Why Genicular Artery Embolization Has a Nearly Perfect Success Rate

Knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) changes your life. It dictates where you go, what you do, and how you do it. 

When it feels as though you’ve tried every possible remedy short of surgery and nothing works, there’s still hope. 

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a groundbreaking nonsurgical option. Performed by our skilled team at Minimally Invasive Medical Group, GAE alleviates pain and has an outstanding success rate. 

Here’s a look at this innovative procedure and the reasons behind its nearly perfect track record.

What is genicular artery embolization (GAE)?

GAE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that treats knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It targets your knee’s enlarged and abnormal blood vessels — a significant reason behind your joint inflammation and pain. 

During GAE, we insert a specialized catheter into the arteries supplying the knee. Then, tiny particles travel through the catheter to block the inflamed blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the affected area and decreasing inflammation and pain.

Clinical studies show GAE’s impressive outcomes. According to research published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, the procedure boasts a 99.7% technical success rate. Fewer than 10% of patients require retreatment, and adverse effects are minimal.

Why does GAE work so well?

GAE’s remarkable success lies in its targeted approach to OA symptoms and precision. Here are some of the factors that contribute to its high effectiveness.

1. Targets the source of knee pain

A primary culprit of OA pain is synovitis — the inflammation of the synovial membrane surrounding the knee joint. 

Synovial inflammation leads to abnormal blood vessel formation, exacerbating inflammation. By embolizing these vessels, GAE disrupts the inflammatory cycle, directly addressing the source of pain rather than just masking it with temporary solutions like oral medication or injections.

Studies have demonstrated significant pain reduction following GAE. For instance, research shows that over 90% of patients experience clinically meaningful pain relief within 12 months.

2. Minimizes invasive interventions

Unlike total knee replacement, GAE doesn’t require large incisions, general anesthesia, or lengthy recovery times. 

Instead, it leverages cutting-edge imaging techniques to access the artery through tiny incisions, lowering surgical risks such as infection, blood clots, and lengthy rehabilitation.

If you have comorbidities or limited mobility, GAE provides an effective alternative. 

3. Provides lasting pain relief

While many conservative treatments for OA — such as physical therapy, NSAIDs, and steroid injections — provide only temporary relief, GAE offers lasting results. 

Studies indicate that the procedure delivers relief for up to 24 months, potentially bridging the gap between conservative treatments and eventual surgical needs.

Additionally, people with high baseline pain scores often experience the most dramatic improvements.

4. Customizable and precise treatment

Our advanced techniques use moving X-rays that allow for ultra-precision you won’t get with other OA treatments. We customize your procedure to your unique anatomy and symptoms. 

Using real-time imaging, our interventional radiologists precisely identify your inflamed arteries and embolize only the targeted areas, ensuring that healthy tissues remain unaffected.

5. A low-risk option

GAE’s safety is one of the key reasons behind its rising popularity. The most common side effect is mild and temporary skin discoloration, which occurs in only 11.6% of patients. Severe complications are extremely rare.

If you’re older or don’t qualify for surgery due to preexisting health conditions, GAE may be the solution you’ve been seeking.

Over the past decade, a growing body of evidence from renowned institutions such as NYU Langone Health has underscored GAE’s clinical benefits. Patients report significant improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life, often exceeding outcomes achieved with intra-articular injections or medications.

If you’ve been dealing with debilitating knee OA and need relief, call Minimally Invasive Medical Group in Lake Forest, Irvine, or Mission Viejo, California, or book an appointment online to discover whether you’re a good candidate for GAE.