katy, texas

Knee pain treatment in Katy, Texas

Knee osteoarthritis pain that hasn't improved with injections, medication, or physical therapy doesn't always mean knee replacement is the next step. At Texas Endovascular in Katy, our board-certified interventional radiologists offer genicular artery embolization (GAE), an outpatient procedure that calms the inflammation behind arthritis pain, with no incision on the knee and no general anesthesia.

Are you a candidate for GAE?(713) 489-6667

Texas Endovascular - Katy

1331 W. Grand Parkway N., Suite 210, Katy, TX 77493
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Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

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About our katy clinic

Knee pain care close to home in Katy

at a glance

Texas Endovascular, and its sister brand Texas Knee Institute, treats knee pain at our Katy clinic, an outpatient interventional radiology clinic at 1331 W. Grand Parkway N., Suite 210, Katy, TX 77493, just north of I-10. Dr. Eric Hardee, a co-founder of the practice and the clinic's medical director, treats knee osteoarthritis pain here with genicular artery embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive option for patients who want to avoid or delay knee replacement.

Why patients choose our Katy clinic for knee pain treatment

Care led by a board-certified interventional radiologist
A review of your X-rays or MRI and a clear plan before any procedure
Outpatient GAE with no incision on the knee
Insurance benefits verified and costs explained before your procedure is scheduled
Spanish-speaking team members available

Board-certified interventional radiologist

Meet Dr. Eric Hardee

Co-founder of Texas Endovascular and medical director in Katy, with nearly 30 years of experience in image-guided procedures.

Dr. Hardee sees Katy patients whose knee pain has outlasted injections and physical therapy and who want an option before knee replacement. He reviews your X-rays or MRI with you and explains plainly whether GAE fits. Our physicians rotate between clinics, so ask when you call if you would like to see a specific doctor.

“Most people come to us after being told surgery is the only answer. Very often, it isn't. My job is to show you what's actually possible.”

- Eric Hardee, M.D.

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Knee pain treatment in katy

What is genicular artery embolization?

Knee osteoarthritis is the gradual wear of the cartilage that cushions your knee. As it progresses, the joint lining (synovium) becomes inflamed and grows abnormal blood vessels that keep the pain going.

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an outpatient, image-guided procedure that reduces blood flow to those abnormal vessels, calming the inflammation and easing pain. It doesn't cut into or replace any part of the knee, and it doesn't rebuild cartilage. Learn more about knee osteoarthritis →

ABOUT KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Knee OA symptoms

Knee arthritis usually builds slowly. Common symptoms include:

Pain that gets worse with walking, stairs, or standing
Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
Swelling around the knee
Grinding, clicking, or creaking when you bend the knee
Range of motion loss
Pain that disrupts your sleep

See all knee osteoarthritis symptoms →

Is GAE right for you?

GAE is usually considered when you have:

Knee osteoarthritis confirmed by an exam and X-ray or MRI
Moderate to severe knee pain that hasn't improved with medication, injections, or physical therapy
Mild to moderate arthritis, rather than near-total cartilage loss
A wish to avoid or delay knee replacement, or you are not a candidate for surgery

Sudden, severe knee swelling, redness, warmth, or fever, or being unable to put weight on your leg, can signal an infection or injury rather than arthritis and needs prompt medical care.

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gae treatment

GAE treatment in Katy, Texas

Map the knee arteries. Contrast dye and live X-ray imaging show the small arteries feeding the inflamed knee lining.
Enter through a pinhole. After local numbing, a thin catheter is placed in an artery in the groin or ankle and guided to the knee.
Reduce abnormal blood flow. Microscopic particles are released into the abnormal vessels, while healthy circulation to the knee is preserved.
Walk out the same day. The procedure usually takes one to two hours. Most patients walk within a few hours, go home the same day, and return to typical activities the next day.

Pain relief typically begins within four to six weeks and keeps improving over several months. Learn more about GAE →

Benefits of GAE

Outpatient, home the same day

No incision on the knee and no general anesthesia

Typical activities the next day, with no physical therapy required

Can be repeated if pain returns

How GAE compares with other treatments

Physical therapy and medication: often tried first, and helpful for managing symptoms.
Steroid injections: quick, but relief usually lasts weeks to months.
Knee replacement: a long-term option for advanced arthritis, but it is major surgery with general anesthesia and weeks to months of recovery.
Genicular artery embolization (GAE): outpatient, with local numbing and typical activities the next day. Best suited to mild to moderate arthritis.

In a 2024 study presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, patients' pain scores improved by 71% and quality-of-life scores by 87% one year after GAE.

Are you a candidate for GAE?

Real patient stories

What patients say about Texas Endovascular

Rated 5 stars by hundreds of Katy patients

Have been to the office for two visits and two test and have to say physicians and staff were very kind and knowledgeable. Helping me get the care I need. Was referred by my primary care physician.

Roy S.

10/30/2026

Everyone was nice and very informative. My appointment was on time with no additional wait time.

Kevin R.

