6 Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization

Chronic knee pain, especially from osteoarthritis, can dramatically affect your quality of life, limiting mobility and everyday activities. At American Knee Pain Centers, our board-certified interventional radiologists leverage years of experience to provide comprehensive knee pain treatment tailored to each patient’s needs. We are dedicated to offering advanced, minimally invasive treatments that deliver lasting relief and help restore your mobility. One of the procedures we specialize in is genicular artery embolization (GAE), a breakthrough solution for managing knee pain without surgery. In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of GAE, guiding you in determining whether it’s the right treatment to help you regain control of your life.

1. Minimally Invasive Procedure

One of GAE’s most significant benefits is that it’s a minimally invasive procedure. Traditional treatments for chronic knee pain, such as knee replacement surgery, are highly invasive, requiring long recovery periods and carrying risks like infection and blood clots. GAE, on the other hand, is performed through a small incision in the upper thigh, where a catheter is guided into the genicular arteries (the blood vessels supplying the knee). The procedure involves blocking these vessels to reduce inflammation without the need for open surgery. For patients who are not candidates for surgery or wish to avoid it, GAE provides a safer, less invasive option to reduce knee pain.

2. Shorter Recovery Time

Recovery from GAE is much faster than traditional surgery, such as a knee replacement. Given that knee replacement surgery is more invasive, patients often face a lengthy recovery period of six months to a year. While they may return to some normal activities after about six weeks, full recovery can take much longer. Since GAE is minimally invasive, there’s no need for extensive rehabilitation or prolonged hospital stays. Most patients are able to go home the same day and return to their usual activities within one to two weeks after the procedure. For those with busy lives, work commitments, or those who can’t afford long periods of downtime, the short recovery period makes GAE an ideal treatment option. 

3. Fewer Risks and Side Effects

Since GAE is minimally invasive, it comes with fewer risks and side effects compared to traditional surgical options. There’s no need for general anesthesia—only local anesthesia is used to numb the area where the catheter is inserted. The risk of complications such as infection, blood clots, or nerve damage is also significantly lower than with surgical procedures. Patients who have underlying health conditions or concerns about the risks of surgery may find GAE to be a safer and more attractive alternative, reducing the stress associated with undergoing surgery.

4. Significant Knee Pain Relief

One of the main reasons people turn to GAE is for immediate and long-lasting pain relief. The procedure specifically targets the areas of the knee with increased blood flow, which is associated with inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis. By reducing blood flow to the inflamed regions, GAE can significantly reduce the sensation of pain. Many patients report experiencing pain relief within days or weeks of the procedure, allowing them to resume activities they once found difficult due to knee discomfort.

5. Improved Knee Function and Range of Motion

Many patients report not only pain relief but also an improvement in their knee mobility and functionality following GAE. Reduced pain often leads to increased physical activity, allowing individuals to strengthen the muscles around the knee and regain flexibility. This improved movement can have a ripple effect, enhancing overall joint health and mobility. Being able to move more freely without pain is a significant benefit for those suffering from osteoarthritis or joint stiffness. GAE can help people return to activities they’ve given up, such as walking, climbing stairs, or exercising.

6. Symptom Improvement for 1 to 3 Years

GAE is also gaining attention for its long-lasting effects in managing osteoarthritis. Patients experience significant pain relief and symptom improvement for at least 1 to 3 years after the procedure. Although GAE isn’t a permanent solution, it can significantly delay or eliminate the need for more invasive surgeries like knee replacement. Unlike cortisone shots, which offer only temporary relief and must be repeated every few months, GAE provides longer-lasting results, making it a more appealing option for those looking for an effective treatment option.

Get Knee Pain Relief with Genicular Artery Embolization

Genicular artery embolization is an innovative and effective treatment for chronic knee pain, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis. With its minimally invasive approach, minimal recovery time, significant pain relief, and fewer risks, GAE is quickly becoming a go-to option for those looking to improve their knee health without the invasiveness of surgery.If you’re struggling with knee pain and want to explore less invasive options, GAE may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Schedule an online appointment with American Knee Pain Centers or call us today to see one of our affiliated knee pain specialists in New York or New Jersey. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the personalized care and innovative treatments you need to regain your mobility and improve your quality of life. Don’t wait any longer—contact us today!