Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) Procedure in Dallas & Houston
Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive joint condition that can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.
While treatments like physical therapy, medications, and injections help many people, some continue to struggle with persistent discomfort and loss of function.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) in Dallas and Houston offers new hope. This minimally invasive procedure targets the tiny blood vessels that fuel inflammation in the knee, reducing pain and improving mobility for patients who haven’t found relief with conservative care.
At Texas Endovascular, our board-certified interventional radiologists have decades of experience performing advanced, image-guided treatments.
We combine leading-edge technology with a focus on comfort and safety, making us one of Texas’s most trusted providers of minimally invasive vascular and joint therapies.
Discover how GAE can help you achieve lasting symptom improvement and regain your mobility.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
Genicular artery embolization is a non-surgical, image-guided procedure designed to relieve knee osteoarthritis.
Using a tiny catheter inserted through a small puncture in the wrist or groin, an interventional radiologist navigates to the genicular arteries—the blood vessels surrounding the knee joint.
Microscopic particles are then introduced to block abnormal blood flow that fuels inflammation and pain.
Because GAE is performed through a small puncture rather than a large incision, it typically requires only local anesthesia, causes minimal discomfort, and allows most patients to return home the same day.
Many experience a noticeable reduction in knee pain and improved mobility within weeks, without the need for open surgery or a long recovery.
How GAE Relieves Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Knee osteoarthritis is now understood as a whole-joint disease, rather than simply “wear and tear.”
Increased blood flow to the lining of the knee (the synovium) can lead to chronic inflammation and pain.
By reducing that blood flow, GAE calms inflammation at its source, helping to decrease swelling, ease discomfort, and restore more natural movement.
The Step-by-Step GAE Procedure in Houston & Dallas
Here’s what you can expect during genicular artery embolization:
- Access: A small catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the wrist or groin.
- Guidance: Using advanced X-ray imaging, the interventional radiologist carefully guides the catheter to the genicular arteries.
- Embolization: Microscopic particles are delivered to block the abnormal blood vessels feeding the inflamed joint lining.
- Recovery: The catheter is removed, a small bandage is applied, and most patients go home the same day.
Benefits of Non-Invasive GAE Treatment Over Surgery
Choosing GAE means choosing relief without the challenges of major surgery.
This innovative procedure offers several key advantages, enabling you to heal faster, stay active, and minimize the risks associated with traditional knee operations.
Here are some of the main benefits:
- Minimally invasive: No large incision, no stitches, and no general anesthesia.
- Quick recovery: Most people resume normal activities within a few days.
- Medication-free relief: GAE reduces or eliminates the need for long-term pain medications.
- Long-lasting results: Many patients report significant pain reduction and improved mobility for a year or more.
- Surgical alternative: Because GAE is minimally invasive, this treatment option helps patients avoid or delay knee replacement surgery and its associated longer recovery period.
How To Prepare for Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) Treatment
We recognize that every patient is unique and strive to deliver personalized and compassionate care throughout the treatment journey. Our experienced specialists work closely with each patient to formulate an individualized treatment plan tailored to their needs.
What To Expect Before Your GAE Treatment
Before your scheduled genicular artery embolization procedure, your physician will require the following:
- Preliminary evaluation
- Assessment of your medical history
- Physical examination
- Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) symptom score
- Diagnostic imaging tests
- Blood tests (screening for bleeding disorders and medical fitness for treatment)
- Testing for allergies
- Review of medications, including non-prescription pain relievers and supplements
- A complete discussion of treatment goals
- A full discussion of treatment risks
- Medical insurance coverage confirmation
You may be asked to avoid consuming certain foods and beverages in the days leading up to your treatment.
The pre-procedure evaluation is tailored to meet the individual patient's needs.
Depending upon your current health, underlying medical conditions, age, and other factors, our physicians might require additional tests to confirm whether you’re a candidate for GAE.
The Day of Your GAE Treatment
After check-in, you will be asked to put on a hospital gown after removing all clothing and accessories below the waist.
From there, your procedure will involve the following:
- Sedation: Your physician will prepare the treatment site and administer a local anesthetic to prevent discomfort. A general anesthetic is not used for GAE. Patients are awake during treatment.
- Catheter insertion: To insert the thin catheter used to release the embolic agents, the interventional radiologist will make a tiny puncture in the groin area to access the femoral artery. This opening will not require closing stitches.
- Genicular artery location: When the catheter is inserted, a contrast dye is released so that the vascular network can be visualized using X-ray imaging. When the physician locates the genicular arteries, the embolic particles are released into the blood vessels.
