is not uncommon for patients to bicycle, hike, run, and even play sports again after GAE.
Genicular Artery Embolization is a breakthrough procedure for people struggling with chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis. Whether it’s long-term relief, no need for surgery, enhanced mobility, or less reliance on medications and injections, GAE for knee pain offers considerable benefits that will improve your life. If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, are experiencing persistent pain, and are looking for alternatives to surgery, GAE may be right for you. Contact the Vascular Institute of Michigan today to learn more about this ground-breaking procedure and schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the GAE procedure safe and what are the side effects of GAE?
A: Yes. The GAE procedure is safe and highly effective for chronic knee pain. As with any procedure, there are some potential side effects. However, they are generally minimal and limited to mild bruising and redness near the incision site.
Q: Is the GAE procedure a permanent solution for chronic knee pain?
A: The GAE procedure offers long-term relief for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. However, it is not a permanent solution for chronic pain. Most patients experience significant relief for as long as a year or more, allowing them to delay or eliminate the need for invasive surgery.
Q: What is the recovery time for GAE?
A: GAE is an outpatient procedure and patients are able to go home the same day. Most patients are able to start resuming normal activities as soon as the next day and full recovery can be expected within a few days after the procedure.
Q: Is the GAE procedure covered by health insurance?
A: Yes. GAE for knee pain is covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare. To learn more about coverage for GAE, contact our office or your insurance provider.
