Preparing for Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
At Texas Endovascular, we prioritize patient safety and satisfaction.
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.
The following details will help you better understand what to expect during genicular artery embolization (GAE) treatment.
What to expect before 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 procedure
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.
Experience advanced, non-surgical knee pain relief in Texas
At Texas Endovascular, we provide patient-focused care designed to help you move with less pain and more confidence.
Our board-certified interventional radiologists specialize in innovative, minimally invasive procedures, including genicular artery embolization, to relieve knee osteoarthritis pain with short recovery times and minimal risk of complications.
With convenient locations across Greater Houston and the Dallas–Fort Worth area, our caring team makes it easy to get expert treatment close to home. If knee pain is limiting your daily activities, we’re ready to help. Schedule a consultation today to discover how our advanced, non-surgical treatments can help restore your mobility and enhance your quality of life.