- Catheter removal: Once the particles have been released, the physician gradually extracts the catheter and applies a sterile dressing to the puncture site.
- Post-procedure care: You will be given time to rest and recover from the local anesthetic. Our team will monitor your blood pressure and injection site to ensure no complications.
While every patient experience is slightly different, you can expect the procedure to take approximately one to two hours. Once you have sufficiently recovered, you will be discharged to rest at home.
At Texas Endovascular, we understand how knee pain can impact one's quality of life. That is why we have made it our mission to offer our patients the most advanced and personalized care. Through our expertise in GAE, we can help alleviate knee pain and restore mobility, allowing individuals to regain their active lifestyles.
Patient Experiences With GAE Procedures
Texas Endovascular patients frequently report dramatic improvements in pain levels and daily function.
Many notice relief within the first few weeks, with continued progress over several months.
Because GAE is performed on an outpatient basis and requires only local anesthesia, most people return to light activity the next day and to full activity within a couple of weeks.
Are You a Candidate for GAE Treatment?
Determining eligibility for genicular artery embolization (GAE) begins with a thorough evaluation by the vascular specialists at Texas Endovascular. You are typically a good candidate for GAE if you:
- Have a confirmed diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis
- Experience moderate to severe knee pain that limits daily activities
- Have tried physical therapy, medications, or injections without lasting relief
- Are not a candidate for—or wish to avoid—knee replacement surgery
- Are in overall good health without bleeding disorders or severe kidney disease
Your Texas Endovascular physician will review your health history, imaging studies, and personal goals to determine if GAE is the best fit for your needs. If you experience ongoing knee pain despite medications, injections, or physical therapy, and you wish to avoid or postpone knee replacement, GAE may be a strong option.
Who is not a Candidate for GAE Treatment?
Most patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis can benefit from GAE treatment. However, in some instances, embolization might not be advisable. The following conditions might make you ineligible for GAE:
- Severe joint space narrowing (cartilage has almost entirely or completely deteriorated)
- Kidney disease
- Bleeding disorders
Patients with certain medical conditions or allergies should inform their healthcare provider beforehand to minimize potential risks. It is essential to discuss any concerns or questions with the healthcare team before undergoing GAE.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) FAQs
What is GAE?
Genicular artery embolization, also known as geniculate artery embolization or GAE, is an outpatient treatment designed to relieve severe knee pain related to osteoarthritis without the need for surgery or lengthy recovery times.
GAE is an endovascular procedure, meaning that it is a non-surgical approach to treating vascular (blood vessel) disorders.
Rather than undergoing open surgery to replace damaged bone and cartilage, GAE patients have embolic materials injected into the genicular arteries that supply blood to the lining of the knees. The materials inhibit blood flow, resulting in a significant reduction in inflammation and pain.
Is GAE a safe treatment?
GAE is among the safest and best-tolerated interventions for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
Patients who would rather avoid knee replacement surgery frequently opt for GAE because the complication risks are minimal and recovery times are short.
How much does GAE cost?
The cost of GAE depends upon several factors, most notably the type and degree of health insurance coverage.
If you have questions about the cost of the procedure, financing options, insurance coverage, or out-of-pocket expenses, our helpful representatives in our billing team at Texas Endovascular will be more than happy to discuss your options.
Does Medicare cover GAE?
Medicare typically covers GAE, but authorization may be required. Please contact the representatives in our billing department to discuss your options.
How long does the GAE procedure take?
Overall, a genicular artery embolization procedure typically takes approximately two hours to complete, but the exact duration can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to obtain a more accurate estimate of the procedure's duration in their specific situation.
How long do GAE results last?
The existing studies indicate that the benefits of GAE can be sustained for at least two years and potentially longer, with some studies finding positive outcomes lasting up to four years.
GAE has shown promising results for pain relief and functional improvement in patients with chronic osteoarthritis knee pain.
How long is GAE recovery time?
Recovery time for genicular artery embolization for knee osteoarthritis symptoms can vary depending on individual factors and the extent of the procedure.
After undergoing GAE, patients generally experience a reasonably quick recovery period compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days to a week following the procedure. However, it is essential to note that individual recovery times may differ.
Patients may experience minor discomfort, swelling, or bruising around the treated knee during the initial recovery period.
Pain medication and applying ice to the area can help alleviate these symptoms. It is recommended to avoid physically demanding activities and heavy lifting during the recovery period.
Serving the Houston & Dallas area at these GAE Treatment Centers
Each location offers the same specialized fibroid care delivered by board-certified interventional radiologists. Houston fibroid specialists serve patients throughout Texas at convenient locations, including:
