5 Benefits of GAE for Knee Pain
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally-invasive procedure to reduce knee pain for patients with osteoarthritis (OA). GAE is performed through a small pinhole in the groin. Tiny particles are then injected to block the arteries around the lining of the knee. By blocking these arteries, there is a reduction in the amount of inflammation and associated knee pain.
By understanding the benefits of GAE for knee pain, you can ensure that you are choosing the right treatment for your knee pain and arthritis.
The Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization
1. Long Lasting Pain Relief
First, GAE is effective and durable in reducing pain symptoms from moderate or severe knee OA. GAE also has an excellent safety profile. The amount of pain relief and how long it lasts depends on each patient, but one study was performed in Asia that showed success rates exceeding 80%. In addition, the results remained durable up to 4 years after the procedure.
2. Nonsurgical
Second, traditional approaches to knee pain have involved changes in activity, injections and eventually knee replacement. Knee replacement is effective for severe osteoarthritis. It involves cutting away bone from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers. Surgery is usually followed by restricted activity and recovery for 3 to 6 weeks. Since GAE is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure, there is no recovery period. Furthermore, complications associated with traditional surgery (e.g., infected knee replacement requiring repeat surgery) are also avoided.
3. Outpatient
Third, the procedure generally takes between 45 and 90 minutes, and the patient is able to go home the same day. The risk of the procedure is small, mostly the accidental injection of particles into arteries not supplying the lining of the knee. At NVP, we have a state-of-the-art facility with highly specialized vascular physicians trained to successfully perform the procedure.
4. Delay or Eliminate Need for Surgery
Fourth, while research is ongoing, GAE holds promise for patients with debilitating knee pain who are not ready or willing to undergo knee replacement surgery. While it does not treat the underlying disease, evidence so far shows that this may be an effective way to manage the symptoms. As research accumulates, more information will be available regarding those patients who may be able to completely avoid the need for surgery.
5. No incision, No Scar
Fifth, GAE is performed through a small pinhole puncture in the groin. As a result, no incision is necessary to perform the non-surgical procedure and no scar is left behind. Traditional knee replacement surgeries leave a scar which can be as long as 10 inches.
GAE Procedure at National Vascular Physicians
At National Vascular Physicians, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is offered as an innovative and minimally invasive treatment for chronic, osteoarthritic knee pain. GAE targets the genicular arteries, which are associated with the blood supply to the knee joint. By using advanced interventional radiology and precision tools, our skilled interventional radiologists can perform this procedure with a high degree of accuracy and safety.
Patients who receive GAE at National Vascular Physicians can benefit from reduced knee pain and improved mobility, often leading to an enhanced quality of life. This cutting-edge treatment has shown promising results, with many patients experiencing long-lasting relief from knee osteoarthritis and other chronic knee conditions. Contact us today to see how we can help! You deserve to be pain free!