What Is GAE?

If you’ve been dealing with knee pain or are in considerations for knee replacement, you may be wondering “what is GAE?”

Genicular Artery Embolization, or GAE, is a minimally invasive procedure that helps relieve chronic knee pain, especially with GAE for osteoarthritis.

Instead of replacing the knee joint with surgery, GAE works by reducing inflammation inside the knee.

It targets the blood vessels that feed the inflamed areas and slows the blood flow to them, helping calm down the pain.

During GAE, tiny particles are used to block off specific blood vessels.

Less blood flow means less swelling and irritation, which often leads to less pain.

For many people, GAE provides real relief without the need for major surgery or long recovery times.

GET KNEE PAIN RELIEF WITH GAE

How Does the GAE Procedure Work?

The GAE procedure is simple and low-stress.

Here’s what typically happens:

A specialist makes a tiny puncture, usually near the groin or wrist.

Through this small opening, they guide a thin catheter into the arteries that supply the knee.

Using live imaging, they find the inflamed areas and release microscopic beads to block some of the blood flow.

This helps ease inflammation and reduces knee pain.

The whole procedure usually takes about one to two hours, and you can expect to go home the same day.

Who Is a Good Candidate for GAE?

You might be a strong candidate for genicular artery embolization if you:

Have moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis
Haven’t found enough relief from treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections
Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
Are looking for a faster, less invasive option to manage your knee pain

GAE is often a great choice for people who are not quite ready for surgery or who want to keep moving without a long recovery.

Benefits of GAE for Knee Pain

GAE offers several important benefits for people living with knee pain:

No large incisions or hospital stay
Quicker recovery compared to surgery
Significant and lasting pain relief
The ability to delay or even avoid a total knee replacement
Outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day

It gives you a real chance to get back to the activities you enjoy without the risks and downtime of major surgery.

Risks and Considerations of GAE

While GAE is considered very safe, no procedure is completely risk-free.

Some things you should know:

You might have mild bruising or soreness where the catheter was inserted
Some people notice mild swelling or discomfort around the knee for a few days
Rarely, other nearby blood vessels might be affected

A detailed consultation can help determine if GAE is the right option for your specific needs.

What to Expect During Recovery After GAE

Recovery after GAE is usually much easier than recovering from knee surgery.

Here’s what most people experience:

Right after the procedure, you’ll rest for a few hours and then head home.

In the first few days, you might notice some mild soreness or swelling, but it usually fades quickly.

Many people go back to light activities within a few days and see steady improvement over the next few weeks.

Following simple post-procedure instructions, like taking it easy on heavy lifting, can help you heal even faster.

GAE Success Rate and Results

GAE has been shown to be highly effective for reducing knee pain related to osteoarthritis.

Studies show that around 70 to 85 percent of patients experience significant relief.

Many people start feeling better within weeks of the procedure, and the results can last a year or more.

Because GAE tackles the source of inflammation, it offers more than just temporary pain relief.

It gives you a real opportunity to move more freely and comfortably in your everyday life.

Why Patients Choose GAE Over Knee Replacement

Many people who learn about GAE wonder how it stacks up against a total knee replacement.

Here’s why so many choose GAE:

Recovery time is much faster
You avoid large incisions and a lengthy hospital stay
It often costs less than surgery
You can return to your normal activities sooner

If you’re hoping to stay active and avoid surgery for as long as possible, GAE could be a strong option for you.

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How Orthobiologics Associates Can Help With GAE

At Orthobiologics Associates, we specialize in helping patients find non-surgical solutions for joint pain.

Our team is highly experienced in performing genicular artery embolization to relieve chronic knee pain.

We focus on personalizing every treatment plan to fit your needs, using advanced technology and proven techniques to help you feel better faster.

If you’re looking for a way to manage knee pain without major surgery, our GAE program could be exactly what you need.

You don’t have to live with constant knee pain.

Learn more or schedule your consultation with our team today.