GAE – Genicular Artery Embolization

GAE Treatment in Flint

Chronic knee pain can limit your mobility, disrupt your sleep, and keep you from the activities you enjoy. For people living with knee osteoarthritis (OA), treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections provide only temporary relief. When these options stop working, knee replacement surgery is often presented as the next step, yet many patients are not ready for surgery or are not good candidates for it.

At the Vascular Institute of Michigan in Flint, we offer a proven alternative called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). This minimally invasive, outpatient treatment targets inflammation inside the knee joint, which is the primary source of ongoing pain for most OA patients. GAE provides long-lasting relief without hospital stays, long recovery periods, or the risks associated with major surgery.

If knee pain is controlling your daily life, VIM provides an option that helps you move comfortably again while preserving your natural joint.

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is an advanced, image-guided procedure that helps reduce chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis and other forms of degenerative knee pain. Instead of focusing only on surface symptoms, GAE treats the underlying problem, which is excessive blood flow and inflammation around the knee joint.

During the procedure, a vascular specialist creates a tiny skin puncture and uses real-time X-ray imaging to guide a small catheter into the genicular arteries that supply the knee. Microscopic particles are then introduced to decrease abnormal blood flow and calm the inflamed tissues responsible for persistent pain.

Quick Relief

Minimal Recovery, Long Lasting. The GAE procedure itself usually takes about 60-90 minutes. Time in the recovery room is about 1-2 hours.

Non-surgical

GAE is a non-surgical procedure. No scalpels are involved. Treatment is delivered through a small needle puncture at the groin or near the foot.

Outpatient

GAE is done in a convenient office setting. There is no hospital stay and you will return home the same day.

Minimal Side Effects

GAE is an extremely safe procedure. Less than 30% of patients may experience temporary skin redness or irritation that goes away with time.

Watch How GAE Works

Limitations of Traditional Knee Pain Treatments

Knee osteoarthritis is often treated with injections, medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. These options may help temporarily, but they do not address the inflammation inside the joint, which is the real source of ongoing pain. As a result, many patients cycle through therapies that help for a short time but don’t last.

When conservative care stops working, total knee replacement is usually recommended. However, most patients with knee pain are not good candidates for surgery. In fact, 5 out of 7 people seeking knee pain relief cannot undergo knee replacement because of age, medical concerns, or personal preference. This leaves many individuals with severe pain and no viable surgical option. For these patients, GAE provides a minimally invasive alternative that targets inflammation and offers lasting relief.

Why Consider GAE Knee Pain Treatment

  • 90% of patients report significant pain reduction
  • Minimally invasive with no large incisions or general anesthesia
  • Outpatient procedure, go home the same day
  • Performed in our Flint vascular clinic, not a hospital
  • Fast recovery with a return to normal activities in a few days
  • Delays or avoids the need for total knee replacement
  • Ideal for patients with surgical risks or limited treatment options

Are You a Candidate for a Genicular Artery Embolization?

Answer the following questions to see if you may be a candidate for minimally-invasive Genicular Artery Embolization procedure.

Do you experience knee pain?

In the Past 48 hours,

How would you describe the pain in your knee?

In the Past 48 hours,

How much stiffness have you had in your knee?

In the Past 48 hours,

How much of an effect has your knee had on physical activity?

You May Qualify for a Minimally Invasive Genicular Artery Embolization.

Thanks for taking the quiz. Your responses indicate you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive GAE procedure (Genicular Artery Embolization) and you should be scheduled for a consultation with one of our doctors or nurse practitioners at VIP. Please leave your information, and someone from our office will be calling you within 24 hours to follow up with some additional information and to see if you should come in for a consultation.

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Can we text you about your request? *
We’ll only use your number for relevant updates and appointment coordination

Why Choose VIM for GAE Treatment?

Choosing the right provider plays a major role in your outcome. At the Vascular Institute of Michigan, your care is delivered by board-certified endovascular specialists with extensive experience treating knee osteoarthritis.

Leaders in Nonsurgical Joint Pain Treatment

Our vascular doctors specialize in treating joint pain through minimally invasive, image-guided procedures.

Outpatient Convenience

GAE is done in our state-of-the-art outpatient vascular center using minimal sedation, so you can go home the same day.

Compassionate, Patient-Focused Care

We believe in clear communication, education, and support throughout your entire treatment journey.

Take the Next Step Toward Lasting Knee Pain Relief

Chronic knee pain doesn’t have to control your life. If conservative treatments are no longer helping and surgery is not the right choice for you, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be the solution you have been searching for.

Call the Vascular Institute of Michigan in Flint today to learn whether GAE is right for you.