Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pain related to knee osteoarthritis. It is also used to treat recurrent bleeding into the joint after joint replacement. Continue reading to learn more about GAE and whether it could be right for you.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting joints like in the hips, hands, and knees. It occurs when the cartilage in the joint breaks down, allowing the bones to rub against each other during movement.
Osteoarthritis is common among adults 45 years and older, affecting over 32.5 million US adults.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis specifically include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Decreased mobility and range of motion
- Swelling/inflammation
- Buckling or locking of the joint
- Possible work, sleep, and mood disturbances
Common therapies to reduce OA-related symptoms include physical therapy and exercise, topical and oral pain medications, and joint injections. In the end-stage of OA, surgical treatment with a joint replacement may be necessary.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization, and who is eligible?
GAE provides an alternate, non-surgical treatment for pain in patients with moderate to severe knee OA.
GAE works by targeting the arteries that supply the painful knee. While OA has traditionally been thought of as a “wear and tear” process, it is now known that OA causes an inflammatory response in the joint. This inflammation leads to the growth of numerous, abnormal small arteries. GAE was developed to target these small, irregular arteries in order to stop the ongoing inflammation that causes pain.
GAE is indicated for patients with moderate to severe OA when non-surgical treatments (physical therapy, oral medications, or joint injections) do not work or have stopped working, and when OA is not severe enough to require joint replacement.
GAE can also be used to treat hemarthrosis (bleeding into the joint) after a knee replacement.
How is GAE performed?
At UVA, the GAE procedure is performed by interventional radiologists under moderate sedation that allows the patient to remain conscious. Small tubes, called catheters, are used to navigate to the blood vessels supplying the affected knee under live x-ray (fluoroscopy) guidance. Initial entry into the blood vessel system is through an artery in the groin. After navigating to the genicular arteries, which are the blood vessels supplying the knee, the branches are carefully treated with small, blood-flow blocking particles in a process called embolization.
Recovery from the procedure consists of a few hours of bedrest. Most patients are discharged home the same day as the procedure. Heavy lifting is avoided for a few days to reduce problems with the groin access site.
Patients are evaluated before and after the GAE procedure in the IR clinic. A history and physical examination are performed and additional tests (labs, x-ray, MRI, etc.) may be ordered. A baseline questionnaire may be completed to assess your pain, stiffness, and physical function. A clinical evaluation and the same questionnaire can be used in follow-up to gauge your response to the treatment.
About Genicular Artery Embolization at UVA Health
At UVA Health, we work with an interdisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including interventional radiologists and orthopedic surgeons, so that we can provide you the best range of potential treatments for your knee osteoarthritis.
You’ll have access to the latest advancements in GAE and a team dedicated to your comfort and recovery. Along with expert interventional radiologists, your care team includes experienced nurses, radiology technologists, and other staff.
For patients who want additional information or to schedule an appointment, call UVA Health Interventional Radiology at (434) 924-9401.
