Vascular Institute of Michigan – If you are one of the millions of Americans experiencing chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis, you understand the impact it has on quality of life and your ability to participate in daily activities. Although traditional treatments such as pain medications and surgery sometimes offer relief, these methods are not always successful and come with risks like addiction and further complications. For patients looking for a safe and effective alternative, an innovative procedure called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be the right choice. Unlike traditional surgeries that are invasive and require extended time for recovery, GAE is a minimally invasive approach that reduces inflammation and pain by focusing on the small arteries surrounding the knee joint.  Whether you’ve been battling chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis with no results or have been recently diagnosed and are exploring your options, here are 8 benefits of GAE for knee pain at Vascular Institute of Michigan.

8 Benefits OF GAE For Knee Pain | Important Things To Know

• Minimally Invasive

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it does not require large incisions or lengthy recovery times common with total knee replacement and other traditional surgeries.

The GAE procedure only involves a small incision to insert a catheter into blood vessels in the knee. A solution of microscopic particles is then injected into the arteries, which will limit blood flow to the knee and reduce inflammation. With the GAE procedure, surrounding tissues are not impacted, pain and recovery is minimal, and the risk for complications is minor.

• Meaningful Results

Chronic knee pain from conditions like osteoarthritis make it difficult for people to engage in the activities they love, greatly diminishing quality of life. GAE is a leading edge alternative to surgery that is not only safe, but also delivers meaningful results that are not always possible with conservative treatments like medications and physical therapy.

As soon as the next day following the procedure, most patients can expect less swelling, improved comfort, and lasting improvement.

• Greater Mobility and Function

The primary objective of most people struggling with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis is improving mobility and function. Movements as simple as walking or using stairs can be challenging for people with osteoarthritis. By reducing inflammation and improving pain, GAE is highly effective in making it easier for patients to get around and even return to their favorite physical activities.

• Keep Join Structure Intact

Most treatments and surgeries for chronic knee pain are designed to alter the structure of the knee joint, leading to long term complications. As a minimally invasive procedure, GAE keeps the natural structure of the knee intact, including surrounding tissues and ligaments, by focusing solely on blood flow and inflammation in the joint.

• Fewer Complications

Any medical procedure comes with at least some risk for complications. But because GAE for knee pain is minimally invasive, only requiring a minor incision and no need for general anesthesia, complications are minimal. Patients may experience minor pain at the incision site, as well as some swelling or bruising.

However, these side effects are only temporary and patients are able to return to work and normal activities as soon as the next day.

• Effective for Most People

Unlike traditional surgeries for chronic knee pain that may not be suitable for older adults or people with other health concerns, GAE is generally suitable for most people. It is particularly promising for those who have not responded to other treatments, such as pain medications and physical therapy, and are looking for alternatives to surgery.

Because GAE for knee pain is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia/sedation, it is also an excellent choice for those who are unable to tolerate general anesthesia.

• Long-Term Relief

Traditional treatments for chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis typically do not target the root of the problem and only offer temporary relief. This means a never ending cycle of medications, injections, and physical therapy.

GAE offers a safe, long-lasting alternative by targeting blood flow in the knee that causes pain and inflammation. Most patients experience improved pain relief and function as soon as the next day, which often lasts for several years following the procedure. If your pain returns, GAE can be repeated without increasing your risk for complications.

• Fast Recovery

Another significant benefit of the GAE procedure is its fast recovery time compared to traditional surgical procedures. Because this is an outpatient procedure, patients are able to go home the same day and are able to resume normal activities as soon as the next day. This also means long-term rehabilitation or physical therapy common with invasive knee surgery is not required.

If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, have not found meaningful pain relief with conservative treatments, and are looking for alternatives to invasive surgery, it may be time to consider Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). Whether it’s being minimally invasive with few side effects, the fast recovery time, or the long-lasting results, this procedure offers many benefits that make it an attractive alternative to conventional treatments. To learn more about treatments for chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, including GAE, contact the Vascular Institute of Michigan today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does GAE work for knee pain even if I’ve already had surgery?

A: Yes. Most people who have had surgery for knee pain, such as osteoarthritis, are generally eligible for the GAE procedure. Contact the Vascular Institute of Michigan to learn more about eligibility and schedule a consultation.

Q: What is the success rate of Genicular Artery Embolization?

A: The GAE for knee pain procedure is highly effective in most patients. According to a 2023 study, the overall success rate for GAE is 99.7 percent.

Q: What is an artery embolization for knee pain?

A: An artery embolization for knee pain, also known as Genicular Artery Embolization, is a safe and highly effective minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic pain from osteoarthritis. Using a process called embolization, physicians are able to reduce inflammation and pain by blocking blood supply to the knee.