The Science Behind Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

If you suffer from chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis, you may feel like you’ve tried everything—pain relievers, injections, physical therapy—only to face the same daily discomfort. Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) offers a scientifically proven alternative. But how does it actually work?

At United Knee & Vascular Centers, we believe that when patients understand the science and reasoning behind their treatment, they feel more confident in their care. Let’s break down the science behind GAE—simply and clearly.

The Root Cause of Knee Pain in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis-related knee pain isn’t just caused by “bone-on-bone” friction. As the joint breaks down, the body responds with inflammation.

The tiny blood vessels surrounding your knee, called genicular arteries, deliver oxygen and nutrients to inflamed tissue. Over time, this extra blood flow actually amplifies pain and swelling by feeding the inflammatory cycle.

This is where GAE comes in.

How GAE Interrupts the Pain Pathway

Genicular Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive vascular procedure that targets the genicular arteries to reduce blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee joint (synovium). Here’s how it works:

1. A vascular specialist inserts a small catheter—about the size of a strand of spaghetti—into an artery in your upper leg.

    

2. Using advanced imaging, they guide the catheter toward the specific genicular arteries that are overactive and fueling inflammation.

    

3. Tiny particles (called microspheres or embolic agents) are released into those arteries to block blood flow precisely at the inflamed sites.

This process reduces synovial inflammation, which in turn reduces pain, stiffness, and swelling, without affecting the rest of your knee joint or surrounding tissues.

Why GAE Is So Effective

Unlike temporary treatments like steroid injections, GAE addresses a physiological source of pain. By disrupting the blood supply to inflamed tissues, it offers longer-lasting relief and may delay—or even eliminate—the need for knee replacement surgery.

Key Benefits:

• Reduces inflammatory blood flow
• Interrupts the chronic pain cycle
• Minimizes damage to healthy tissue 
• Preserves the joint while improving mobility

Clinical studies have shown that GAE can significantly reduce pain scores in patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis, even those who have not responded well to other treatments.