Procedure

Genicular artery embolization.

A minimally invasive option for knee osteoarthritis pain that injections no longer control, in patients not ready for replacement.

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What it is

In an osteoarthritic knee, the inflamed lining of the joint develops abnormal new blood vessels. Those vessels feed ongoing inflammation and are associated with the pain. Genicular artery embolization reduces that abnormal blood supply.

The procedure is done through a small puncture, usually at the wrist or groin. A thin catheter is guided to the arteries supplying the inflamed part of the knee, and tiny particles are delivered to reduce flow through the abnormal vessels while sparing the normal blood supply. The knee is never opened.

GAE is aimed at a specific gap: people with knee osteoarthritis whose pain is no longer controlled by injections, who are not ready for a knee replacement, or who are not good candidates for one. It targets the pain, not the cartilage — we will not tell you it reverses arthritis.

Candidates

Who this is for

  • Knee osteoarthritis with pain despite injections and conservative treatment
  • Patients wanting to delay a knee replacement
  • Patients who are not surgical candidates
  • Persistent pain and inflammation after knee replacement, in selected cases

How it works

The appointment, step by step.

  1. 01

    Before

    You will have imaging of the knee and a discussion about whether your pattern of arthritis fits the procedure. Blood thinners may need adjusting.

  2. 02

    During

    Local anaesthetic at the puncture site and light sedation. A catheter is guided under X-ray to the genicular arteries and the embolic material delivered. Typically one to two hours.

  3. 03

    After

    Home the same day in most cases. Some knee soreness and occasionally small areas of skin discolouration over the following days, which settle.

  4. 04

    Over the following months

    Improvement is gradual as inflammation reduces. Most reported benefit accrues over one to three months.

Questions about this procedure

Does this cure arthritis?
No. It targets the inflammation and abnormal blood supply that contribute to pain. The cartilage change remains. What it can do is reduce pain enough to keep you active, which is a legitimate goal in its own right.
Will it stop me needing a replacement?
It may delay it, and for some people it is enough for a long time. It is not a guaranteed alternative to surgery and we will not present it as one.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies and is evolving. We will verify your specific plan and tell you where you stand before anything is scheduled.

Eliminate pain and reclaim your life.

Request an appointment with Dr. Loch, or call the office at (904) 750-3787. Most patients are seen within a week.

Request an appointment