January 20, 2025
The genicular artery embolisation procedure is relatively swift, with minimal recovery time, aimed at reducing inflammation in knees affected by osteoarthritis. By alleviating inflammation, it helps decrease pain, stiffness, and swelling, thereby enhancing your overall quality of life.
To help you prepare for your treatment, learn more about GAE and how it works, including a deep dive into the procedure process. We also answer some frequently asked questions about GAE.
How does genicular artery embolisation work?
The arterial system is used to access the femoral artery without surgery.
During a genicular artery embolisation, a small incision is made, typically in the groin area, to give the interventional radiologist access to the femoral artery. The femoral artery is a large blood vessel that provides oxygenated blood flow to the lower extremities and partly to the lower anterior abdominal wall. This allows the interventional radiologist to insert a catheter into the artery, then using real-time x-ray imaging (known as fluoroscopy) to guide the catheter through the arterial system to the genicular arteries.
The genicular arteries are 6 arteries in the leg around the knee joint, which provide blood flow to the knee. A contrast agent may also be injected to allow the interventional radiologist to see and navigate the blood vessels clearer.
Embolic agents help block blood flow.
With the catheter in place at the genicular arteries, the interventional radiologist will inject embolic agents into the catheter. Embolic agents are tiny particles that block blood vessels to stop blood flow to a specific area. By blocking the flow of blood, inflammation is significantly reduced in the treatment area, which in the case of genicular artery embolisation, is the knee.
There are a number of embolic agents, including balloons, gelatin foam, liquid glue, liquid sclerosing agents, metallic coils and particulate agents. Which is used depends on the type of embolisation treatment and vessels being restricted. The agents used in GAE are described as tiny beads that restrict the flow of blood.
Reduced inflammation helps ease pain.
By reducing inflammation in the knee, GAE can be used to help treat pain, reduce swelling and enhance mobility. When inflammation is activated, inflammatory cytokines are released, which damages the nerve tissue and nerve cells, then triggering a nerve inflammation response. This sends a pain signal to the brain. It can also make the joint stiff, decreasing range of motion and causing further discomfort. This can all be aided with the use of GAE.
Frequently asked questions about GAE for knee pain.
How many GAE treatments do I need to reduce knee pain?
GAE can provide significant, long-term pain relief for knee pain for up to 12 to 24 months with one treatment. You may be able to have repeat treatments in the future, if needed, and advised by a medical professional.
What does embolisation feel like?
Before your genicular artery embolisation procedure, a numbing agent will be applied to the incision site. You may feel brief discomfort when the anaesthesia needle is inserted. However, you should not feel any pain or discomfort during GAE treatment. After your treatment, you may feel some discomfort or minor pain around your incision site. This can be managed with pain medication. You should also be mindful of resting, and limiting going up and down stairs following treatment to reduce pain and discomfort.
When should I contact a doctor after genicular artery embolisation?
You will have a scheduled consultation after genicular artery embolisation (GAE) to assess your progress and post-treatment condition. However, you should contact your doctor after a GAE procedure if you experience a high fever, bleeding at the incision site or excessive, irregular pain.
Is GAE the Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment For You?
GAE can help many people, but not everyone. Before treatment, your doctor and interventional radiologist will assess if you’re a candidate for treatment, including if you:
- Have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
- Are seeking a non-surgical knee pain treatment.
- Have been unsuccessful or displeased with other treatment options.
- Are not a candidate for knee replacement surgery.
- Do not have significant joint deformities or need cartilage replacement.
If you believe GAE is the right option for you, please do not hesitate to contact us to book a consultation.
