Genicular Artery Embolization Procedure: What to Expect
If your doctor has referred you to an interventional radiologist for a genicular artery embolization (GAE) procedure, it's crucial to know what's involved. Preparation will help ensure your experience is as smooth and productive as possible.
GAE is beneficial to patients suffering from persistent osteoarthritis-related knee pain, particularly those who have had unsuccessful traditional interventions or who wish to avoid invasive surgery.
What is GAE, and what does it do?
GAE is a non-surgical procedure designed to slow the progress of knee osteoarthritis. It is minimally invasive and doesn't require hospitalization or general anesthesia. The treatment typically lasts two hours.
An overview of GAE
A qualified vascular and interventional radiologist performs GAE. Here is a detailed outline of the GAE process.
- An anesthetic is administered into the groin area, where the catheter will be inserted.
- A thin catheter is introduced into the femoral artery in the groin through a small puncture.
- The catheter is guided to the appropriate arteries -- the genicular arteries -- while the process is captured using X-ray imaging. This process is called an arteriogram.
- Once the genicular arteries are visualized, small embolic materials are released into the blood vessels. These particles diminsh blood flow to the knee lining, mitigating inflammation, pain, and other symptoms.
- The physician extracts the catheter and applies a sanitized bandage to the puncture site.
After GAE, patients can normally walk within two to three hours and return to their typical activities the following day. Most patients experience symptom reduction within a few weeks.
At Texas Knee Institute, we use WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) to evaluate your discomfort. The questionnaire asks patients to rate their pain, stiffness, and function before and after treatment.
Texas Knee Institute: Delivering Superior Outcomes through Non-Surgical Techniques
At Texas Knee Institute, we recognize the significant impact that knee osteoarthritis pain has on the lives of our patients. We understand that this condition can impede mobility and cause considerable discomfort. Fortunately, GAE yields remarkable outcomes for a diverse population of patients.
We prioritize the well-being of our patients and strive to provide them with effective solutions. GAE is a breakthrough treatment that minimizes the risk of complications, reduces recovery time, and avoids the need for extensive incisions or hospital stays.
Our team of experienced vascular and interventional radiologists performs the GAE procedure. Our experts utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure the highest degree of precision and safety throughout the intervention. Patient comfort and well-being are paramount, and we take every measure to provide a positive experience throughout the treatment process.
If you are experiencing knee osteoarthritis pain and are seeking a safe and effective treatment option, contact our compassionate team today to schedule a consultationschedule a consultationschedule a consultation and begin your journey toward a more active and pain-free life.
