Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

A minimally invasive outpatient procedure to relieve chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis—or post-operative knee bleeding—without surgery. found in the legs. These veins develop when faulty valves in the veins allow blood to pool in the leg veins. These veins can appear enlarged, swollen, twisting and blue or purple in color. Patients may experience symptoms such as aching, heaviness, fatigue in the legs, swelling in the ankles, calves or thighs, and spider veins. Some patients with advanced disease may experience skin discoloration, itching and pain in the legs as well as venous wounds which may have delayed healing.

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a safe, image-guided technique where tiny particles (microspheres) are delivered via catheter into the genicular arteries around the knee. This interrupts abnormal blood vessel growth and inflammation that drive osteoarthritis pain or recurrent hemarthrosis in post‑surgical knees

What to Expect During the Procedure

Preparation: Performed under local anesthesia, often with mild sedation. Patients remain awake.
Approach: A small puncture is made in the wrist or groin (radial or femoral artery). A catheter is navigated under real-time imaging to the vessels supplying the knee.
Embolization: Microspheres are injected into targeted genicular vessels to restrict blood flow fueling inflammation
Duration & Setting: The procedure takes approximately 1 to 2 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients return home the same day.
Recovery: Mild discomfort or bruising is normal. Patients usually walk later the same day and can resume most daily activities within 1 to 2 days

Benefits of GAE

Effective Pain Relief: Clinical studies show significant reduction in pain scores (e.g. VAS, WOMAC), along with improved knee function and mobility
Non-Surgical Alternative: Ideal for those unresponsive to medications, physical therapy, or injections—and those wishing to delay or avoid knee replacement.
Rapid Recovery: Same‑day return home, and minimal downtime compared to surgical options.
Durable Results: Multiple trials report sustained pain relief and enhanced quality of life at medium-term follow-up

Are You a Candidate?

You may qualify for GAE if you:

Criteria	Details
Diagnosis	Moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis or recurrent bleeding in a replaced knee.
Symptoms	Persistent knee pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced mobility inadequately managed by conservative therapies (NSAIDs, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections).
Treatment Goals	Desire to relieve pain and improve function without surgery—or are not ideal surgical candidates.
Health Considerations	Suitable vascular and overall health profile as assessed by our interventional team.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’re coping with painful knee osteoarthritis or recurrent bleeding after knee surgery—and conventional treatments haven’t provided lasting relief—Douglas Vascular Institute offers a minimally invasive alternative with GAE. Contact our office today to learn whether you’re a good candidate.