GAE Knee Procedure in Atlanta: An Overview

If your healthcare provider has recently referred you to an interventional radiologist for a genicular artery embolization (GAE) procedure, it’s essential to understand exactly

what it is,
what it does, and
how it’s performed.

GAE is highly recommended for those with moderate to severe knee pain caused by osteoarthritis who are resistant to or have failed conservative treatments like over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and medical injections.

GAE: What It Is and What It Does

The GAE knee procedure is an image-guided, minimally invasive, and non-surgical treatment to help alleviate osteoarthritis knee pain, a degenerative joint disease. GAE slows the progression of the disease and helps delay (or avoid) total knee replacement.

GAE is a two-hour outpatient procedure that does not require large incisions, surgery, or hospitalization. It works by slowing down the blood flow in the knee joint to decrease pain-causing inflammation.

GAE Procedure: Step-by-Step

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the GAE knee procedure

A local numbing agent is injected into the leg, where a catheter will be placed.
A small catheter is inserted into the artery in the groin.
The catheter is advanced into the genicular arteries using X-ray guidance.
Arteriograms are performed to map out the genicular arteries that need to be treated.
Tiny particles are injected into the appropriate genicular arteries to reduce the blood flow to the abnormal synovial lining of the knee.
The catheters are removed, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Patients can typically walk within two to three hours after the GAE knee procedure and resume normal daily activities the following day. In most cases, relief begins after two weeks as osteoarthritis-related inflammation subsides.

To ensure the success of your GAE procedure, we measure your pain using the WOMAC pain scale before your procedure and again at your two-week follow-up appointment. This 96-point scale, tailored specifically for arthritis patients, gives us a precise understanding of your pain levels and helps us ensure treatment success.

GAE Procedure: Knee Specialists at Georgia Knee Institute

At Georgia Knee Institute, we understand the toll osteoarthritis can take on your quality of life.

Persistent knee pain, limited mobility, and the fear of invasive surgeries can be overwhelming. That's why we consider the GAE knee procedure in Atlanta a powerful alternative for those in need of osteoarthritis knee treatment.

Your well-being is our top priority. Our board-certified IR physicians are experts in the field and are dedicated to helping you return to the hobbies and activities you love.

We understand choosing a medical provider for any procedure is a significant decision. Whether you have questions or concerns or want to explore your options, our knee specialists are standing by to help.

Please contact us or book an online appointment with one of our board-certified IR physicians. Your journey to pain-free knees begins with a single step, and we're here to guide you through it.

We look forward to being a part of your journey to greater mobility, comfort, and well-being.