Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce chronic knee pain caused by degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Unlike traditional treatments for chronic knee pain like medication, physical therapy, or surgery, GAE takes a targeted approach to reduce inflammation by restricting blood flow to a specific area of the knee.
If you have degenerative knee pain, your doctor may recommend embolization as a treatment option and refer you to an interventional radiologist. If you have a referral or are just interested in learning more about genicular artery embolization, please call 617-732-7240 to schedule a clinic visit.
During your initial consultation, the radiologist will:
If a GAE is recommended, you’ll have blood tests to ensure your body can safely process the contrast dye used during the procedure. Your care team will schedule the embolization, and provide instructions on how to prepare and what to expect during your recovery.
Embolization refers to the blockage of a blood vessel. At the Brigham, GAE is conducted by an interventional radiologist using advanced imaging technology.
The procedure usually takes one to two hours and is done under local anesthesia with light sedation. After the procedure, patients are monitored in the recovery room for approximately 6 hours. Most patients go home the same day. Knee soreness typically lingers for three to five days. If both knees require GAE, the procedures are scheduled separately to allow proper recovery.
GAE may be a good option if you have chronic knee pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments like physical therapy, pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, or steroid injections. It’s also an option for people with arthritis who want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery due to personal preference, age, or other medical conditions.
GAE is a treatment option for patients who are considered too high-risk for knee replacement surgery.
GAE is an outpatient procedure which allows for a short recovery time. Other benefits of genicular artery embolization include:
If knee pain returns, patients may consider additional treatment options, including a second GAE or knee replacement surgery. Having a GAE does not limit you from pursuing other treatments.
Like any medical procedure, GAE carries some risks. However, it is generally considered a safe and minimally invasive option for managing chronic knee pain. Potential risks of GAE include:
GAE targets the blood vessels contributing to inflammation in the knee, leaving surrounding structures unharmed.
The embolic agents used in GAE are highly localized and block blood flow only to small branches of arteries, while preserving the main arteries that supply surrounding knee tissues. This helps to minimize risk of injury to bone or other tissues.
You can watch this video from Yan Epelboym, MD, MPH, interventional radiologist and GAE specialist at the Brigham, for more information on the procedure: Genicular Artery Embolization in the Treatment of Knee Pain
Additionally, the following research from Dr. Epelboym provides more information on the procedure:
Genicular artery embolization is an innovative, minimally invasive approach to treating osteoarthritis of the knee. It is an effective therapy for those seeking relief from debilitating knee pain. Board-certified interventional radiologists at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are high-volume performers of various types of vascular procedures, including artery embolization for knee pain. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to manage complex cases, providing a range of treatment options that improve the lives of patients throughout the world.
With 47,000 outpatient visits each year, the Brigham & Women’s Hospital Heart & Vascular Center is one of the largest in the United States. The center treats over 7,000 inpatients and performs more than 8,000 procedures annually at our state-of-the-art.
The Heart & Vascular Center is located in the Shapiro building, across the street from BWH’s main 75 Francis Street entrance. The Center brings together the full range of services in one location, fostering seamless and coordinated care for all cardiovascular patients.
If you are having a GAE procedure, your first appointment will be a virtual visit or an in-person visit at the Watkins Clinic in the Shapiro Center.
The day of your procedure, your care will be provided by interventional radiologists and nurses who specialize in vascular procedures. Afterwards, you will recover in the post-surgical care unit where you will receive comprehensive care delivered by our experienced staff.
During your procedure family and friends can wait in the Shapiro Family Center.
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