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Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

Knee arthritis pain relief — without a knee replacement.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for chronic knee osteoarthritis pain. It's designed for people who've tried injections, therapy, and medication but aren't ready for — or want to avoid — surgery.

Embolization targets the source of your knee pain.Injections are temporary. Surgery is a big step. This treats the problem itself.
See if I'm a candidate ✓ Medicare & most commercial insurance accepted
Illustration of an inflamed, painful knee joint with abnormal blood vessels — the source of arthritis knee pain.
Sound familiar?

Bone-on-bone pain with every step? Down the stairs sideways, one hand on the rail, dreading the walk from the car. We hear it every day — and it's treatable.

Does this sound like you?

GAE is often a good fit when knee arthritis pain has stopped responding to the usual treatments.

  • ✔Knee pain from arthritis for 6 months or longer
  • ✔Cortisone or gel injections stopped working — or never really helped
  • ✔Physical therapy and medication haven't given lasting relief
  • ✔You want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
  • ✔You're not a surgical candidate due to weight, age, or health
  • ✔Pain disrupts your sleep, walking, or daily activities
See if I'm a candidate

How GAE relieves knee pain

Arthritis doesn't just wear down cartilage — the ongoing inflammation makes your body grow tiny, abnormal blood vessels in the joint lining, and those vessels feed still more inflammation in a self-worsening cycle. Painful new nerves grow in right alongside them.

During GAE, an interventional radiologist guides a thin catheter to these small "genicular" arteries and releases microscopic particles that gently reduce that abnormal blood flow. It's the only treatment that calms both the inflammation and the pain nerves at their source — without touching the bone or joint itself.

Illustration of genicular artery embolization: a small catheter is guided to the genicular artery, tiny beads block the abnormal arteries around the knee, decreasing inflammation and painful nerve signals.
Genicular artery embolization, step by step.
Watch: genicular artery embolization explained in about a minute.

What to expect

From your first call to lasting relief — most of it happens in a single afternoon.

1

Consultation & coverage check

We review your history and imaging, confirm you're a candidate, and verify your insurance benefits up front — no surprises.

2

Procedure day (about 30 minutes)

You're awake but relaxed with light sedation. Through a tiny pinhole in the foot — no cutting — the physician treats the genicular arteries. No general anesthesia.

3

Home about an hour later

After a short recovery — about an hour after your procedure — you head home. Most people are back to normal activity the very next day.

4

Relief builds over weeks

Many patients notice pain easing over the following 2–4 weeks as inflammation settles. Results vary from person to person.

GAE vs. your other options

Injections wear off. Surgery is a major operation. GAE targets the source with minimal downside.

OptionInvasivenessTypical relief
Cortisone injectionLowOnly weeks — then it fades
Gel (hyaluronic)LowHit-or-miss, temporary
GAE (embolization) ★Minimal · pinhole~70% get lasting relief; no cutting, no implant
Knee replacementMajor surgeryCuts out bone · general anesthesia · months of painful rehab · implant can wear out

General education, not medical advice. GAE is often the smart step to try before committing to an irreversible operation — your physician will help you decide.

Common questions

Is GAE painful?
Most patients feel little during the procedure thanks to light sedation and numbing. Some mild soreness or warmth afterward is normal and short-lived.
How long until I feel better?
Relief tends to build over 2–4 weeks as inflammation calms. Some feel it sooner; results vary.
Will it "cure" my arthritis?
No treatment reverses arthritis. GAE targets the inflammation and pain — many people get meaningful, lasting relief and delay or avoid surgery.
Can I still have a knee replacement later?
Yes. GAE doesn't burn any bridges — it's often used to buy time and comfort. You keep every future option.
Is it covered by insurance?
We accept Medicare and most commercial insurance, and we verify your specific benefits before anything is scheduled.

Ready to see if GAE is right for your knee?

Take the 2-minute candidacy quiz or check your coverage. Private, no obligation.

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