Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure offered at VIR Chicago. It targets small blood vessels (the genicular arteries) supplying the lining of the knee joint. By injecting tiny embolic particles through a catheter, GAE reduces abnormal blood flow and inflammation in the knee - the underlying drivers of pain in many cases.
Because the procedure does not remove bone or tissue and is performed under local anesthesia with a small catheter puncture (often via the groin or wrist), it avoids the trauma, long hospital stay, and extended recovery associated with traditional knee surgery.
Conditions Treated with GAE
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common indication. Chronic knee pain from OA often results from synovial inflammation and the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization) within the joint. GAE interrupts this pathological blood supply, addressing the source of pain.
Chronic, Treatment-Resistant Knee Pain: GAE is especially beneficial for patients who have not found relief from conservative therapies such as physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections.
Patients Wishing to Avoid or Delay Knee Replacement: GAE is a valuable alternative option for individuals who are not ready for joint replacement, are not good surgical candidates, or simply wish to preserve their native knee joint.
Other Knee-Joint Inflammatory Conditions: Although OA is the main indication, GAE has also been used in contexts such as recurrent hemarthrosis after knee replacement.
What to Expect: The GAE Procedure
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis by an interventional radiologist using real-time imaging (fluoroscopy).
A thin catheter is inserted, typically via a small puncture in the groin (or sometimes the wrist). The catheter is navigated to the genicular arteries supplying the knee.
Once the catheter is in place, tiny embolic particles (microspheres) are injected to selectively block abnormal blood vessels. This reduces excessive blood flow, decreasing inflammation, swelling, and the nerve irritation that causes pain.
The procedure typically lasts about 1–2 hours. Patients are generally discharged the same day and can begin resuming normal activities within 1–2 days.
Benefits and Outcomes
Pain Relief and Improved Knee Function: Clinical studies report that GAE significantly reduces pain (assessed by standard scales such as VAS and WOMAC) and improves knee mobility and function, often within weeks of the procedure.
Durable Relief for Many Patients: For many, the benefits last for months - in some cases 6–12 months or longer.
Faster Recovery Compared to Surgery: Because GAE does not require incisions in joint tissue or bone, patients avoid extended hospital stays, lengthy rehabilitation, and the risk profile of joint replacement.
Delays or Avoids Joint Replacement: For patients reluctant or ineligible for knee replacement, or whose OA is not yet advanced enough for surgery, GAE offers a joint-preserving alternative.
Lower Risk and Minimal Invasiveness: The procedure is generally well tolerated, with a low incidence of major complications. Most adverse effects are minor and transient.
Who Is a Good Candidate
Good candidates typically:
- Are adults (often 30+)
- Experience moderate-to-severe knee pain from osteoarthritis (or related inflammatory conditions), with symptoms unresponsive to conservative therapy (medication, physical therapy, injections)
- Prefer non-surgical treatment or are not suitable candidates for surgery (due to age, comorbidities, or personal preference) or wish to defer joint replacement for as long as possible
Key Points:
- Conditions treated: knee osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain, inflammatory joint conditions
- Techniques: catheter insertion, arterial embolization with microspheres
- Goals: reduce knee pain, improve mobility, avoid or delay surgery
- Expertise: advanced, minimally invasive procedures
Treatment: At VIR Chicago, our board-certified Interventional Radiologists offer GAE as part of a comprehensive knee-joint care program which is combining imaging expertise, minimally invasive techniques, and personalized patient selection. GAE is an ideal option for patients seeking effective relief from knee osteoarthritis pain, who wish to avoid or defer knee replacement surgery, or who have not found lasting benefit from non-surgical treatments.
Choosing VIR Chicago for Genicular Artery Embolization means benefiting from our commitment to cutting-edge medical technology and compassionate patient care. If you suffer from chronic knee pain and want to explore whether GAE could be right for you, contact us for a consultation and personalized evaluation.
