Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
A minimally-invasive treatment option to help reduce your pain from knee osteoarthritis. Take the first step and learn more about this procedure at Vive Vascular.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint begins to break down, which can lead to swelling, stiffness, and discomfort in the knee area. This deterioration of cartilage often results in bone-on-bone rubbing, causing further pain and limiting mobility.
What are common risk factors for knee osteoarthritis?
What are the most common knee osteoarthritis symptoms?
1
Pain in the front, sides, or back of the knee joint.
This aching sensation increases with activity and decreases with rest.
2
Knee stiffness after rest or upon waking up.
Your knee could feel stiff and difficult to move initially, but it improves with gentle activity.
3
Knee swelling due to osteoarthritis inflammation.
The knee may appear puffy or feel warm to the touch.
4
Limited knee range of motion.
Restricted knee movement can impede bending or straightening the knee, reducing flexibility and mobility.
5
Grinding, crackling, or popping sensation when moving the knee joint.
This is known as crepitus and it is caused by caused by damaged cartilage rubbing against itself.
6
Knee weakness.
This lack of strength can impact stability and overall function.
7
Difficulty walking or performing daily activities.
It can become increasingly challenging to walk, climb stairs, or do knee-involved activities.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or suspect you may have knee osteoarthritis, we offer a highly effective minimally-invasive treatment option: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
What are the lifestyle impacts of knee osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the knee can greatly impact daily life, affecting mobility, physical activities, and overall well-being. Some common lifestyle impacts associated with knee osteoarthritis include: Reduced mobility: Limited knee movement Daily activity challenges: Tasks become difficult Work impact: Job performance is affected Exercise limitations: Restrictions on physical activity Weight management struggles: Challenges in maintaining a healthy weight Emotional well-being impact: Mental and emotional toll While knee osteoarthritis can significantly impact your day-to-day life, multiple treatment options exist, including medications, physical therapy, assistive devices, lifestyle changes, and both surgical and non-surgical procedures. One effective option is genicular arterial embolization (GAE), which is minimally invasive, reduces inflammation, and alleviates pain. Consult with our vascular physicians at Vive Vascular to determine the best treatment option for your knee osteoarthritis.
What are the endovascular or minimally-invasive treatment options for knee osteoarthritis?
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally-invasive procedure used to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects the knees. It provides an alternative treatment option for patients who are reluctant or ineligible for surgery.
Ideal candidates for GAE are individuals aged 40 to 80 experiencing moderate to severe symptomatic knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Research findings reveal that GAE has been remarkably successful in diminishing knee osteoarthritis symptoms for around two years in approximately 70% of patients.
During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted into the groin's femoral artery and guided to the genicular arteries using X-ray guidance. This process blocks or reduces blood flow using small particles, which helps to decrease inflammation and pain related to knee osteoarthritis. By regulating the blood supply to a more normal level, GAE can relieve pain, delay the need for knee replacement surgery, and alleviate symptoms caused by increased blood flow during the body's natural attempt to repair damaged cartilage and bone.
The GAE procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically under local anesthesia. After the treatment, patients are able to return home the same day, offering a viable and effective alternative for patients seeking relief from knee osteoarthritis without undergoing major surgical interventions.
Watch this video about Genicular Artery Embolization
What are the lifestyle advantages of genicular artery embolization (GAE) for osteoarthritis in your day-to-day life?
Patients who undergo Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) experience a significant reduction in knee osteoarthritis symptoms, positively impacting their quality of life. The potential benefits of GAE include:
Reduced pain: GAE alleviates knee pain by blocking or reducing blood flow to the genicular arteries, improving physical activities and daily tasks with less discomfort.
Improved mobility: GAE enhances knee joint range of motion by decreasing pain and inflammation, enabling individuals to engage in activities previously limited by pain or stiffness.
Enhanced quality of life: GAE improves overall quality of life by reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and facilitating participation in daily activities, hobbies, and social interactions.
Decreased reliance on medication: Successful GAE may reduce the need for pain medications like NSAIDs or opioids, minimizing potential side effects and long-term medication use.