Genicular Artery Embolization

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the cartilage of the joint being worn down due to trauma or the wear and tear of time. This leads to inflammation in the joint and is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It cannot be reversed, however it can be treated to help improve joint function or reduce pain.

Genicular artery embolization is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. If you’ve tried medications, injections, or physical therapy without lasting relief, this advanced procedure helps reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and delay or even avoid knee replacement surgery.

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What is genicular artery embolization?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE), or embolization of the arteries in the knee, is a novel, minimally invasive procedure to reduce knee pain for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) by reducing excess blood flow to the lining of the knee, known as the synovium.

By reducing blood flow, there is a reduction in the amount of inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, a process that can help improve or eliminate the associated knee pain. This is particularly useful in arthritis that is exacerbated by going up and down stairs, or up and down incline or decline terrain.

How genicular artery embolization works

When joint lining becomes inflamed due to osteoarthritis, abnormal blood vessels can develop that contribute to swelling, irritation, and pain. GAE prevents blood flow from these abnormal vessels, reducing inflammation.

During a genicular artery embolization procedure:

A specially trained physician inserts a very small catheter through a tiny pinhole—typically in the upper thigh or groin.
Using real-time imaging (X-ray guidance), the catheter is guided to the arteries supplying the inflamed area of the knee.
Microscopic, biocompatible particles are carefully delivered to block these abnormal blood vessels.
By reducing excess blood flow, inflammation decreases—helping to relieve pain and improve function.

Because the procedure targets inflammation directly, it addresses a root cause of pain rather than just masking symptoms.

Who is a candidate for genicular artery embolization ?

GAE may be an option if you:

Have knee pain from osteoarthritis
Have not found relief with conservative treatments
Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
Have ongoing pain after a knee replacement

The expert team at Twin Cities Pain Clinic will work with you to determine if this treatment is right for you.

What to expect during the procedure

A special X-ray machine will guide the doctor during the procedure. You will be lying flat on the table and your heart rhythm and blood pressure will be monitored.

Your leg will be cleaned with a special soap, then covered. The area will be numbed, then a small catheter is inserted through an artery in your leg and guided to your knee. You may feel some pressure, but you should not feel any pain.

With the use of X-rays, your doctor will guide the catheter to the arteries supplying the lining of the knee. Tiny particles are then injected through the catheter into these arteries, reducing the blood supply. This in turn reduces the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, which alleviates the pain. Finally, the catheter will be removed and pressure is held over the area where the catheter was inserted.

What to expect after the procedure

You will spend 1 to 2 hours in the recovery area before going home.

Recovery and therapy expectations:

You may have bruising on your leg where the catheter went in and around the knee.
You may experience mild burning around the knee.
Do not exert yourself or lift anything greater than 10 pounds for three days
Get plenty of rest
Full recovery usually takes between two and five days

Pain relief often begins within 1–2 weeks as inflammation decreases. Many patients experience ongoing improvement in pain and mobility over the following weeks. Because no bones or joint structures are removed, recovery is significantly faster than traditional surgery.

Genicular artery embolization at Twin Cities Pain Clinic

If you’ve been unable to find relief from chronic knee pain, genicular artery embolization may be exactly what you need to get back to living your best life.

Contact Twin Cities Pain Clinic today to learn more about genicular artery embolization and schedule your consultation.