Knee osteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, affecting cartilage, bone and the joint lining. GAE is typically considered for mild to moderate osteoarthritis, and some advanced cases too.
Knee pain that won't quit?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided option for selected people with knee osteoarthritis pain. A screening visit helps decide whether it fits your diagnosis and goals.
- Minimally invasive options
- Outpatient care, no hospital stay
- Insurance checked before your visit
- Se habla español
GAEGenicular artery embolization
Why it matters
A closer look at your knee pain
Arthritis is more than "wear and tear." Cartilage, bone, the joint lining and other parts of the knee can all change, and two people with similar X-rays can hurt very differently. An inflamed knee lining can grow new, abnormal blood vessels, and these may help keep inflammation and pain going.
Our team starts with an accurate diagnosis and the foundation of care: exercise, physical therapy and self-care. When pain keeps going despite good care, we can evaluate whether injections or GAE may help. GAE does not regrow cartilage or cure arthritis, some people still need joint replacement, and results vary.
Common symptoms
Does this sound familiar?
If any of these keep you from the things you enjoy, a visit can help find the cause and the options that fit you.
- Pain with walking, stairs or standing
- Pain that eases with rest
- Stiffness when you first get up
- Swelling or warmth in the knee
- Knee pain that wakes you at night
- Pain lasting 3+ months despite care
Conditions we treat
Conditions we evaluate and treat
Inflamed knee lining (synovitis)
Arthritis can make the thin lining inside the knee swollen. New blood vessels and nerves can grow there and add pain.
Ongoing pain after knee replacement
Some people with ongoing pain after knee replacement may be evaluated for GAE. This use is still being studied and is decided case by case.
Knee pain from another source
Hip or back problems can cause pain felt in the knee. GAE treats pain arising from the knee itself, so finding the true source comes first.
Treatments
Treatment options
Every plan starts with an evaluation. Your provider reviews your history, imaging and the treatments you have tried, then explains which options may fit.
TreatmentFoundation care
Education, exercise, physical therapy and weight management when relevant are the core of knee arthritis care, not just a waiting period. Bracing, a cane, heat or cold and pain medicines can add to this base.
- Strengthening for the thigh and hip muscles
- Low-impact activity like walking, swimming or biking
- Continues before and after any procedure
Who it may help: Everyone with knee arthritis pain.
TreatmentKnee injections
Steroid injections can give short-term relief for some people. Gel (hyaluronic acid) and PRP injections are also options, though the evidence for them is mixed.
- Done in the office
- Relief from steroid injections is often short-term
- Your specialist will explain what to expect
Who it may help: People whose pain keeps going despite exercise and self-care.
TreatmentGAE
Genicular artery embolization
GAE targets the genicular arteries, the small vessels that supply the knee lining. A thin catheter is guided from a small puncture, usually at the top of the thigh, and contrast dye shows areas of extra blood flow, which often match where your knee hurts. Tiny particles are released into those branches to slow the flow while the main arteries stay open.
- Outpatient; most people go home the same day
- Numbing medicine; many people stay awake
- The procedure often takes about 1 to 2 hours
- Does not regrow cartilage; results vary
Who it may help: Adults with knee osteoarthritis pain that limits daily life after 3 months of medicine, therapy or injections, who are not ready for, not able to have, or want to delay knee replacement.
Find out which options fit you
Our team checks your insurance before your visit.
What to expect
From first visit to follow-up
Screening visit
We review your history, examine your knee and look at your imaging. Bring your medication list, insurance card, recent X-rays or MRI reports, and a list of treatments you have tried.
An honest plan
You and your specialist make a plan together, usually starting with the simplest options. We explain benefits, risks and alternatives, and if a procedure is not a good fit, we will tell you and suggest next steps. We check your insurance before anything is scheduled.
Outpatient treatment
If you are a candidate, the procedure is done at our main center through a small puncture, with numbing medicine and relaxing medicine. Most people rest a few hours and go home the same day.
Follow-up
Expect a sore knee for a few days. Pain may ease over weeks, and we review your progress at follow-up visits over 3 to 6 months. Keep exercising; it helps you get the most from GAE.
Our team
Led by experienced physicians
Chief Medical Officer
Vinod Kumar, MD, FACC, RPVI
Dr. Kumar is a board-certified cardiologist and vascular specialist who leads the Heart Vascular & Leg Center and Advanced Joint Pain & Vascular Center team. He treats arterial and venous disease, nonhealing wounds and joint pain with minimally invasive, image-guided techniques, and trained in joint embolization in Tokyo with Dr. Yuji Okuno.
Serving Kern County since 1992Part of Heart Vascular & Leg Center.
Minimally invasive careImage-guided options, done as outpatient procedures.
Insurance checked firstWe verify coverage and referrals before your visit.
Se habla españolOur team speaks English and Spanish.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is GAE the same as knee replacement?
No. GAE treats painful blood vessels through a pinhole in an artery. Knee replacement swaps damaged joint surfaces using open surgery. GAE does not rebuild cartilage or straighten a crooked knee. Having GAE does not prevent a later replacement, but it is not a substitute when surgery is clearly needed.
Am I a candidate for GAE?
It is worth discussing if you have knee arthritis pain despite good care. Pain from your hip, back or nerves needs a closer look first, and an infection or a problem needing surgery may come first. Only your specialist can decide whether you are a candidate.
What is recovery like?
Most people go home a few hours after the procedure. Some soreness in the knee and a small bruise at the puncture site are normal for a few days. Pain relief often starts gradually over the following weeks, and the full effect may take a few months.
Will I be awake?
A numbing shot is used at the puncture site, and you may get relaxing medicine. Many people stay awake but comfortable. Arrange for an adult to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
What does the research show?
GAE is a newer procedure. Most studies so far have been small, and many had no comparison group. Studies comparing GAE with a placebo (sham) procedure have had mixed results, and larger trials are under way. Results vary from person to person.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage for joint embolization varies, and some plans consider it still being studied. Before your visit, our team verifies your coverage, referral requirements and any expected costs. We accept Medicare and many other plans, but plan acceptance does not mean every procedure is covered.
Locations
Find a location near you
Enter your ZIP code or city to see our offices sorted by distance. Procedures are done at our main center; our other offices see patients for consultations and follow-up visits.
Visit us
- Call for an appointment
- (661) 324-4100
- Locations
- 8 offices across Central and Southern California. Find the one nearest you
- Main website
- heartandleg.com