Research on Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) provides significant symptom improvement for patients experiencing moderate to severe knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.
The current body of research suggests that GAE is among the safest and most effective therapies for patients seeking long-term symptom reduction.
Continue reading to learn more about these findings.
What is GAE?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an FDA-approved procedure that offers an effective solution for individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis that is not responsive to other conventional interventions.
By reducing pain and inflammation, GAE can provide much-needed relief for those who have not found success with over-the-counter NSAIDs, hot and cold therapies, steroid injections, and strength training.
An interventional radiologist performs GAE in a minimally invasive manner. Under image guidance, the physician navigates a catheter through the blood vessels to the genicular arteries.
Once the catheter is in position, tiny embolic particles are injected, causing the blood vessels to become blocked. This procedure is typically well-tolerated and does not require a lengthy recovery period.
Studies have shown that GAE can provide significant and long-lasting relief for patients with moderate to severe knee pain and stiffness.
Many patients who have undergone GAE have reported significant pain relief, improved mobility, and an overall enhanced quality of life.
Genicular Artery Embolization Research Findings
A comprehensive analysis from Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, a leading publication dedicated to advancements in osteoarthritis research, found that GAE is an effective and safe procedure, yielding excellent outcomes for patients experiencing significant osteoarthritis-related knee pain.
The study found that the development of osteoarthritis is more complex than was once thought.
Knee osteoarthritis is no longer viewed as simply a “wear-and-tear” problem. Instead, it’s now understood as a progressive disease that affects the entire knee joint, including the bone, ligaments, surrounding fat tissue, and the joint lining (synovium).
Because knee osteoarthritis symptoms are primarily related to synovial vascularity dysfunction, inhibiting blood flow to the synovium succeeded in 99.7% of the cases reviewed by the study authors.
Additional findings included the following:
- Patients experienced notable knee pain relief
- Patients experienced notable knee joint function improvement
- Fewer than 10% of patients required more than one GAE treatment in two years
- Fewer than 6% of patients underwent subsequent surgical knee replacement after GAE
What does this mean for patients with knee osteoarthritis?
For patients, this research highlights an important shift: knee osteoarthritis isn’t just “wear and tear” on cartilage, it’s a progressive disease that affects the entire joint.
Because abnormal blood flow and inflammation in the joint lining play a key role, treatments that target these blood vessels, such as GAE, can directly address the root cause of pain and swelling.
Understanding knee osteoarthritis as a whole-joint condition helps patients and doctors work together on a treatment plan that not only eases symptoms but also protects long-term joint function.
Texas Endovascular: Advanced Treatment for Osteoarthritis-Related Knee Pain
Texas Endovascular is a leader in non-surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to staying at the forefront of medical advancements, we offer specialized treatments designed to minimize pain, improve joint function, and enhance mobility for our patients.
Our team of experienced interventional radiologists is committed to providing exceptional, compassionate patient care with locations throughout Texas.
We understand the debilitating effect this condition can have on daily life, and we are committed to providing innovative treatments, such as GAE, to help our patients find relief.
Don't let knee osteoarthritis hold you back. Take the first step towards a pain-free life with GAE.
Contact the helpful representatives at Texas Endovascular to schedule a consultation today.
