Your questions about knee pain treatment, answered

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive treatment for long-lasting knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. The procedure targets small arteries around the knee joint and closes them off, which helps calm inflammation and reduce pain. Our doctors offer GAE using current, research-backed techniques, with the goal of giving you the best possible outcome.

GAE blocks abnormal blood vessels in the knee that cause chronic inflammation. Using a tiny catheter, we inject small particles to reduce blood flow to these areas, easing pain and swelling without any incisions. Trust our experts to deliver this advanced procedure with precision and care.

GAE doesn't stop all blood flow to the knee. The procedure is aimed only at the abnormal blood vessels that feed inflammation in the joint, while the normal vessels keep supplying the knee as usual. Reducing those excess vessels helps bring blood flow back to a healthier balance and eases pain. Our experienced physicians perform every procedure with your safety and comfort as the top priority.

Most side effects are minor and short-lived, such as soreness, bruising, or swelling where the catheter was inserted. Serious problems are uncommon, and our team will keep a close eye on your recovery and be available to answer questions and offer guidance throughout the process.

GAE is considered a safe procedure, and complications are uncommon. Before your treatment, our providers will walk you through any possible risks so you feel informed and confident going in. Patient safety guides every part of our care, from your first consultation through your recovery.

Yes. If your knee pain comes back, GAE can often be performed again. Your doctor will assess your knee and overall condition to decide whether a second procedure makes sense for you. We're committed to helping you find relief that lasts.

GAE is a good fit for people living with ongoing knee pain from osteoarthritis who haven't found enough relief from other treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. During your evaluation, we'll look at your symptoms and history to determine whether GAE is the right option and build a pain-relief plan tailored to you.

GAE may not be recommended if you have severe peripheral artery disease (significant narrowing of the arteries in your legs), certain active infections, or an allergy to the materials used during embolization. Our providers will carefully review your health history and recommend the treatment approach that best suits your needs.

For some patients, yes. Some people continue to have lingering pain or swelling months or even years after a knee replacement. In certain cases, this ongoing discomfort is linked to inflammation and abnormal blood vessels that form around the joint after surgery. Because GAE targets those same kinds of vessels, it may offer relief without the need for another operation.

In a study of 346 patients, the procedure demonstrated a 95.8% technical success rate. This means that in the vast majority of cases, the interventional radiologist was able to successfully target and treat the intended areas.

In a published study, patients who had GAE reported steadily greater pain relief over the 12 months that followed. On a standard pain scale, here's how much their pain scores dropped, on average:
1 week after GAE: 3.1 points
1 month after GAE: 4.0 points
3 months after GAE: 4.2 points
6 months after GAE: 5.1 points
12 months after GAE: 5.5 points
These results show that relief often keeps building for months after the procedure rather than leveling off right away.
https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(22)00050-1/abstract

How long relief lasts differs from person to person, ranging anywhere from a few weeks to several years. Many patients enjoy meaningful pain reduction for two years or longer. Our doctors tailor your care to help your results last as long as possible, so you can get back to the activities you enjoy.

Coverage for GAE depends on your insurance plan. Our team will check your benefits for you and go over any payment options, so the process is as simple and stress-free as possible.

We see patients in Manhattan’s Financial District at 156 William St, Suite 303, New York, NY 10038,.

Call us at (718) 866-4435, book online through Zocdoc, or request a consultation using the form on any treatment page. We’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

At Liberty Medical, every patient is treated with the warmth and attention you'd expect from family. Our physicians bring advanced training in interventional procedures like GAE, and they take the time to create a care plan built around you. From your first call to your final follow-up, our friendly staff works to make every part of your experience smooth and positive. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward easing your knee pain.