Ohio Interventional Radiology
What is GAE?
Treatment for
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
Improves Pain by Eliminating the Information
How is GAE Performed?
GAE is performed with the need of general anesthesia and having to put the patient to in sleep. Instead, it is performed with moderate ‘twilight’ sedation as an outpatient procedure just like having a colonoscopy or breast needle biopsy type procedure. This means that the patient will go home immediately after the procedure without a long recovery from surgery. The entire procedure usually only takes one to two hours to perform and is done without making any surgical incisions. Instead, it is performed via a small IV started in the thigh. This involves inserting a small catheter (a thin hollow tube) into the artery of the patient’s upper thigh and with the use of X-ray guidance, the catheter is placed into the arteries supplying the lining of the knee. An angiogram is then performed that shows where the inflammation is happening. Tiny particles are then injected through the catheter into these small arteries thereby reducing the blood supply to the synovium (knee lining). This then reduces the inflammation associated with arthritis, which eliminates the pain.
What to Expect After the GAE Procedure?
How do you know if you are a Candidate for GAE?
- Age: 45-80 years
- Moderate to severe pain
- Osteoarthritis based on x-ray findings
- Knee tenderness that can be localized
- Failed conservative treatment (NSAIDs/PT/joint injection)
Benefits of GAE for Knee Pain
- More of a permanent solution for pain relief than having repeat pain injections
- Less risky than having knee replacement surgery
- No incisions so no chance of having a knee infection after the procedure
- Outpatient procedure, back home, and at work the next day
- Very little to no risk for anesthesia-related complications such as heart attacks and strokes during the procedure
- Diabetics with high A1C levels can behave the procedure done
- Covered and paid for by most insurance carriers including Medicare
- Less expensive than having surgery with potentially less out-of-pocket cost for patients
Recovery from a GAE Procedure
Patients go home the same day as the procedure after a few hours of recovery time. You may have a small bruise with some mild tenderness in the groin where the IV is started. Taking it easy the day of the procedure is recommended, however, by the following day we recommend returning to light activity with no heavy exercise or lifting greater than 15lbs. One week after the procedure the patient may return to heavy activity and exercise. Patients usually notice a significant improvement in their pain 1-2 weeks after the procedure as the inflammation in the joint goes away.
Safety Profile
Efficacy of GAE (How well does it work?)
Long-term Outcomes (Does the Pain Relief Last?)
Mechanisms of Action (How does it work?)
Published Research Studies
- Epelboym, Yan, et al. “Genicular artery embolization as a treatment for osteoarthritis-related knee pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology 46.6 (2023): 760-769.
- Taslakian, Bedros, et al. “Genicular artery embolization for treatment of knee osteoarthritis pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis.” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open 5.2 (2023): 100342.
- Bhatia, Ansh, and Shivank Bhatia. “The short-to-midterm outcomes of geniculate artery embolization for mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review.” Journal of orthopaedics (2023).
- Landers, Steve, et al. “Genicular artery embolization for early-stage knee osteoarthritis: results from a triple-blind single-centre randomized controlled trial.” Bone & Joint Open 4.3 (2023): 158-167.
- Sun, Changhao, et al. “Genicular artery embolization for the treatment of knee pain secondary to mild to severe knee osteoarthritis: One year clinical outcomes.” European Journal of Radiology 175 (2024): 111443.
- Gill, Stephen D., et al. “Outcomes after Genicular Artery Embolization Vary According to the Radiographic Severity of Osteoarthritis: Results from a Prospective Single-Center Study.” Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology 34.10 (2023): 1734-1739.
- Taslakian, Bedros, et al. “Genicular artery embolization for treatment of knee osteoarthritis: interim analysis of a prospective pilot trial including effect on serum osteoarthritis-associated biomarkers.” Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology 34.12 (2023): 2180-2189.
Meet Your Doctor
Ohio Interventional Radiology
4.2 stars from 4 ratings
Clinic Information
- 3188 Bellevue Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
- 1044 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44504, USA
About the Clinic
Ohio Interventional Radiology (OIR) is a leading provider of cutting-edge treatments for chronic pain management, specializing in minimally invasive procedures. With locations in Cincinnati and Youngstown, OIR offers advanced services such as Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) for patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy. This FDA-approved treatment delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord, helping to block or alter pain signals before they reach the brain, offering lasting relief from neuropathy pain.
Led by Dr. Kamal Morar, a highly skilled interventional radiologist, OIR is committed to providing exceptional care and delivering effective solutions for patients who have not found relief through conventional treatments. Our team’s goal is to improve your quality of life by offering personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain or seeking innovative options for neuropathy, OIR is here to help you reclaim your health and well-being.
Clinic Specialists
Kamal Morar, MD, MBA
Interventional Radiology
For patients
Convenient
Ohio Interventional Radiology offers convenient, minimally invasive treatments with expert care, ensuring faster recovery and minimal downtime for patients.
Patient-Focused Care
At Ohio Interventional Radiology, we prioritize patient-focused care, ensuring personalized, minimally invasive treatments with expert precision and compassion for the best possible outcomes.
Compassionate
At Ohio Interventional Radiology, we combine advanced imaging with compassionate care, ensuring every patient receives precise, minimally invasive treatments in a supportive and comforting environment.
Personalized Treatment Plans
At Ohio Interventional Radiology, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring precise, minimally invasive care for optimal outcomes.
Comprehensive Support from Start to Finish
Ohio Interventional Radiology provides comprehensive support from start to finish, ensuring seamless patient care with expert guidance, advanced treatments, and personalized service at every stage.
I just had a procedure at the Governor’s Pl office. They were just wonderful. The staff was efficient and friendly, the procedure went smoothly, and I am home recuperating with clear instructions. They made an unpleasant procedure much easier. Thank you.
mamabluebear Patient