Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a relatively new minimally invasive procedure for chronic knee osteoarthritis pain. For Long Island patients who have not found relief from physical therapy, injections, or medications but are not ready for knee replacement, GAE may be worth evaluating.
What Is GAE?
GAE is a catheter-based procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. The goal is to reduce the abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularization) that develops around arthritic knee joints. These extra blood vessels bring inflammatory cells that contribute to pain and swelling.
During the procedure, Dr. Amir Salem makes a small puncture (usually in the wrist or groin), threads a thin catheter to the arteries supplying the knee, and injects tiny particles that block the abnormal vessels. The procedure takes about an hour and is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
GAE is not for every knee pain patient. It tends to work best for patients who have knee osteoarthritis confirmed on imaging (X-ray or MRI), persistent knee pain despite at least three months of conservative treatment (therapy, medications, injections), a desire to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery, and no significant mechanical problems like loose bodies or severe deformity that require surgical correction.
Dr. Salem evaluates each patient individually. The consultation includes a review of imaging, symptom history, prior treatments, and overall health to determine whether GAE is a reasonable option.
What to Expect During and After
The procedure is performed at the Great Neck office on an outpatient basis. Most patients arrive in the morning and go home the same day. Local anesthesia numbs the catheter insertion site. Patients are awake but comfortable throughout.
After the procedure, some patients notice mild soreness or warmth around the knee for a few days. Most return to normal activities within one to two days. There is no incision, no stitches, and no crutches. Pain improvement typically develops gradually over two to six weeks as the inflammatory blood vessels close and inflammation decreases.
How Long Do Results Last?
Published studies show that many patients experience significant pain reduction lasting 12 months or longer. Some patients have sustained improvement beyond two years. Results vary by individual. GAE can be repeated if needed, and it does not affect future eligibility for knee replacement if that becomes the right choice later.
GAE vs. Other Options
GAE vs. cortisone injections: Injections provide temporary relief (weeks to months) by reducing inflammation chemically. GAE addresses a structural cause of inflammation and may provide longer-lasting results.
GAE vs. PRP therapy: PRP aims to promote tissue healing. GAE targets the abnormal blood vessels fueling inflammation. Some patients try both at different stages.
GAE vs. knee replacement: Knee replacement is a definitive solution for severe arthritis but involves major surgery, weeks of recovery, and permanent hardware. GAE is a same-day procedure with minimal recovery. It does not rebuild the joint but may reduce pain enough to delay or avoid replacement.
Finding GAE on Long Island
M&S Vascular in Great Neck is one of the few practices on Long Island offering GAE. The office at 935 Northern Boulevard serves patients from across Nassau and Suffolk counties. If you have been living with knee arthritis pain and want to explore your options before committing to surgery, call (516) 960-1954 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salem.