How Does Genicular Artery Embolization Work?

Knee pain leads more adults in the United States to a doctor than any other musculoskeletal issue, and osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the main causes.

Knee arthritis symptoms can make going about your daily life difficult, interfering with everything from beneficial exercise to restful sleep. If more conservative treatments haven’t sufficed, you may be a good candidate for genicular artery embolization (GAE).

With his expert team at Midtown Manhattan practice, double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. Yosef Golowa provides GAE as a minimally invasive way to get back to a fuller, more comfortable life while managing osteoarthritis.

Take a few moments to learn about genicular artery embolization, including how it works in addition to its benefits.

How osteoarthritis affects your knees

Osteoarthritis is known as a “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis because it stems from joints breaking down as they rub together repeatedly over time. While you can develop OA in almost any joint, the knee is the most common. Genetics, injuries, and obesity can play a role, too. 

Knee arthritis symptoms tend to flare up after age 40, and often include:

• Knee pain and tenderness
• Knee stiffness
• Swelling of the knee
• Knee buckling up or instability (feeling “wobbly”)

Knee OA tends to worsen over time, especially without lifestyle changes or medical treatment.

How GAE for knee arthritis works

Treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee aim to slow down the progression of the disease while minimizing your discomfort. Initial treatments may include a knee brace,  pain medication, and physical therapy.

Genicular artery embolization provides an option for moderate to severe osteoarthritis and symptoms that don’t respond well to other treatments. GAE blocks blood flow to your knee’s lining, making way for significantly less inflammation. In addition, reduced inflammation means less pain, stiffness, and instability. 

What happens during the GAE procedure

Before your GAE procedure, Dr. Golowa provides twilight sedation to keep you calm and sleepy. While you remain conscious, you may not remember much about the procedure afterward. 

During GAE, which takes about an hour, Dr. Golowa inserts a catheter into an artery in your upper leg. Then, guiding with X-ray images, he places tiny gel particles into the artery that fuels your knee lining to interrupt blood flow. 

Because GAE is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day. Within two weeks, you should notice improved symptoms. Individual results vary, but many people experience marked OA relief that lasts for 12 months or longer. 

To find out if GAE is the right osteoarthritis treatment for you or learn more about the procedure, call our office today. You can also book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website.