BY MAYFAIR DIAGNOSTICS

Musculoskeletal Interventions

GENICULATE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION

Geniculate artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure to reduce chronic knee pain from arthritis. A doctor uses a tiny tube inserted through the groin, threads it to the blood vessels around the knee using x-ray guidance. 

  • OVERVIEW

Geniculate artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to help reduce chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. During the procedure, a doctor inserts a small catheter through an artery in the groin and guides it to the blood vessels surrounding the knee using X-ray imaging.

Tiny particles are then delivered into specific geniculate arteries that contribute to inflammation in the knee. By reducing blood flow to these areas, GAE can help decrease inflammation and relieve pain without the need for major surgery.

Who it’s for:

  • People with long-term knee pain from osteoarthritis who haven’t had enough relief from medicines, injections, physical therapy, or other non-surgical treatments
  • Patients who want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
  • Those with recurrent knee pain caused by persistent bleeding into the joint.
  • BENEFITS
  • Can reduce pain and improve ability to walk and do daily activities
  • Performed through a small skin puncture, usually with light sedation, often same-day recovery
  • Shorter recovery and fewer risks than open surgery
  • RISKS
  • Bruising or bleeding where the tube was inserted
  • Temporary increased pain, infection, or allergic reaction
  • Rarely, damage to nearby tissues or unintended blockage of other vessels

Book or inquire about this procedure

Mayfair’s interventional radiologists perform general IR procedures at Rockyview General Hospital and interventional vascular procedures at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary.

Book a Producedure