Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure performed to reduce knee osteoarthritis pain by calming the inflamed lining of the knee joint, with no incisions and no knee replacement. Knee osteoarthritis is the most common “wear and tear” arthritis. Over time, the cartilage that cushions your knee can thin out, and the joint can get irritated and inflamed, leading to chronic knee pain, stiffness, swelling, and that lovely popping and grinding sound that makes you feel like a human maraca.
At VidaVascular, a vascular and interventional care practice, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is offered as a minimally invasive option for certain people with knee osteoarthritis pain who are looking for nonsurgical pain relief options that still feel evidence-based and realistic.
Want to understand the condition behind the pain? Read our guide to knee osteoarthritis pain, including symptoms, risk factors, and diagnosis.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
GAE is a minimally invasive procedure that targets tiny blood vessels around the knee called the genicular arteries. In many people with osteoarthritis, parts of the knee lining (called the synovium) can become inflamed and develop extra small blood vessels. Those vessels can help “feed” ongoing inflammation and pain.
“Embolization” simply means blocking some of those extra tiny vessels using very small particles. The goal is to calm down inflammation and reduce pain over time. Think of it like turning down the volume on an overactive irritation signal rather than replacing the joint. Studies have shown improvements in pain and function in many patients, although results can vary and some sham-controlled trials show a strong placebo effect, which is important to be honest about. (1–5)
Who might be a good candidate for GAE for knee osteoarthritis pain?
GAE is generally discussed for people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis who still hurt despite conservative care. Conservative care usually means the basics that are boring but effective, like exercise-based physical therapy, weight management if needed, and medications or injections when appropriate. (8,9)
Your provider may consider GAE if you have:
- Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis that limits daily activities
- Symptoms that did not improve enough with conservative treatments
- A desire to avoid or delay knee replacement, if possible
- Imaging that supports osteoarthritis as a main pain source
GAE might not be the best fit, or may need extra caution, if you have:
- Active infection, poor circulation, or certain bleeding risks
- Knee pain mainly caused by a different problem (like a fracture, major ligament injury, or another inflammatory arthritis)
- Expectations that it will “cure” arthritis (it is designed to reduce pain and inflammation, not rebuild cartilage)
At VidaVascular, the team can review your symptoms and history and help you understand whether GAE makes sense in your situation, or whether another approach is more likely to help.
How well does GAE work, and how long can relief last?
Here is the straight talk: GAE has promising evidence, but it is still evolving. Early prospective studies and some trials show meaningful improvements in pain and function for many patients. (1,2,4,5,7)
What research shows so far:
- A sham-controlled randomized study reported greater pain and disability improvement at 1 month in the treated group. (1)
- A triple-blind randomized trial in early-stage OA evaluated GAE versus a sham procedure. (2)
- Another double-blind sham-controlled trial found similar pain reduction in both GAE and sham groups at 4 months, suggesting placebo and patient selection matter a lot. (3)
- Longer follow-up studies show that some patients maintain improvement at 2 years, especially if they respond well earlier on, but not everyone does. (6,7)
Bottom line: many people improve, some do not, and researchers are actively working on better ways to predict who benefits most. A good evaluation is what keeps this from turning into a coin flip.
What are the risks and side effects of GAE?
GAE is minimally invasive, but it is not “no big deal.” It still involves working inside blood vessels, so safety planning matters.
Possible side effects and risks reported in studies include:
- Temporary skin discoloration or bruising near the knee (often resolves) (7)
- Groin bruising or hematoma at the access site (7)
- Temporary increased soreness or inflammation as the knee settles
- Rare complications like blood clots have been reported in longer-term studies (7)
Some trials reported no serious adverse events, while noting more mild side effects in the treated group than in sham groups. (3)
When to call right away
If you ever develop severe worsening pain, high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden leg swelling after any procedure, that is “call now,” not “wait and see.”
What should I expect when I ask VidaVascular about GAE?
If you are curious about GAE, the first step is usually a focused evaluation to confirm that osteoarthritis is the main driver of your pain and that you are a reasonable candidate.
