Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) Treatment
Joint & Vascular Institute
A Minimally Invasive Solution for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
At Joint & Vascular Institute, we offer Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)—a groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment for osteoarthritis knee treatment in Chicago and Libertyville. Our nationally recognized physicians, pioneers in the GAE knee procedure in Libertyville, use the latest image-guided techniques to provide lasting relief, helping you avoid surgery and get back to the activities you love.
Chronic knee pain doesn’t have to be a part of your life. If you suffer from knee pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, you may be a candidate for knee embolization. This innovative procedure is performed in our comfortable outpatient center, allowing you to go home the same day.
Real Patient Story
Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
No
Large Incisions
A tiny incision means minimal scarring.
Outpatient
Procedure
Go home the same day.
Quick
Recovery
Return to daily activities faster.
Lower
Cost
More affordable than hospital-based surgery.
Avoids
Knee Replacement
A less invasive alternative to major surgery.
Proven
Effectiveness
Clinically proven to reduce pain and improve function.
Find Relief for Your Knee Pain
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
GAE is a minimally invasive knee pain treatment in Chicago that treats knee pain by reducing inflammation. In an osteoarthritic knee, the lining of the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed and develops abnormal, microscopic blood vessels. These vessels are a primary source of inflammatory agents and pain. GAE for knee pain works by blocking these abnormal vessels, which reduces inflammation and provides significant pain relief.
Explore GAE for chronic knee pain.
The Outpatient Advantage for GAE Treatment
Where you receive your osteoarthritis knee treatment in Libertyville matters. An outpatient-based lab (OBL) like Joint & Vascular Institute offers a more personalized, convenient, and efficient experience compared to a hospital setting.
| Dimension | Joint & Vascular Institute (OBL) | Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | GAE Experts: Led by board-certified interventional radiologists who are pioneers in the GAE procedure. | General Care: You may see various doctors, not all of whom specialize in GAE. |
| Technology | State-of-the-art: Equipped with the latest imaging and interventional technology specifically for vascular and joint care. | Variable: Technology can vary widely by hospital and department. |
| Experience | Personalized & Comfortable: A private, calm environment focused entirely on your care and comfort. | Institutional & Overwhelming: Large, busy environments with long waits and less personal attention. |
| Scheduling | Fast & Direct: Get an appointment quickly without waiting for weeks or months for a referral. | Slow & Complex: Multiple appointments, long wait times, and complicated scheduling. |
| Cost | Lower Cost: Fewer overhead expenses often result in more affordable care without sacrificing quality. | Higher Cost: Hospital overhead and facility fees lead to significantly higher expenses. |
| Recovery | Go Home Same Day: Recover at home and get back to your life faster. | Hospital Stay: Procedures may require an overnight stay for observation. |
Results & Clinical Evidence
GAE is supported by a growing body of clinical evidence demonstrating its safety and effectiveness. Our physicians at Joint & Vascular Institute are at the forefront of this research, contributing to the medical literature and advancing the field.
Dr. Osman Ahmed, one of the first physicians to perform the GAE procedure, co-authored a comprehensive review on GAE techniques and clinical outcomes, highlighting the procedure’s high success rates and low complication rates. This groundbreaking work has helped establish GAE as a viable treatment option for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
Further demonstrating their commitment to advancing GAE, both Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Mikin Patel contributed to a study on the long-term clinical outcomes of GAE, providing crucial data on the durability of the procedure. This research offers patients valuable insights into what they can expect from GAE treatment over time.
Their collaborative research efforts extend to other significant publications, further solidifying their expertise and leadership in this innovative field.
Additional important studies, while not authored by our doctors, further validate the effectiveness of GAE. One such study in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology can be found here, and another significant paper is available here. Together, these peer-reviewed studies reinforce the growing body of evidence supporting GAE as a safe and effective treatment option.
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.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Knee Pain
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) is another advanced, non-surgical option available at the Joint & Vascular Institute for chronic knee pain. PNS works by delivering gentle electrical impulses to the specific nerves responsible for sending pain signals from your knee to your brain, effectively interrupting those signals and reducing pain.
Treatment follows a simple two-step process. First, a thin lead is placed under the skin near the target nerve in a quick outpatient procedure, connected to a small external device you control. This trial period confirms that PNS provides meaningful relief. If successful, a miniaturized permanent device can be implanted to deliver sustained, long-term pain management.
