Reported improved quality
of life one year after GAE
Reported reduced knee
pain one year after GAE
Sustained relief
shown in studies
1-2 hour procedure
Why patients choose GAE over surgery:
GAE relieves pain and inflammation but doesn't rebuild lost cartilage. Candidacy is confirmed by imaging first.
What to expect after your procedure:
In a 403-patient study presented at the Radiological Society of North America, 87% of patients reported improved quality of life and 71% reported reduced knee pain one year after genicular artery embolization — with benefits shown to be sustained for two years or more.
No hospitalization or general anesthesia; you rest briefly, then go home.
One tiny puncture in the ankle or groin; your knee itself is never cut.
Relieves inflammation and may slow arthritic progression, keeping surgical options open.
Many treatments are covered by major insurance plans and Medicare; call us and we can verify your benefits.
A knee osteoarthritis diagnosis confirmed by physical exam and X-ray or MRI imaging.
Moderate-to-severe knee pain that hasn't responded to conservative treatment.
A preference to avoid surgery or aren't a candidate for knee replacement.
GAE relieves pain and inflammation and can be repeated, but it does not rebuild cartilage.
Take our quick 2-minute quiz to find out if you're a candidate for genicular artery embolization.
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Recovery time | Anesthesia | Duration of relief |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genicular artery embolization (GAE) WHAT WE DO | Minimally invasive (pinhole) | Next day | Local only | 2+ years shown in studies |
| Corticosteroid injections | Non-surgical (injection) | Same day | None | Weeks to months, repeated |
| Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) | Minimally invasive | A few days | Local only | Months to a year |
| Total knee replacement | Surgical | Weeks to months | General | Long-lasting |
| PT, medication & lifestyle | Non-invasive | Ongoing | None | Limited (manages only) |
Board-certified interventional radiologists with decades of experience in advanced, image-guided treatments like GAE.
Real-time imaging maps the arteries around your knee and guides every step for safer, more effective outcomes.
Clinics throughout Houston and Dallas–Fort Worth make expert knee pain care easy to access close to home.
1331 West Grand Parkway
N, Suite 210
Katy, TX 77493
3920 W Wheatland Rd
Suite 108
Dallas, TX 75237
5425 W. Spring Creek Parkway
Suite 100
Plano, TX 75024
6620 Bryant Irvin Road
Suite 100
Fort Worth, TX 76132
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain. Using a tiny catheter, an interventional radiologist delivers microscopic particles to reduce abnormal blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee, helping relieve inflammation, pain and stiffness without surgery or a hospital stay. Most patients walk within hours and return home the same day.
GAE has been shown to be a safe treatment option in clinical studies, with most side effects being mild and temporary. Because it uses a tiny catheter instead of surgery and typically requires no general anesthesia, it avoids many of the risks associated with knee replacement. Some patients may experience mild bruising, a dull ache, or skin discoloration around the knee, which usually go away within a few weeks. Our board-certified interventional radiologists review your imaging and medical history to help determine if GAE is right for you.
Your cost depends on your insurance plan. Medicare and most major insurance plans cover GAE when it is medically necessary, and our team verifies your benefits and explains what you can expect to pay before your procedure is scheduled.
GAE can also be a cost-effective choice over time. A 2024 study in the American Journal of Roentgenology found GAE was the option most likely to be cost-effective for knee osteoarthritis pain when compared with radiofrequency ablation and steroid injections.
Check out our recent blog breaking down cost and coverage for GAE →
Insurance coverage for GAE is evolving as more research becomes available. Coverage may be available through Medicare and some commercial insurance plans, depending on your plan and medical needs. Our Houston and Dallas teams will check your benefits and help with any required prior authorization before treatment, so you have a clearer understanding of your expected costs.
You may be a good candidate for GAE if you have knee osteoarthritis, continue to experience pain despite treatments like physical therapy or injections, and want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery. If your knee cartilage has worn away significantly, GAE may not be the best option. Our doctors will review your imaging and evaluate your knee to help determine if this treatment is right for you. Take our short quiz to help determine if GAE is the right treatment for you →
The GAE procedure typically takes one to two hours and is performed using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Afterward, you'll rest and recover for a few hours. Most patients can walk within two to three hours and return home the same day to recover in the comfort of their own home.
Research on GAE shows that pain relief can last for two years or longer, with some studies reporting lasting benefits for up to four years. Results vary from person to person, and if knee pain returns, a repeat procedure may be an option after your doctor evaluates your symptoms and determines whether it's appropriate.
Recovery after GAE is typically much quicker than recovery from knee replacement surgery, with no lengthy rehabilitation required. Most patients can walk within two to three hours and return to many of their usual activities the next day, depending on how they feel and their doctor's instructions. Pain relief usually begins within 4 to 6 weeks as inflammation decreases, with continued improvement over the following months.
Scheduling
Please contact our dedicated specialists to schedule a consultation today.