In many practices, that evaluation may include:
- A detailed symptom review (where it hurts, what triggers it, what you have tried)
- Review of imaging (often X-ray, sometimes MRI depending on your situation)
- A discussion of options, including nonsurgical care, injections, nerve-based treatments, and when knee replacement may be more appropriate (8,9)
The goal is clarity. Not hype. If GAE is a fit, you should understand what “success” looks like, what timelines are realistic, and what the alternatives are.
Why choose VidaVascular for Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
Chronic knee osteoarthritis pain can shrink your world fast. Fewer walks, less sleep, more “I guess I’ll just deal with it.” You do not have to stay stuck there. VidaVascular offers Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) as a minimally invasive option for select patients who want to explore nonsurgical knee pain relief.
If you are looking into GAE, knee osteoarthritis care, or interventional options for chronic knee pain, an evaluation can help you understand whether this approach fits your goals and your knee.
Your VidaVascular Care Team
Your evaluation and treatment are guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team.
Where to Get GAE Care
Choose the office that is most convenient for you. All locations share one phone number for scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions About GAE
Where is GAE offered?
VidaVascular has offices in Oxon Hill, MD, Springfield, VA, and White Plains, MD. Call (866) 800-2346 to schedule at the location most convenient for you.
Does insurance cover my visit?
VidaVascular accepts most major insurance providers. Coverage varies by plan and procedure, so please call us to confirm whether your specific plan is covered. Insurance information.
Can my doctor refer me?
Yes. Clinicians can send referrals through our HIPAA-compliant clinician referral form, and patients or community members can use the patient/community referral form.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (866) 800-2346 or request an appointment online. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, 8 AM to 3 PM.
References
- Bagla, S., Piechowiak, R., Sajan, A., Orlando, J., Hartman, T., & Isaacson, A. (2022). Multicenter randomized sham controlled study of genicular artery embolization for knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 33(1), 2–10.e12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2021.09.019
- Landers, S., Hely, R., Hely, A., Harrison, B., Page, R. S., Maister, N., Gwini, S. M., & Gill, S. D. (2023). Genicular artery embolization for early-stage knee osteoarthritis: Results from a triple-blind single-centre randomized controlled trial. Bone & Joint Open, 4(3), 158–167. https://doi.org/10.1302/2633-1462.43.BJO-2022-0161.R2
- van Zadelhoff, T. A., et al. (2024). Genicular artery embolisation versus sham embolisation for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087047
- Okuno, Y., Korchi, A. M., Shinjo, T., & Kato, S. (2017). Midterm clinical outcomes and MR imaging changes after transcatheter arterial embolization as a treatment for mild to moderate radiographic knee osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 28(7), 995–1002.
- Taslakian, B., Miller, L. E., Mabud, T. S., Macaulay, W., Samuels, J., Attur, M., Alaia, E. F., Kijowski, R., Hickey, R., & Sista, A. K. (2023). Genicular artery embolization for treatment of knee osteoarthritis pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 5(2), 100342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocarto.2023.100342
- Cusumano, L. R., Sparks, H. D., Masterson, K. E., Genshaft, S. J., Plotnik, A. N., & Padia, S. A. (2024). Genicular artery embolization for treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: 2-year outcomes from a prospective IDE trial. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2024.08.028
- Little, M. W., O’Grady, A., Briggs, J., Gibson, M., Speirs, A., Al-Rekabi, A., Yoong, P., Ariyanayagam, T., Davies, N., Tayton, E., Tavares, S., MacGill, S., McLaren, C., & Harrison, R. (2024). Genicular artery embolisation in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (GENESIS) using permanent microspheres: Long-term results. Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, 47(12), 1750–1762. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-024-03752-7
- Bannuru, R. R., Osani, M. C., Vaysbrot, E. E., Arden, N. K., Bennell, K., Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M. A., Kraus, V. B., Lohmander, L. S., Abbott, J. H., Bhandari, M., et al. (2019). OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 27(11), 1578–1589.
- Kolasinski, S. L., Neogi, T., Hochberg, M. C., Oatis, C., Guyatt, G., Block, J., Callahan, L., Copenhaver, C., Dodge, C., Felson, D., et al. (2020). 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis & Rheumatology, 72(2), 220–233.
Ready to Learn More About GAE?
Schedule an evaluation with our team. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you decide what fits your goals.