GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION
WHAT IS GENICULAR ARTERY EMBOLIZATION?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a new, investigational, minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic pain caused by Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD).
HOW DOES GAE WORK?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) works by blocking blood flow to the synovium (lining of the knee), which becomes inflamed as a result of arthritis. The inflammation is reduced when these arteries are blocked, which can ease or eliminate the related knee pain.
HOW IS GAE PERFORMED?
A small incision is made in the groin to access the femoral artery. Then the Interventional Radiologist will insert a catheter into the artery, which carries blood to the lining in the knee (synovium).
The catheter injects an embolic agent into the genicular arteries or the blood vessels that supply blood to the knee. Knee osteoarthritis is relieved by reduced blood flow, which reduces inflammation, pain and discomfort. The procedure usually takes 1 hour to complete.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR GAE?
- Patients who suffer from moderate to severe symptomatic knee pain.
- Patients who are confirmed to have osteoarthritis.
- Patients to have not responded or are no longer responding to conservative treatments.
- Patients who are not ready for a knee replacement.
- Patients who are not a candidate for knee replacement surgery due to certain comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, coronary artery or renal disease.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GAE?
- Minimally invasive.
- Reduces knee pain.
- Reduces swelling.
- Reduces stiffness.
- Improves function.
- Shorter recovery time.
- Alternative treatment for patients who cannot undergo a knee replacement surgery.