Discover Lasting Relief from Knee Pain with GAE

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. At Richmond Vascular Center, we specialize in providing effective treatments that improve your quality of life without the need for major surgery.

What is GAE?

If you're living with the discomfort of knee osteoarthritis, Richmond Vascular Center is here to guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) offers an innovative, minimally invasive option to relieve knee pain by targeting the blood flow that contributes to inflammation. GAE is a safe, effective solution that offers both immediate and long-term pain relief, allowing you to return to the activities you love.

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Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis in the knee presents in different ways for different patients. Common symptoms include:

Pain: Persistent or worsening pain in the knee joint, often aggravated by activity or long periods of rest.
Stiffness: A feeling of stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity or first thing in the morning.
Swelling: Inflammation or swelling around the knee, especially after physical exertion.
Limited Mobility: Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee due to reduced range of motion.
Crepitus: A grinding, popping, or crackling sensation in the knee when moving or bearing weight.
Weakness: Weakness in the surrounding muscles, which may cause instability or trouble walking.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis

Several factors may increase your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, including:

Age: Wear and tear on the joints increases over time.
Gender: Women, particularly after menopause, are at a higher risk.
Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional strain on the knee joints.
Previous Injuries: Joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can contribute to osteoarthritis.
Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis may increase your likelihood of developing it.

Diagnosis & Treatment at Richmond Vascular Center

At Richmond Vascular Center, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating knee osteoarthritis. After evaluating your medical history and symptoms, we use advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasound to assess the extent of the condition. Based on these findings and your response to conservative treatments, we may recommend GAE to provide lasting relief.

The GAE Procedure: Minimally Invasive Relieft

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an outpatient procedure that effectively reduces knee pain without the need for surgery. Here's how it works:

Preparation: The patient receives local anesthesia or sedation to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Accessing the Arteries: Using advanced imaging technology, the interventional radiologist guides a small catheter through a tiny incision (typically in the groin or upper thigh) to the genicular arteries, which supply blood to the knee's inflamed areas.
Embolization: Tiny particles, similar to grains of sand, are injected into the genicular arteries, blocking blood flow to the areas of inflammation.
Relief: By reducing abnormal blood flow, GAE minimizes inflammation and pain in the knee, breaking the cycle of cartilage damage and providing lasting relief.
Post-Procedure: After the procedure, the catheter is removed, and the patient is monitored briefly before going home the same day.

FAQ

How soon can I expect relief after GAE?

Most patients experience noticeable pain relief within a few days to a week following the procedure.

Who is a good candidate for GAE?

GAE is ideal for patients between the ages of 40 and 80 with moderate to severe knee pain from osteoarthritis, particularly those who have not found relief through physical therapy, medications, or joint injections.

What are the benefits of GAE over surgery?

GAE is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that avoids the risks and recovery time associated with knee replacement surgery. Research shows significant improvement in pain after GAE, with benefits lasting for at least two years, allowing patients to reduce their reliance on medications and injections.

Is GAE covered by insurance?

Coverage for GAE and related diagnostic tests may vary by insurance provider. Our team can help you verify your insurance benefits and answer any questions.

Maintaining Knee Health After GAE

To prevent further progression of osteoarthritis after GAE, it's important to:

Stay physically active.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Focus on strength and flexibility.
Eat a balanced diet.
Wear supportive footwear.
Use hot and cold therapy as needed.
Rest between activities to avoid joint strain.

Why Choose Richmond Vascular Center?

At Richmond Vascular Center, our team of experts specializes in innovative vascular treatments like GAE, providing exceptional care with a personalized approach. We are committed to helping you find relief from chronic knee pain and get back to living your life to the fullest.