Genicular artery embolization is a very interesting new procedure that is quickly gaining popularity around the world. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed by an interventional radiologist. The procedure typically takes place in a an outpatient center and generally takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
Before the procedure, the patient will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around the foot/ankle or groin. The interventional radiologist will then use real-time x-ray imaging to guide a small catheter (tiny tube) into the genicular arteries, which are located in the knee joint.
Once the catheter is in place, the radiologist will inject a specialized embolic material into the genicular arteries. This material will block the flow of blood to the genicular nerves, effectively reducing pain signals from the knee and decreasing the inflammation around the knee.
After the procedure, the patient will be taken to a recovery area for observation. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a couple days.
Overall, genicular artery embolization is a relatively quick and simple procedure that can provide significant relief for patients with chronic knee pain. It is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can often return to their normal activities within a few days.
https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(19)30821-8/pdf
https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(21)00798-3/fulltext
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00270-014-0944-8