Genicular Artery Embolization: A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Knee Pain
Chronic knee pain, particularly from osteoarthritis, can severely impact quality of life. Many people suffering from knee pain often rely on pain medications or consider knee replacement surgery when the pain becomes unbearable. However, recent advancements in medical technology have led to a new and effective treatment known as Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). Flowcare offers this innovative procedure as a non-surgical alternative to alleviate knee pain and improve mobility.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
Genicular Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that targets knee pain by reducing inflammation in the knee joints. The procedure works by blocking the small blood vessels, known as genicular arteries, which supply blood to the inflamed areas of the knee. By reducing the blood flow to the inflamed tissue, GAE helps to lower pain and inflammation, offering significant relief to patients suffering from chronic knee pain, particularly due to osteoarthritis.
At Flowcare, GAE is performed by experienced interventional radiologists who use advanced imaging techniques to guide the procedure with precision.
How Does GAE Work?
The process of Genicular Artery Embolization begins with a small incision near the groin or wrist, through which a catheter is inserted. This catheter is guided to the genicular arteries using X-ray imaging. Once the catheter reaches the targeted arteries, small particles are injected to block the blood flow to the inflamed areas of the knee.
The entire procedure typically takes about one to two hours, and patients can return home the same day. Unlike traditional knee surgery, GAE is an outpatient procedure, allowing for a quicker recovery and significantly less downtime.
Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization at Flowcare
- Minimally Invasive: GAE does not require large incisions, which means there is less risk of infection, scarring, or complications compared to traditional knee surgeries like total knee replacement.
- Pain Relief: Studies have shown that patients experience a significant reduction in knee pain after undergoing GAE. Many patients report feeling relief within days of the procedure, with continued improvement over the following months.
- Short Recovery Time: Since GAE is an outpatient procedure, patients can usually resume their normal activities within a few days. There’s no need for prolonged rehabilitation, which is often required after knee replacement surgery.
- Alternative to Surgery: For patients who are not ready for or are unable to undergo surgery, GAE offers a non-surgical solution to manage their knee pain effectively.
- Long-Lasting Results: While GAE is relatively new, early results suggest that the benefits can last for years, making it a viable long-term solution for chronic knee pain.
Who is a Good Candidate for GAE?
Genicular Artery Embolization is most commonly recommended for patients suffering from osteoarthritis who are experiencing knee pain that has not responded well to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. It is also suitable for individuals who wish to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.
However, not everyone is a candidate for GAE. At Flowcare, we evaluate each patient’s condition through detailed medical imaging and a thorough consultation to determine if the procedure is right for them.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After undergoing Genicular Artery Embolization at Flowcare, patients are monitored for a few hours and then sent home the same day. Mild discomfort at the catheter site is common, but this usually resolves within a day or two. Most patients experience noticeable pain relief within a few weeks of the procedure.
Follow-up appointments at Flowcare will ensure that the treatment is progressing as expected, and patients will be guided on how to manage their recovery and maintain knee health post-procedure.
Conclusion
If you are struggling with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis or other conditions, Genicular Artery Embolization at Flowcare could be the solution you’ve been looking for. This minimally invasive procedure provides a safe and effective way to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life without the need for major surgery. Consult with the experts at Flowcare to see if GAE is the right treatment for your knee pain.
