Chronic knee pain can make walking, stairs, errands, and routine movement harder. When medication, injections, or physical therapy have not helped enough, Genicular Artery Embolization may offer another option before joint replacement surgery.
At Valley Interventional Associates, interventional cardiologists Dr. John Lee and Dr. Navin Budhwani use imaging guidance and minimally invasive techniques in an office-based setting. Their team offers Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) in Oakland, New Jersey, for patients with osteoarthritis-related knee pain who want a less invasive treatment option.
What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?
Genicular Artery Embolization, often called GAE, is a nonsurgical procedure that targets small blood vessels around the knee. In people with osteoarthritis, these vessels can feed inflamed tissue and contribute to pain.
During the procedure, the doctor places tiny particles into selected genicular arteries to reduce excess blood flow to irritated tissue. This may help calm inflammation and reduce pain while leaving the knee joint intact.
Before Your Procedure
Your visit starts with a consultation. Our team reviews your symptoms, health history, prior treatments, and imaging.
We may ask where your knee hurts, what makes the pain worse, and how it affects walking, stairs, sleep, or daily activity.
Your doctor will also confirm whether GAE fits your condition. It may help some patients with osteoarthritis-related knee pain, but severe joint damage or certain structural issues may require another approach.
What Happens During GAE?
GAE usually takes place in an outpatient setting, so many patients go home the same day.
The team cleans and numbs the access area, often near the groin. Your doctor places a thin catheter into the blood vessel and guides it toward the arteries around the knee.
Imaging helps the doctor see the blood vessels in real time. Once the catheter reaches the planned treatment area, tiny particles are placed into selected arteries to reduce abnormal blood flow.
The procedure is usually completed in under two hours.
What Recovery Is Like
Recovery after GAE is typically shorter than recovery after knee surgery. Most patients receive instructions for activity, medication, and follow-up care before going home.
You may need to avoid strenuous activity for a short time, but light daily movement often resumes quickly. Pain relief usually develops gradually over several weeks as inflammation decreases.
Schedule a Visit for GAE in Oakland, New Jersey
Knee pain does not always mean surgery is the only path. Genicular Artery Embolization may help reduce osteoarthritis-related knee pain with a minimally invasive approach.
Valley Interventional Associates offers minimally invasive vascular care in Oakland, New Jersey. Contact us to schedule a visit, or call 973-692-0033 to speak with our team.