Genicular Artery Embolization

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability and chronic pain, affecting millions of people and significantly impacting their ability to stay active and enjoy life. In the United States alone, nearly 30 million individuals live with osteoarthritis, with the knee being the most commonly affected joint. As the population ages and rates of obesity continue to rise, knee OA has become increasingly common. Once considered a simple “wear and tear” condition, osteoarthritis is now understood to be more complex. It involves low-grade inflammation caused by inflammatory substances released from the cartilage, bone, and joint lining (synovium). This inflammation contributes to the ongoing pain and stiffness that many patients experience. Genicular artery embolization directly targets this inflammation, offering a new approach to managing knee osteoarthritis pain. While knee replacement surgery is the definitive treatment for severe osteoarthritis, it may not be suitable for everyone. Many patients are not yet ready for surgery and rely on anti-inflammatory medications, painkillers, or knee injections to manage their symptoms. Unfortunately, these options often provide only temporary or inconsistent relief. Genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure designed for these individuals, offering a novel treatment option that can address pain without the need for surgery.

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Genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that provides relief from knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It works by reducing blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee, called the synovium, which helps to decrease inflammation and pain.

The genicular artery embolization procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist, a specialist who uses imaging techniques like X-rays to treat conditions without surgery. During a genicular artery embolization procedure, a small incision is made near the groin to insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the genicular arteries (the blood vessels supplying the knee). Using X-ray guidance, the interventional radiologist carefully directs the catheter to the target arteries and injects tiny particles, or beads, to block the blood flow to the inflamed areas. This process not only reduces inflammation but may also provide long-term pain relief and improve knee mobility.

A genicular artery embolization procedure is considered a safe and effective alternative for patients who are not ready or eligible for knee replacement surgery and have not found relief from other treatments, such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or pain medications. While it doesn’t address cartilage damage itself, genicular artery embolization can significantly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Genicular artery embolization is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can go home the same day. It is performed under moderate sedation, often called “twilight sedation,” which helps you feel relaxed and comfortable without the need for general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes one to two hours. After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a short period and then discharged to go home. Most patients begin to notice relief within two weeks as the inflammation in the knee lining subsides, and they experience a reduction in pain. Your interventional radiologist will follow up with you about a month after the procedure to assess your symptom improvement and ensure there are no complications.

Genicular Artery Embolization in Los Angeles

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Genicular artery embolization is suitable for individuals with knee osteoarthritis pain that have not found relief from medications, physical therapy, or injections. The procedure is ideal for those seeking knee pain relief but are not ready for or eligible for knee replacement surgery. Importantly, genicular artery embolization does not interfere with the option of surgery in the future.

Are you living with painful knee osteoarthritis? Get in touch with us at ProVascularMD to learn more about how genicular artery embolization could help you find relief. We look forward to hearing from you!

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