Summer is supposed to be a season for movement: walking outside, traveling, playing golf, gardening, visiting family, and enjoying longer days. But for many people with knee osteoarthritis, even simple activities can become difficult.
If knee pain is keeping you from enjoying your normal routine, you may have been told to try anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, injections, bracing, activity changes, or weight management. These treatments can help many patients. But for others, the relief is incomplete or temporary.
For patients who are not ready for knee replacement, are not ideal surgical candidates, or want to explore a minimally invasive option before surgery, Genicular Artery Embolization, also called GAE, may be worth discussing with a vascular specialist.
GAE is being used as a nonsurgical treatment option for selected patients with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis who have not had enough relief from conservative care. UCLA Health describes GAE as a nonsurgical treatment alternative for patients with knee osteoarthritis pain who have failed conservative therapies such as anti-inflammatory medications or knee injections and who do not wish to undergo, or are not eligible for, knee replacement surgery.
GAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that targets small blood vessels around the knee called the genicular arteries. In osteoarthritis, inflammation around the joint may be associated with abnormal blood flow and pain signals. During GAE, a physician uses a tiny catheter to reach selected arteries around the knee and reduce blood flow to inflamed areas.
The procedure does not replace cartilage, realign the knee, or reverse arthritis. Instead, the goal is to reduce inflammation-related pain and help improve function in appropriately selected patients.
The Society of Interventional Radiology’s 2026 position statement describes GAE as a viable, minimally invasive option for appropriately selected patients when performed by trained interventional radiologists within a multidisciplinary care model.
Many patients notice knee pain more during the summer because they are more active. They may be walking more, traveling, climbing stairs, standing at outdoor events, or trying to keep up with children or grandchildren.
Knee osteoarthritis can make these activities feel frustrating. You may find yourself planning your day around your knee pain, avoiding stairs, skipping walks, or sitting out activities you used to enjoy.
GAE may be considered when knee pain is persistent, daily activities are limited, conservative treatments have not provided enough relief, and the patient is not ready for or not a candidate for knee replacement.
You may be a possible candidate for a GAE evaluation if you have:
Persistent knee pain from osteoarthritis; pain that continues despite medications, injections, physical therapy, or activity modification; difficulty walking, standing, exercising, or enjoying daily activities; and a desire to avoid or delay knee replacement.
A consultation is important because not every type of knee pain is caused by osteoarthritis. Pain from meniscus tears, ligament injuries, inflammatory arthritis, nerve problems, or hip and back conditions may require a different treatment plan.
A GAE consultation usually includes a review of your symptoms, medical history, imaging, previous treatments, and goals. Your physician will determine whether your pain pattern and imaging findings fit with GAE or whether another treatment path may be more appropriate.
If GAE is recommended, your care team will explain how the procedure works, what to expect during recovery, and what risks and benefits apply to your situation.
You do not have to spend the summer avoiding the activities you enjoy because of chronic knee pain.
Call Heart Vascular & Leg Center or request an appointment online to find out whether Genicular Artery Embolization may be appropriate for you.
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