Genicular Artery Embolization

Genicular Artery Embolization in San Antonio, TX

Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis can wear you down long before you're ready for a knee replacement — or after a replacement isn't an option you want yet. At Innovative Vascular Institute, we offer genicular artery embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that targets the blood vessels feeding the inflamed lining of an arthritic knee. For the right candidate, it can meaningfully reduce pain and improve function without the recovery time of surgery.

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?

In an osteoarthritic knee, the joint lining (synovium) often develops an increased number of small, abnormal blood vessels as part of the inflammatory process. These vessels are thought to contribute to ongoing pain and swelling. During GAE, a thin catheter is threaded — typically through a small puncture in the wrist or groin — to the genicular arteries that supply this inflamed tissue. Tiny embolic particles are then injected to reduce blood flow to the areas driving inflammation, without affecting circulation to the rest of the leg or joint.

The procedure is performed using live imaging (fluoroscopy) to guide catheter placement precisely. Most patients are awake or lightly sedated throughout, and the entire visit — including prep and recovery monitoring — typically takes a few hours.

Am I a Candidate for GAE?

Genicular artery embolization is generally considered for patients who have:

• Chronic knee pain from mild to moderate osteoarthritis, present for at least three to six months
• Pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatment — physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or corticosteroid or gel injections
• A preference to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery
• No signs of active joint infection or advanced bone-on-bone deformity that would require surgical correction

A consultation with our vascular specialists — often alongside imaging of the knee — will confirm whether GAE is an appropriate option for your specific situation.

What to Expect During the Procedure

1. Access: A small needle puncture is made at the wrist or groin, and a sheath is placed to allow catheter access.
2. Mapping: Contrast dye and imaging are used to identify the genicular arteries supplying the inflamed portions of the knee.
3. Embolization: Microscopic particles are injected through the catheter to reduce abnormal blood flow to the target areas.
4. Closure: The catheter is removed and the access site is closed, often with a small dressing rather than sutures.

Because the artery access point is so small, there are no surgical incisions, no general anesthesia, and no overnight hospital stay for most patients.

Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization

• Minimally invasive — performed through a single small puncture rather than an incision
• Outpatient — most patients go home the same day
• Short recovery — many patients resume normal activity within a few days
• Joint-preserving — does not remove or replace any part of the knee
• Does not rule out future treatment — GAE can be repeated, or followed later by surgery, if needed

Recovery After GAE

Most patients experience some mild soreness or bruising at the access site and around the knee for a few days, which is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Many patients notice a gradual reduction in knee pain over the weeks following the procedure, as inflammation in the joint lining subsides. Our care team will provide specific activity guidelines and follow up with you to track your progress.

Talk to Our Team About GAE

If knee osteoarthritis pain is limiting your daily life and you're looking for options beyond medication or surgery, our vascular specialists can help determine whether genicular artery embolization is right for you. Contact Innovative Vascular Institute in San Antonio, TX to schedule a consultation.