Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) Treatment

Effective Relief for Chronic Knee Pain

Joint & Vascular Institute

What is the GAE Procedure?

Joint and Vascular Institute offers Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), an innovative, minimally invasive treatment for chronic knee pain, often resulting from osteoarthritis. Performed by Dr. Osman Ahmed and Dr. Mikin Patel, pioneers and leaders in this field, the procedure specifically targets the abnormal blood vessels around the knee, reducing pain and inflammation without invasive surgery or a lengthy recovery.

Explore GAE for chronic knee pain.

Find Relief for Your Knee Pain

Benefits of Choosing GAE for Knee Pain Relief

GAE presents numerous benefits over traditional surgical options, making it ideal for patients seeking an effective solution with minimal downtime:

Minimally
Invasive

GAE involves a tiny incision, minimizing discomfort, scarring, and reducing the risk of complications.

Direct
Pain Relief

By blocking blood flow to the abnormal vessels that fuel inflammation, GAE provides targeted pain relief at its source.

Quick
Recovery

Most patients can resume daily activities within days, a stark contrast to the extended recovery of knee surgery.

Lasting
Relief

With clinical research showing substantial pain reduction that can last up to two years, GAE allows for improved mobility and quality of life.

Academic Level Care.
Just Next Door.

From your first consultation to every step of your treatment, our providers bring advanced expertise and a personalized approach that puts you first.

Osman Ahmed

MD, FSIR, FCIRSE

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Mikin V. Patel

MD, MBA

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is GAE?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a cutting-edge treatment for osteoarthritis-related knee pain. It works by targeting the genicular arteries that supply blood to the knee joint. In osteoarthritis, these arteries form abnormal branches, causing inflammation and pain. GAE blocks these abnormal vessels with tiny beads, reducing inflammation and pain without impacting the knee’s normal structures.

  • Individuals with knee osteoarthritis as confirmed by X-rays
  • Patients with moderate to severe knee pain
  • Those who have not found relief with medications, physical therapy, or joint injections
  • Patients seeking an alternative to knee replacement or who are not surgical candidates

GAE is an outpatient procedure, generally lasting around 30 to 45 minutes. Under the guidance of ultrasound and X-rays, a small catheter is placed in an artery in the upper thigh. The interventional radiologist then injects tiny beads into the abnormal vessels around the knee, reducing inflammation and knee pain.

Research shows that 80% of GAE patients experience a significant reduction in knee pain, with effects lasting up to two years. Recovery is swift; patients can go home the same day and expect noticeable pain relief within weeks.

Personalized, Compassionate Care at Joint & Vascular Institute in Libertyville, IL

At Joint and Vascular Institute, our dedicated interventional radiologists understand the impact of chronic knee pain on daily life. We partner with you to assess your goals, guide you through the GAE process, and tailor a plan that best addresses your needs.

Ready for Relief? Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re ready to explore GAE as a solution to chronic knee pain, contact our Libertyville office to book your consultation. Let Joint and Vascular Institute help restore your comfort and mobility with this advanced, minimally invasive treatment.