Estera of Northeast Pennsylvania
Center for Veins and Joints

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

Our Embolization Services:

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure used to treat chronic knee pain, most often caused by osteoarthritis (OA). It works by reducing abnormal blood flow to the inflamed areas of the knee joint, which helps decrease pain, swelling, and stiffness, all without the need for open surgery or joint replacement.

How It Works

During GAE, the Estera radiologist uses advanced imaging guidance to access the genicular arteries, which are the small blood vessels that supply the knee joint.

A tiny catheter (thinner than a piece of spaghetti) is inserted through a small puncture, usually in the groin or wrist. Microscopic beads are then delivered into the targeted arteries to block abnormal blood flow feeding the inflamed tissue. This helps reduce inflammation and interrupt pain signals, promoting natural healing and relief.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation; no general anesthesia or stitches are required.

Benefits of GAE
  • Minimally invasive – No large incisions or hospital stay
  • Rapid recovery – Most patients return to normal activity within days
  • Pain relief without surgery – Helps patients who aren’t candidates for or wish to avoid knee replacement
  • Improved mobility – Reduces stiffness and enhances walking ability
  • Long-lasting results – Studies show significant and sustained pain relief for many patients
Who Is a Candidate

GAE may be an excellent option if you:

  • Have moderate to severe knee pain from osteoarthritis
  • Have not found relief from medications, physical therapy or injections
  • Are not ready or not a candidate for knee replacement surgery
  • Want to reduce knee pain and improve quality of life with a low-risk, outpatient procedure

What to Expect

GAE typically takes 1–2 hours, and most patients go home the same day. You may experience mild soreness or bruising for a few days, but pain relief often begins within one to two weeks, continuing to improve over several months.

Next Steps

At Estera, our interventional specialists use advanced imaging technology to perform Genicular Artery Embolization with precision and comfort. If you suffer from persistent knee pain and want to avoid surgery, schedule a consultation today to learn if GAE is right for you.

1. Recovery and Healing

Your recovery depends on the type of treatment you receive:

After a minimally invasive procedure (such as angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy):

Most patients use our same-day in-house treatment and go home afterward. You may notice relief from leg pain within days as blood flow improves. Mild soreness or bruising at the incision site is normal and should be resolved within a week.

2. Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure your arteries stay open and healthy. These visits may include:

  • Ultrasound or vascular imaging to check blood flow
  • Medication review and adjustments to prevent new blockages
  • Wound checks if you had an incision or ulcer prior to treatment

The Estera team monitors your progress closely and works with you to keep your circulation strong.

3. Lifestyle and Long-Term Management

Successful treatment is just the beginning. To maintain the results and prevent recurrence, you’ll be encouraged to:

  • Stop smoking completely – this is the single most crucial step you can take
  • Exercise regularly, especially walking, to strengthen your leg muscles and improve blood flow
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
  • Manage underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol
4. When to Call Your Doctor

Contact us right away if you experience:

  • New or worsening leg pain or numbness
  • Swelling, redness, or drainage at the incision site
  • Fever, chills, or sudden color changes in your foot or toes

Prompt attention helps prevent complications and keeps your recovery on track.

5. Moving Forward

Most patients experience significant improvement in walking distance, energy, and quality of life after treatment. Our team remains your long-term partner in vascular health, helping you stay active, independent, and pain-free.

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