Genicular Artery Embolization Procedure (GAE)

What is Genicular Artery Embolization?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a novel, minimally invasive procedure that treats chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions. During the procedure, a thin catheter is inserted into a blood vessel through a small incision — typically in the groin or wrist — and guided under X-ray imaging into the genicular arteries, which supply blood to the lining of the knee joint. Once positioned, tiny particles are injected into the artery to reduce abnormal blood flow (inflammation) to the area and deaden the nerves that are causing pain. This technique can help reduce swelling, relieve pain and increase mobility in the knee.

UChicago Medicine is one of the few hospitals, and the first in the Midwest, to offer this advanced treatment to relieve severe knee pain.

GAE Procedure

Genicular artery embolization is a safe and effective alternative to knee replacement surgery. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia and light sedation.

A small catheter is inserted through a tiny incision in the groin or wrist and guided to the arteries supplying the knee. Tiny particles are injected to block the inflamed vessels, which reduces pain and inflammation over time. The total time for the outpatient procedure is roughly an hour, and patients are discharged on the same day.

Recovery is usually quick, with many patients reporting significant pain relief within two to four weeks. Since no bone or joint tissue is removed, GAE is a good option for patients seeking to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery, especially if they’re not yet candidates for surgery or prefer a nonsurgical alternative.

pre and post embolization — Before: The right shows the site of pain in a knee with one or more abnormal blood vessels before genicular artery embolization. After: On the left, blood flow has been blocked to a painful nerve and inflammation in the knee is reduced.

Our innovative interventional radiologists can treat this inflammation with genicular artery embolization.

Who is a Good Candidate for a GAE Procedure?

Genicular artery embolization is an option for a wide range of patients with knee osteoarthritis who haven’t found relief from other treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections or pain medication.

The most common characteristics for a “good candidate” include:

Active
40 years old and above
Moderate or severe knee pain
Localized knee pain
Little to no improvement with traditional treatment options like steroid injections or pain medications
Not eligible or desiring knee replacement

A GAE procedure can also serve as a bridge to surgery for patients who are suffering from chronic pain, but their knee joint remains in good shape. Because knee replacement surgery has risks, surgery can be delayed until it’s truly the only option.

Additionally, genicular artery embolization offers treatment to patients who either aren’t ready for surgery or aren’t good surgical candidates because of other serious medical conditions.

Schedule an Appointment: Call 773-702-6514

Common Questions About Genicular Artery Embolization

Knee arthritis is a complicated condition, with 15 million people in the United States alone suffering from hard-to-treat, long-term chronic pain. Genicular artery embolization is an emerging nonsurgical alternative for patients with knee osteoarthritis-related pain.

When is GAE a good treatment for knee arthritis?

Genicular artery embolization is ideal for people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who haven’t found relief from traditional therapy, such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy or knee injections.

The typical GAE patient is not a good candidate for, or doesn't want to undergo a knee replacement surgery. Having GAE doesn’t prevent you from receiving a knee replacement in the future.

What are genicular arteries?

Genicular arteries supply blood to the knee joint, including the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles in that area. There are six genicular arteries, which play a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the knee joint.

Osteoarthritis can cause abnormal blood vessels from the genicular arteries to grow, encouraging inflammation in the joint. This causes knee pain, swelling and even loss of function and mobility if not addressed.

What is the success rate of GAE?

GAE has a very high success rate, safely and effectively treating the arteries in over 99% of cases. Many patients experience significant knee pain relief and improved mobility for a period of time. This relief may last longer than typical knee injections.

Some patients opt to repeat the GAE procedure if symptoms return. This approach can help to delay or avoid knee replacement.

As GAE is relatively new, it’s unclear how many patients can avoid knee replacement altogether by using this approach.

What are the risks of GAE?

GAE is generally considered a low-risk procedure, especially compared to major knee surgery. Like any medical intervention, it does carry potential risks, including:

Temporary post-procedure pain or swelling in the knee or groin area
Bruising or bleeding at the catheter insertion site
Non-target embolization, where particles unintentionally block nearby blood vessels (rare with experienced interventional radiologists)
Infection (extremely rare)
Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the procedure
Nerve irritation or numbness (uncommon and usually temporary)
Serious complications are very rare, and most patients recover quickly with minimal downtime.

Leading Research on Genicular Artery Embolization

Physician-scientists at UChicago Medicine are constantly redefining standards of care. Our research shows genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an emerging, minimally invasive therapy that can address the global burden of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Although total knee arthroplasty has been a standard intervention for severe cases, GAE is a promising alternative, particularly for patients ineligible for or unwilling to undergo surgery. Our current studies have reproduced long-term improvements in pain and quality of life.

Learn more about our research:

Second Opinions and Contact Us

For referrals, second opinions or general questions about genicular artery embolization (GAE), please contact us at 773-926-8458.

Meet Our Genicular Artery Embolization Team

Magdalena Anitescu, MD, PhD

Anesthesiology

Tessa Balach, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery

Brian Funaki, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Abdul Khan, MD

Radiology

Divya Kumari, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Rakesh Navuluri, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Nurse Navigator

Natasha Rodwell

Find a Genicular Artery Embolization Location Near Your

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

* Indicates required field