Who Benefits from Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?
PNS may be an excellent option for patients with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis that has not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections. While genicular artery embolization can treat pain related to inflammation, PNS is considered when your pain is felt to be neuropathic or even structural. It is also effective for patients with persistent pain after knee replacement surgery, those who are not candidates for major surgery, or anyone seeking a drug-free, long-term solution.
- Patient-Controlled Relief
Adjust stimulation levels to match your pain for direct control over your comfort. - Minimally Invasive
Only a tiny incision is needed, avoiding the risks of major surgery. - Drug-Free
Pain relief without the side effects of long-term medication use. - Proven, Lasting Results
Clinical studies show significant, sustained pain relief and improved quality of life. - Reversible and Non-Destructive
No permanent nerve damage, making it a safe and reversible option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GAE painful?
The GAE procedure is performed through a tiny incision and is generally not painful. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, and most patients report feeling only slight pressure during the procedure. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal.
How long does the GAE procedure take?
The GAE procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours to perform.
Will my insurance cover GAE?
Many insurance plans cover GAE. Our team will work with you to verify your benefits and provide a cost estimate before your procedure.
Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) safe?
Yes, GAE is safe when performed by experienced operators. Thousands of cases have been performed worldwide in the last decade, and Drs. Ahmed and Patel have treated over 1000 knees themselves. The most common side effect after a GAE is mild bruising at the treatment site, which resolves in a week or two. This happens in fewer than 1 in 6 patients. Major complications are rare with our advanced, modern technique.
I have bone-on-bone arthritis; will GAE work on me?
GAE doesn’t work on everyone. The likelihood of GAE working well in someone with bone-on-bone arthritis is lower. However, the likelihood of anything working well on someone with bone-on-bone arthritis is lower. So, while surgery may be your ultimate solution, the therapies we offer may make sense in the meantime.
What do I do if GAE doesn’t work?
GAE doesn’t work on everyone. In fact, we talk about this openly. It’s medicine, not magic.
If GAE doesn’t work for you, we’ll help find you something that does. We treat knee pain with “standard” injections and other new treatments like nerve stimulators. If none of that works, we’re connected to a strong network of surgeons, physical therapists, and pain doctors. Our goal is to help you find the most appropriate next step, even if that means recommending treatment outside our practice.
How much time off will I need to take after GAE?
This is the beauty of GAE. It’s a quick, outpatient procedure. Typically, you have to take it easy for two days after the procedure, which means no lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Otherwise, you can walk, use the stairs, drive, and go about your regular life right after we’re done.
How long before I feel the results and how long will the pain relief last?
Some patients begin noticing knee pain relief within about one week after GAE, while others experience more gradual improvement. We typically evaluate the initial results around one month after the procedure.
Pain relief varies from person to person. Some patients experience improvement lasting 18 months or longer, while others may have a shorter period of relief.
If your knee pain returns, we’ll reassess your condition and discuss available options. Depending on your symptoms and treatment history, these may include repeat GAE, injections, nerve ablation, or consultation for knee replacement surgery.
Why should I see JVI for my knee pain?
If you’re looking for doctors who literally wrote the book on GAE, you should come to JVI. Drs. Ahmed and Patel have treated more than 1,000 knees using GAE and have contributed to the growing body of research supporting minimally invasive treatments for chronic joint pain.
Dr. Ahmed has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and currently leads an NIH-funded clinical study evaluating GAE for knee osteoarthritis. His research has helped pioneer embolization techniques now used worldwide. Dr. Patel has also published extensively in vascular and interventional procedures, bringing valuable clinical and research experience to our practice.
When you choose JVI, you’re receiving care from physicians who are actively involved in advancing the treatments they provide. Just as importantly, we take a personalized approach to knee pain, helping you understand your options and determine which treatment may be right for you.
Take the Next Step
Don’t wait for your knee pain to get worse. The first step toward relief is a comprehensive evaluation with a knee pain doctor who understands your condition. At Joint & Vascular Institute, we will diagnose the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to improve your quality of life.
Regain Comfort.
Restore Mobility.
Live Pain-Free.
We are proud to serve patients across Northern Chicago from our Libertyville clinic, including Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Gurnee, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Mundelein, Northbrook, Palatine, Skokie, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Wheeling, Wilmette, and surrounding areas.