Genicular Artery Embolization
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive interventional radiology procedure that is used to treat chronic knee pain. The procedure involves the injection of small particles or coils into the genicular arteries, which are the arteries that supply blood to the knee joint. The goal of GAE is to reduce or eliminate the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis or other chronic knee conditions by interrupting the blood flow to the nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee joint to the brain.
During the GAE procedure, a radiologist makes a small incision in the groin and guides a catheter through the blood vessels to the genicular arteries. Once the catheter is in place, small particles or coils are injected into the arteries to block blood flow. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete. Patients can usually go home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days.
Genicular artery embolization is a relatively new procedure, and more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and long-term outcomes. However, early studies suggest that GAE may be a safe and effective alternative to knee replacement surgery for some patients with chronic knee pain. It may also be used in combination with other therapies, such as physical therapy or medication, to provide relief from knee pain.
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References
- Society of Interventional Radiology: https://www.sirweb.org/practice-resources/genicular-artery-embolization/ The Society of Interventional Radiology provides information on genicular artery embolization, including what it is, how it’s performed, and who is a candidate for the procedure.
- Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology: https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(18)31385-6/fulltext This article from the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology discusses the safety and effectiveness of genicular artery embolization for the treatment of knee pain.
- RadiologyInfo.org: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=genicular-artery-embolization RadiologyInfo.org provides patient information on genicular artery embolization, including what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/genicular-artery-embolization/about/pac-20484543 Mayo Clinic provides information on genicular artery embolization, including what the procedure is, why it’s done, and what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/interventional-radiology/treatments/genicular-artery-embolization.html Johns Hopkins Medicine provides information on genicular artery embolization, including what it is, how it’s performed, and what to expect after the procedure. They also provide information on how to schedule an appointment or contact a healthcare provider for more information.
