Genicular Artery Embolization
This procedure is a minimally invasive intervention designed to restrict blood flow to targeted areas. It maintains circulation in the surrounding regions, addressing problematic bleeding while preserving the health of adjacent tissues.
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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is primarily caused by repetitive wear and tear on the joints, leading to damage in the cartilage. This damage triggers ongoing inflammation, prompting the growth of tiny new blood vessels and nerves within the knee joint. Geniculate Artery Embolization (GAE) is a procedure that targets these abnormal vessels by injecting microscopic beads to reduce them, significantly alleviating pain.
Request an appointment today to discuss your nonsurgical solution to treating pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Are you suffering from any of these symptoms?
- Joint Pain: Sufferers often experience pain during or after movement.
- Stiffness: Joint stiffness may be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive for a period.
- Tenderness: Your joint might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near it.
- Loss of Flexibility: You may not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.
- Swelling: This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.
Why GAE?
GAE offers an effective alternative for managing knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, reducing the need for frequent medication or knee injections. It is especially beneficial for individuals who are not candidates for knee replacement surgery. Clinical studies conducted have shown that GAE can provide substantial pain relief without the risks linked to chronic medication use or repeated injections, and is durable in results out to 2 years in most cases. However, GAE is not intended to replace total knee replacement surgery, nor has it been found to adversely affect the outcomes of future knee surgeries when our technique is used.
No surgical incisions or injections into the knee joint are required.
This is a painless procedure that lasts approximately one hour.
You can typically return to work within a day or two, with no need for a lengthy recovery period.
The procedure has a very low complication rate and does not affect future knee replacement surgeries.
Symptoms typically improve within 1 to 3 weeks.
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How is Geniculate Artery Embolization (GAE) Performed?
Geniculate artery embolization is conducted by an Interventional Radiology physician. The procedure involves making a small puncture with a needle into a blood vessel at the top of the leg or near the ankle. A tiny plastic tube, known as a microcatheter, is then inserted into the blood vessels that feed the inflamed area of the knee. Microscopic beads are injected into these vessels to reduce the excessive blood flow that contributes to pain and swelling. Normal blood flow to the knee and surrounding tissues is maintained after the procedure. Performed under light sedation, the procedure is relatively painless.
LIFE CHANGING
Results
Buffalo Vascular Care offers Genicular Artery Embolization – a safe, non-surgical solution to treating osteoarthritis pain performed in the comfort of our centrally located outpatient facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a condition where the cushioning cartilage between bones deteriorates, leading to discomfort and joint pain. This wear-and-tear often results in joint inflammation and restricted mobility. The likelihood of developing OA increases if an individual has sustained joint injuries or frequently performs activities that put repetitive stress on a joint. Additional risk factors include excess body weight and advancing age.
Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that cause joint inflammation, resulting in pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a specific form of arthritis, which is the most prevalent type, stemming from the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage. There are more than 100 varieties of arthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis being another widespread form. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, affecting joints and occasionally other parts of the body, including various organs.
Osteoarthritis (OA) primarily develops due to prolonged stress on the joints, which leads to the wearing down of cartilage and results in pain. Additional contributors to OA include diseases affecting connective tissue, atypical joint or limb formation, past joint injuries, and genetic predisposition. Inflammation-inducing agents may also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis progresses through several stages, from nonexistent to severe, classified as follows:
Stage 0 (Normal): The joint appears healthy with no signs of osteoarthritis, and there is no evidence of damage. Individuals do not feel any pain or stiffness in the joint.
Stage 1 (Minor): There is slight wear on the joint and formation of bone spurs, but it typically does not result in pain or discomfort for the patient.
Stage 2 (Mild): There’s an increase in bone spur growth and patients may start to notice joint pain and symptoms when active.
Stage 3 (Moderate): Cartilage damage becomes more evident, leading to pain during joint use and stiffness after periods of inactivity.
Stage 4 (Severe): The joint gap narrows as cartilage continues to wear away significantly. Stiffness becomes more pronounced and there’s a continuous inflammatory reaction, which results in increased pain during movement.
A variety of treatment strategies exist for managing osteoarthritis, and consulting with your physician is the optimal way to identify the most suitable approach for your condition. Possible treatments range from engaging in physical exercise and achieving weight management to using over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other interventions include therapeutic injections, joint replacement surgery, and less invasive techniques such as Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE).
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive technique conducted by specially trained physicians, such as interventional radiologists, interventional radiologists, typically in an outpatient facility. During the procedure, the physician makes a tiny puncture to access arteries from the top of the leg or at the ankle. Through the catheter, the physician releases tiny particles that obstruct the small blood vessels in the knee’s lining. This obstruction diminishes the blood supply to the inflamed regions of the knee, thereby decreasing pain.
Who should I choose to perform my Genicular Artery Embolization?
If you’re seeking dedicated professionals who consistently deliver outstanding results, Buffalo Vascular Care is your go-to for the procedure.
At Buffalo Vascular Care, we recognize the pain and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis and offer effective non-surgical alternatives. We are committed to providing exceptional care, ensuring each patient receives the highest standard of treatment. Our skilled specialists are proficient in conducting GAE procedures with a high success rate. We have extensive experience in Interventional Radiology, endovascular and other embolization procedures for over 25 years.
Knee replacement isn’t your only choice. If you’re not prepared for surgery, GAE can provide significant relief from knee osteoarthritis symptoms, without the risks and discomfort associated with invasive surgeries. We’re here to guide you through the details of this procedure and address any questions you may have about your treatment. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more!