Genicular artery embolization (GAE)  in Houston & Dallas

GAE (genicular artery embolization) is an outpatient, minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain. Through a tiny catheter, an interventional radiologist places microscopic particles that reduce abnormal blood flow to the inflamed knee lining — calming the inflammation that drives pain and stiffness, without surgery or a hospital stay. Most patients walk within a few hours and go home the same day.

Yes. GAE has a strong safety profile in clinical studies, with no significant side effects reported. Because it's minimally invasive — no incisions, no general anesthesia — it avoids many of the risks of knee replacement surgery. Some patients notice mild, temporary effects like bruising, dull ache, or skin discoloration near the knee that resolve on their own within weeks. Our board-certified interventional radiologists review your imaging and health history to confirm GAE is safe for you.

Your out-of-pocket cost for GAE depends on your insurance plan, deductible, and coverage. GAE is often covered by major insurers, and a recent study found it to be the most cost-effective option compared with radiofrequency ablation and corticosteroid injections. As an outpatient procedure, it also avoids the hospital and rehab costs of knee replacement. Our team verifies your benefits and gives you a clear cost estimate before you schedule.

Coverage for GAE — including under Medicare and many commercial plans — is expanding as clinical evidence grows, though it can vary by plan and medical necessity. Because coverage details change, our Houston and Dallas team verifies your specific Medicare or insurance benefits and handles any prior authorization before treatment, so you know your costs up front.

You may be a good candidate for GAE if you have a confirmed knee osteoarthritis diagnosis, persistent pain despite conservative care like physical therapy or injections, and want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery. Severe joint-space narrowing — where cartilage has almost entirely deteriorated — can make GAE inadvisable, so our doctors perform a complete evaluation with imaging first.

The GAE procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on your specific case. It's performed with local anesthesia only, and once you've recovered — usually walking within two to three hours — you're discharged to rest at home the same day.

Studies show the benefits of GAE can be sustained for at least two years, with some research finding positive outcomes lasting up to four years. And GAE isn't a one-time option — if pain returns, the procedure can be safely repeated.

GAE recovery is far quicker than after surgery — most patients walk within two to three hours and return to typical activities the next day, with no lengthy rehab. Pain relief usually begins within 4 to 6 weeks as inflammation in the joint lining subsides, and continues improving over the following months.