10/23/2026

This was the most refreshing and informative visit I’ve ever had with a new doctor. From sign in to checking out. I would recommend Texas Endovascular to my family and friends. Trufully speaking.

Rosie V.

10/22/2026

Great staff at your Katy office, especially Sarah Applegate. Dr. Hardee has put together a professional, courteous, and knowledgeable staff.
Thank you,
Jay Coddington

Jay C.

10/06/2026
Fue un procedimiento rápido y ahora estoy en recuperación. Parece que todo excelente. Se ve muy bien y es increíble como un profesional sabe hacer el trabajo bien. Mejora tu salud y tu estética

BLANCA ́.

10/04/2026

Excellent experience at Texas Endovascular / Katy. The staff members with each procedure provided prompt assistance and explanation of my concerns with future recommendations.

Donna Z.

9/26/2026

Wonderful staff and dr. Everything was taken care of in one appointment. I was very pleased.

Ann P.

9/26/2026

Staff and doctor is amazing . Very fast service and friendly . You don't leave without getting an answer for your problem with an excellent explanation. Would definitely recommend! Dr. Hardee will be my doctor for life .

Sana A.

9/24/2026
It was exactly what I expected nice staff and Dr’s and will get you in and out. 10 out of 10

Terry P.

9/15/2026

Muchas gracias por el servicio excelente q tiene todos los especialista en su atención y explicación detallada de los pacientes

Niurka H.

9/10/2026

P.A. answered all my questions. Very nice personality and really addressed my concerns.

Linda D.

9/02/2026

They took the time to explain everything and answer all of my questions. I didn’t feel rushed, and I left there feeling confident that I made the right choice in doctors.

Wendy T.

9/02/2026

Come see us

Visiting our Katy clinic

The Katy clinic sits on the Grand Parkway at 1331 W. Grand Parkway N., Suite 210, just north of I-10 and under a mile from Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. It's a short drive from Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Brookshire, and West Houston.

Dr. Hardee also offers GAE at our Houston clinic in Bellaire, and our Sugar Land clinic is close for patients to the south.

Texas Endovascular - katy FAQs

Common questions about GAE in Katy

Medically reviewed by Eric Hardee, M.D. · Updated October 2026

Who performs GAE at the Katy clinic?

Dr. Eric Hardee, a board-certified interventional radiologist and the clinic's medical director, treats knee pain patients in Katy. Our physicians rotate between clinics, so ask when you call if you would like to see a specific doctor.

Is GAE available at the Katy clinic?

Yes. The Katy clinic evaluates knee osteoarthritis pain and offers GAE. Your physician reviews your X-rays or MRI and the treatments you've already tried before recommending it.

What is genicular artery embolization (GAE)?

GAE is an outpatient, image-guided procedure for knee osteoarthritis pain. A thin catheter is used to place microscopic particles in the small arteries feeding the inflamed knee lining, which reduces abnormal blood flow and calms the inflammation behind the pain. It does not cut into the knee or rebuild cartilage.

Who is a good candidate for GAE?

Good candidates have knee osteoarthritis confirmed by exam and X-ray or MRI, moderate to severe pain that hasn't improved with medication, injections, or physical therapy, and mild to moderate arthritis rather than near-total cartilage loss. Many want to avoid or delay knee replacement, or are not surgical candidates. Not sure if you're a candidate? Take our short quiz to find out.

How is GAE different from a knee replacement?

Knee replacement is surgery that removes and replaces damaged parts of the joint, with general anesthesia and weeks to months of recovery. GAE is done through a small puncture with local numbing, with no incision on the knee, and most patients go home the same day. GAE treats pain from inflammation; it does not repair the joint itself.

What happens during GAE?

You stay awake with local numbing. Through a small puncture in the groin or ankle, your physician guides a thin catheter to the arteries around the knee using live X-ray imaging, then releases microscopic particles to reduce blood flow to the inflamed lining. The procedure usually takes one to two hours.

What is recovery like after GAE?

Most patients walk within a few hours, go home the same day, and return to typical activities the next day. Physical therapy is not required. Mild bruising or soreness near the puncture site or knee usually fades within a few weeks.

When will I feel results, and how long do they last?

Pain relief typically begins within four to six weeks and keeps improving over several months. In published studies, many patients report relief lasting two years or longer, and GAE can be repeated if pain returns.

Does insurance cover GAE?

Medicare and most major insurance plans cover GAE when it is medically necessary. Our team verifies your benefits, handles prior authorization, and explains what you can expect to pay before your procedure is scheduled.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can schedule a consultation at our Katy clinic without a physician referral. Call (713) 489-6667 or request an appointment online, and our team will verify your insurance benefits before your visit.

Where is the Katy clinic?

We are at 1331 W. Grand Parkway N., Suite 210, Katy, TX 77493, north of I-10 and under a mile from Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. Call (713) 489-6667 for directions.

Additional CONDITIONS WE TREAT

Conditions we treat at our Katy clinic

Every condition below is treated the same way, with a catheter guided through a pinhole in the wrist, groin or ankle. Not a different specialist for each one. One specialty, no large incisions, no hospital stay, and most patients return to normal activity within days.

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