Genicular Artery Embolization for Lower Extremity Pain

Chronic lower extremity pain can limit mobility, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life. Knee pain, which affects about 25 percent of American adults, is often the result of osteoarthritis, which was once thought to be caused by wear and tear. New evidence indicates, however, that in addition to this deterioration of the joint, inflammation and the creation of new blood vessels may also come into play. With this new information comes research into new treatments, and this is encouraging, because knee treatment, traditionally, has been rather limited. Patients are treated with NSAIDs, physical therapy, injections, and, as a last resort, knee surgery, including knee replacement. Now, a new treatment has become available for those who have not had success with these traditional measures. Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) shows great promise for relieving knee pain.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

The genicular arteries branch off from the femoral artery, and supply blood to the knee joint. In a person with chronic knee pain, these arteries often become enlarged, and this can contribute to the pain, by causing inflammation. GAE targets these arteries, in order to reduce blood flow to the knee, thereby interrupting the pain signals to the corresponding nerves.

Who Can Benefit from a GAE Procedure for Chronic Pain?

GAE has shown great promise in clinical studies, providing many patients with significant improvement in their knee pain and their ability to participate in daily activities. It is a good fit for patients who have not had success with other treatments, including physical therapy and medication. It can also be effective when used in conjunction with other minimally invasive treatments, like knee injections. If you have chronic knee pain and you haven’t improved with conservative treatment, or you have had a knee replacement and still have pain, this might be the right option for you.

Benefits and Effectiveness of this Non-Surgical Treatment for Joint Pain

Much less invasive than surgical interventions like knee replacement, this innovative procedure is done under local anesthesia, in an outpatient setting, and has a relatively brief recovery period. It provides relief quickly, and the results are long lasting, so patients don’t have to keep having it done. Targeting the root cause of the pain, it has been shown to bring noticeable relief in just a few days. About 20 percent of patients who have had knee replacement surgery report that they still experience pain; GAE is suitable for use in addressing this pain.

What to Expect During the Procedure

GAE is an image-guided procedure, and requires no incisions. Your doctor will insert a catheter into the femoral artery, and position it at the genicular artery, using a contrast dye and live-motion X-ray as guidance. Microscopic beads will be injected to block the abnormal blood vessels, and these beads remain there permanently blocking the blood flow that is triggering the nerves. It takes about an hour to complete this process, and you should be able to return home immediately afterwards.

Contact Us to See if You Are a Candidate for Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain

At ReVaMP Heart & Vascular Institute, our care is built on a simple promise: to see you as a person, not just a patient. Our dedicated physicians combine this patient-centered approach with leading-edge technology to provide advanced coronary, structural, peripheral arterial, and venous interventions for patients throughout Philadelphia, Huntingdon Valley, and Southern NJ. We take the time to understand your unique needs, crafting a personalized treatment plan designed to renew your health and enhance your quality of life. For more information about our modern, patient-focused care, contact us today to schedule an appointment.