- Osteoarthritis / Knee Pain
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
KNEE PAIN RELIEF WITHOUT SURGERY
A minimally invasive procedure that stops chronic knee pain by blocking the abnormal blood vessels causing inflammation – without touching the joint.
Same Day Home
no hospital admission
Trained in Japan
with GAE pioneer Dr. Okuno
Could GAE help you?
Tick any that apply to your situation. See your result on the right.
Your Potential Fit for GAE
You have several factors commonly associated with GAE candidacy.
How GAE Works
Targeting the source of knee pain
01
CARTILAGE WEARS DOWN
Joint lining becomes irritated and inflamed over time.
02
ABNORMAL VESSELS GROW
New blood vessels (neovascularisation) flood the knee with pain signals.
03
GAE BLOCKS THEM
Tiny microspheres block only the abnormal vessels. Normal tissue untouched.
04
INFLAMMATION REDUCES
Without its blood supply, inflamed tissue shrinks. Pain decreases.
05
YOU WALK
OUT
Same day. Most patients notice improvement within 2–4 weeks.
SYMPTOM MAP
Your Legs May Be Warning You
Pain while walking that eases with rest
Knee swelling or warmth
Pain at rest or at night
Stiffness after sitting
Pain despite previous knee replacement
Difficulty Climbing Stairs Or Getting Up From A Chair
Nobody in Kern County has treated
more KNEE PAIN than Dr. VINOD Kumar
Artery Cross-Section - Before & After
RECOVERY TIMELINE
What to expect after Genicular Artery Embolization.
Most patients recover quickly and return to normal activities within days.
Procedure Day
Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.
Start Moving
Begin light walking and gentle activity as tolerated.
Back To Routine
Most patients resume normal daily activities.
Symptoms May Improve
Pain and inflammation may continue to decrease.
Long-Term Benefits
Improvement may continue over several weeks. Keep follow-up visits.
BENEFITS
Why Patients Choose Genicular Artery Embolization
Minimally invasive
Targets abnormal blood flow
No large incision or open surgery
May reduce chronic knee pain
May improve walking and daily activity
Same-day outpatient care
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Is this surgery? Will I be put under general anaesthesia?
No. GAE is performed under local anaesthesia only. You are awake throughout – no surgical incision, no stitches. The catheter enters through a small pinhole in the groin or wrist. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure.
How long will I be at the clinic? Can I drive myself home?
The procedure takes under an hour. Most patients are at the clinic for 2–3 hours including preparation and monitoring. You cannot drive yourself home – please arrange for someone to collect you. Most patients walk out the same afternoon.
Does Medicare cover this?
Yes. Medicare covers GAE when medically indicated for chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis where conservative treatment has failed. Most Medicare Advantage and commercial PPO plans also cover it. Our team verifies your coverage before your appointment. Call 661-324-4100 to check your plan.
How soon will I feel results?
GAE reduces inflammation gradually – not instantly. Most patients notice meaningful improvement between 2 and 4 weeks after the procedure. Maximum benefit is typically reached at 6–12 weeks. We follow up at 4–6 weeks to track your progress.
If GAE doesn’t work, can I still have knee replacement surgery?
Yes. GAE targets only the small blood vessels around the knee – the joint structure is completely untouched. Knee replacement remains fully available as an option. Many patients use GAE as a bridge, managing pain while deciding whether and when to proceed with surgery.
Health Resources
Expert vascular health tips
Knee Pain & GAE
Knee Pain at Night: Why It Gets Worse When You Stop Moving | HVLC Bakersfield
Knee Pain at Night: Why It Gets Worse When You Stop Moving and What It Could Mean Most people expect joint pain to get worse during activity. Push it too hard, feel it afterward. That logic makes sense. So when knee pain is worst at night, when you are lying still, not putting any weight on it, not doing anything at all, it catches people off guard. Some assume they slept in a bad position. Others take a painkiller and try to push through. What fewer people know is that nighttime knee pain has a specific meaning. It is not random. It is telling you something about what is driving the pain, and it points directly toward a mechanism that standard treatments often miss.
Heart & Vascular Health, PAD & Circulation
What Happens to Your Legs When You Sit All Day | HVLC Bakersfield
What Happens to Your Legs When You Sit All Day. And Why It Matters More Than You Think sitting all day effects on leg circulation poor circulation vascular health Bakersfield Most people know that sitting too much is not great for them. They have heard it enough times. But the conversation usually stays vague, centered around back pain, posture, or burning calories. What gets far less attention is what prolonged sitting does specifically to the blood flow in your legs. And for a significant number of people, particularly those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease, the effects are not just discomfort. They are the early stages of a real vascular problem.
PAD & Circulation
Your Heart Gets a Lot of Attention. Your Leg Arteries Deserve the Same | HVLC Bakersfield
Your Heart Gets a Lot of Attention. Your Leg Arteries Deserve the Same
chronic knee pain management vs treatment what actually helps HVLC Bakersfield
Every February, American Heart Month reminds people to take care of their arteries, watch their cholesterol, check their blood pressure, and protect their cardiovascular health.
Vein Disease & DVT
Diabetes, Veins, and Circulation: Why Leg Health Is a Heart Issue
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a circulatory system problem that occurs in the deep veins of your legs. Anyone who’s developed any stage of vein disease is at risk for developing this potentially life-threatening condition, but knowing your risks will help you get medical treatment at the first sign of trouble.
Knee Pain & GAE
Arthritis Is Not Just About Your Joints. Here Is Why Your Blood Vessels Matter Too
Arthritis Is Not Just About Your Joints. Here Is Why Your Blood Vessels Matter Too And most of the conversation this month follows the same familiar path: cartilage breakdown, joint wear, inflammation, medication, physiotherapy, and eventually surgery.
PAD & Circulation
PAD 101: Start the New Year With a Circulation Screening
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a circulatory system problem that occurs in the deep veins of your legs. Anyone who’s developed any stage of vein disease is at risk for developing this potentially life-threatening condition, but knowing your risks will help you get medical treatment at the first sign of trouble.
PAD & Circulation
Simple Stretches That Boost Blood Flow in Minutes
If your days involve long hours of sitting at a desk or standing on your feet, your legs may be working overtime to keep blood moving. The good news? You don’t need a gym session—or much time—to support healthy circulation. A few simple stretches, like calf raises and ankle circles, can make a noticeable difference in just minutes.
Knee Pain & GAE
GAE vs. Knee Replacement: Understanding Where Genicular Artery Embolization Fits
GAE vs. Knee Replacement: Understanding Where Genicular Artery Embolization Fits
Not Every Patient With Knee Arthritis Is Ready for Surgery Knee osteoarthritis can progress slowly over years. Some patients manage symptoms with exercise, medication, injections, weight loss, bracing, or physical therapy. Others eventually reach a point where knee replacement becomes the best option.
Visit us or book online
Ready to take the first step?
Office hours
Mon - Thu
8am - 6pm
Fri
8am - 5pm
Sat - Sun
Closed
Insurance
Medicare
- Accepted
Medicare
- Accepted
Most PPOs
- Accepted
Call us directly: 661-324-4100
Same-day appointments often available
5020 Commerce Dr
5020 Commerce Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309
