Still living with knee pain? There’s a minimally invasive option that doesn’t involve surgery.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA), you know how difficult it is to maintain a normal life.
Getting up from a chair. Climbing stairs. Walking around the grocery store. Even sleeping can become a painful ordeal.
You may have tried pain medications, steroid injections, or physical therapy—but the relief doesn’t last. And if you’re not ready for a total knee replacement, it can feel like you’re out of options.
You’re not.
At National Vascular Physicians, we offer a breakthrough, non-surgical treatment called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) — a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis without surgery, incisions, or downtime.
The Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis You Shouldn’t Ignore:
✔ Persistent aching or sharp knee pain
✔ Swelling or stiffness that worsens with activity
✔ Clicking, grinding, or popping sounds
✔ Difficulty walking, bending, or climbing stairs
✔ Pain that disrupts your sleep or daily routine
If these symptoms are keeping you from doing the things you love, it’s time to consider a long-lasting solution that doesn’t involve major surgery.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
GAE is a cutting-edge procedure that targets the inflammation inside your knee—one of the key drivers of osteoarthritis pain. Using a small catheter, our interventional radiologists block the abnormal blood flow to the inflamed joint lining (synovium), reducing pain and inflammation at the source.
In a 2021 clinical study, patients reported pain relief dropping from 8/10 to 3/10 within one week after the procedure.¹
Why Choose GAE Over Total Knee Replacement?
Total Knee Replacement
❌ Major surgery with long recovery
❌ Requires hospitalization
❌ Weeks to months of rehab
❌ Higher risk for complications
❌ Not ideal for everyone
Genicular Artery Embolization
✅ No surgery, no general anesthesia
✅ Outpatient procedure—go home same day
✅ Resume normal activity in days
✅ Safe, targeted, and low-risk
✅ Excellent option for many adults 40–80
What to Expect with the GAE Procedure
- Performed through a tiny incision in the thigh or wrist
- Guided imaging leads the catheter to the genicular artery
- Tiny particles block inflamed vessels, reducing pain
- No hospital stay, stitches, or general anesthesia
- Quick recovery with most activities resumed shortly after
At National Vascular Physicians, our board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional radiologists perform GAE in a comfortable, outpatient setting designed with your recovery in mind.
Are You a Good Candidate for GAE?
GAE may be right for you if:
- You are between 40 and 80 years old
- You have moderate to severe knee pain from OA
- Conservative treatments like injections and therapy have failed
- Imaging shows arthritis without severe bone deformity
- You want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
We’ll work directly with you—and your doctor—to determine if GAE is the right choice. Take our quiz to see if you qualify »
