Genicular artery embolisation is a non-surgical procedure that reduces knee pain by targeting inflamed blood vessels within the joint. By decreasing blood flow to these areas, the treatment helps reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.
Genicular artery embolisation is a non-surgical procedure that reduces knee pain by targeting inflamed blood vessels within the joint. By decreasing blood flow to these areas, the treatment helps reduce inflammation and improve symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.
The procedure works by identifying and treating the small arteries (genicular arteries) that supply inflamed tissue in the knee. Using advanced imaging, an interventional radiologist guides a thin catheter into these arteries and delivers tiny particles to reduce abnormal blood flow. This helps decrease inflammation, which can lead to meaningful pain relief and improved joint function over time.
Because genicular artery embolisation is minimally invasive, it is typically performed as a day procedure. Most patients can return home the same day and resume light activities shortly after treatment.
During the procedure, a small catheter is guided into the arteries around the knee using medical imaging. Tiny particles are injected to reduce abnormal blood flow and inflammation, which may help relieve pain and improve mobility.
GAE may be an option for people with knee osteoarthritis whose pain has not improved with conservative measures like medication, physiotherapy, or injections and who want to avoid or are not yet ready for knee replacement surgery. Suitability still varies from person to person, so a specialist assessment is needed to determine whether it’s appropriate for you.
GAE is a minimally invasive, non-surgical option that may help manage knee pain and, for some people, delay or reduce the need for surgery. Whether it’s the right choice depends on your individual circumstances, so it’s important to consult a specialist to discuss what’s most suitable for you.
GAE is mainly used to help reduce chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, which may in turn ease stiffness and improve mobility for some people. Results can also vary depending on each case, and a specialist can advise whether it’s likely to help in your situation.
GAE is usually performed as a day procedure, with most people returning home the same day and resuming normal activities within a few days. Some mild tenderness or bruising around the entry site is common at first, and your interventional radiologist will guide you on your recovery.
Performed through a small catheter without the need for open surgery.
Directly treats inflammation within the knee joint rather than masking symptoms.
Most patients return to normal activities more quickly compared with surgical options.
Typically performed without the need for an overnight hospital stay.
Offers an alternative for patients who are not ready for, or wish to avoid, knee replacement surgery.
Genicular artery embolisation offers a modern, targeted approach to managing knee pain without traditional surgery. Our interventional radiology team provides precise, image-guided care tailored to each patient’s condition.
Book a consultation with Interventional Radiology Associates to learn whether genicular artery embolisation may be the right treatment for you.
