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New Procedure at MVI: Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

October 11, 2024

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased mobility. GAE is a cutting-edge treatment option for those who have not found relief from conservative therapies like physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections but wish to avoid more invasive surgeries like knee replacement.

How Does GAE Work?

The genicular arteries are small blood vessels that supply blood to the lining of the knee joint. In patients with OA, inflammation increases blood flow to these arteries, which can contribute to pain and further joint damage. Genicular artery embolization works by reducing this excessive blood flow and, consequently, inflammation, providing long-lasting pain relief.

Here’s what to expect during the procedure:

  1. Preparation: GAE is typically performed under moderate sedation; a mild sedative to help with relaxation.
  2. Access: A small incision is made in the groin, where a catheter is inserted into the femoral artery. Using X-ray guidance, the catheter is navigated to the genicular arteries in the knee.
  3. Embolization: Tiny particles are injected into the genicular arteries to block some of the blood flow. This reduces inflammation in the knee joint.
  4. Completion: Once the embolization is complete, the catheter is removed, and the incision is closed with a small bandage. The procedure typically takes around one to two hours, and patients can go home the same day.

Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization

  • Minimally Invasive: GAE is a same-day, outpatient procedure that requires only a small incision.
  • Pain Relief: Studies have shown significant reductions in pain for patients with knee osteoarthritis who have undergone GAE. Many report improved quality of life and mobility following the procedure.
  • Quick Recovery: Patients usually experience minimal downtime and can return to their normal activities in just a few days.
  • No Major Surgery: Unlike knee replacement surgery, GAE does not involve cutting bone or replacing parts of the joint. This makes it a great option for individuals who are not ready for or are not good candidates for surgery.

Who is a Candidate for GAE?

GAE is an excellent option for individuals who:

  • Suffer from moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis pain
  • Have not responded to conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections
  • Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
  • Are looking for a minimally invasive option with little downtime

It's important to have a detailed discussion with your healthcare provider to see if GAE is right for you.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Most patients experience relief from knee pain within days to weeks after the procedure, with the effects continuing to improve over the following months. Since it is minimally invasive, there is little risk of complications. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks, including bruising, bleeding, or infection at the catheter insertion site, or some skin color changes around the knee, though these are rare.

Conclusion

Genicular Artery Embolization offers a promising alternative to surgery for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis. With its minimally invasive nature, short recovery time, and effective pain relief, GAE is a groundbreaking option for patients looking to improve their knee health and quality of life without the need for major surgery.

If you're struggling with knee pain and want to explore whether Genicular Artery Embolization is the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today!

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Interventional Radiology (IR) is a rapidly growing medical specialty that uses advanced imaging techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in a minimally invasive way. At Murfreesboro Vascular and Interventional, we are proud to offer cutting-edge interventional radiology treatments, providing patients with effective, targeted care that often eliminates the need for traditional surgery. But what exactly is interventional radiology, and how does it benefit patients? What is Interventional Radiology? Interventional Radiology involves the use of medical imaging technologies—such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, and Fluoroscopy—to guide small instruments, like catheters and needles, through the body to treat disease. This enables physicians to perform precise procedures with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues, offering a safer, quicker, and less painful alternative to conventional surgery. IR procedures can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including: Vascular diseases like peripheral artery disease (PAD) and varicose veins Cancer treatments, including targeted therapies like tumor ablation Non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids, such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Treatments for liver and kidney issues, such as bile duct blockages or kidney stones Minimally invasive biopsies and drainage procedures How Interventional Radiology Works IR specialists are highly trained to use imaging techniques to see inside the body and perform procedures through tiny incisions—often no larger than a pinhole. Here's an overview of the process: Imaging Guidance: Using real-time imaging, the interventional radiologist pinpoints the exact area needing treatment. This high level of precision ensures that only the targeted area is addressed, while healthy tissue remains unaffected. Minimally Invasive Access: A small incision is made to introduce the catheter or needle into the body. Through this access point, tiny instruments can be guided directly to the problem area, whether it’s a blood vessel, organ, or other tissue. Treatment Delivery: Once in place, the interventional radiologist performs the procedure, which could involve inserting stents to open up blood vessels, embolizing (blocking) blood flow to shrink fibroids or tumors, or ablating cancerous tissue using extreme heat or cold. The Benefits of Interventional Radiology Interventional Radiology offers numerous benefits to patients, making it an attractive alternative to traditional surgery in many cases. 1. Minimally Invasive One of the most significant advantages of IR is that it is minimally invasive. The procedures are performed through tiny incisions, which means: Less pain: Smaller incisions cause less trauma to the body, resulting in less postoperative pain. Lower risk of complications: With fewer cuts and less exposure of internal tissues, the risk of infections and other complications is reduced. Faster recovery: Most patients can return to normal activities much sooner than they would after traditional surgery. Many IR procedures are outpatient, so you can go home the same day. 2. Reduced Need for General Anesthesia Many interventional radiology procedures only require local anesthesia and mild sedation, which reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia. This makes IR an excellent option for patients who may not be good candidates for surgery due to age, pre-existing conditions, or other risk factors. 3. High Precision By using real-time imaging guidance, interventional radiologists can pinpoint exactly where the issue lies and treat it with unparalleled accuracy. This precision means better outcomes, particularly for conditions like cancer, where targeted therapies can minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. 4. Effective Results Interventional radiology treatments have been shown to be highly effective for many conditions. For example: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): Offers relief from symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain without the need for a hysterectomy. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) treatment: Opens up blocked arteries, restoring blood flow and reducing pain. Cancer treatments: Procedures like radiofrequency ablation or chemoembolization target tumors directly, providing powerful cancer-killing effects with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy or surgery. 5. Outpatient and Same-Day Procedures Many IR procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can often return home the same day. With no need for lengthy hospital stays, you can recover in the comfort of your own home while getting back to your routine faster. Common Interventional Radiology Procedures Here are just a few of the many procedures performed by interventional radiologists: Angioplasty and Stenting: Used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels, helping to restore proper blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Varicose Vein Treatment: Procedures like sclerotherapy or laser vein ablation can treat unsightly and painful varicose veins, improving both health and appearance. Chemoembolization: A targeted cancer treatment that delivers chemotherapy directly to a tumor, while cutting off its blood supply. Radiofrequency Ablation: A minimally invasive technique that uses heat to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors in areas like the liver, kidneys, or lungs. Biliary Drainage: Helps clear blocked bile ducts in patients with liver disease or cancer. Is Interventional Radiology Right for You? Interventional radiology offers a wide range of solutions for patients with various medical conditions. If you are facing a health issue and are seeking a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, IR may be the right option for you. At Murfreesboro Vascular and Interventional, our team is here to help you explore your options and provide personalized, compassionate care using the latest advancements in IR technology. Conclusion Interventional radiology is revolutionizing the way medical procedures are performed, offering patients safer, quicker, and more effective treatment options. With its focus on precision, minimal invasiveness, and faster recovery times, IR is a powerful tool in modern medicine. If you’re interested in learning more about how interventional radiology could benefit you, call us at  615-849-7490  to schedule a consultation. Let us help you discover how these innovative treatments can improve your health and quality of life.
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