Advanced Knee Treatment
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
Lasting relief from chronic knee arthritis pain without knee replacement surgery. GAE is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure offered by only a handful of clinics in Utah.
What Is GAE?
A Different Way to Treat Knee Arthritis Pain
In knee osteoarthritis, the lining of the joint often becomes chronically inflamed. That inflammation is fed by clusters of tiny, abnormal blood vessels that grow around the knee.
Genicular Artery Embolization, or GAE, targets those vessels directly. Using precise image guidance, a specialist places microscopic particles that reduce blood flow to the inflamed tissue. Less blood flow means less inflammation, and for many patients, less pain.
The whole procedure is done through a pinhole access point in the wrist or upper leg. No incisions, no hardware, no hospital stay.
GAE is not a knee replacement, and it doesn’t rule one out later. For patients who aren’t ready for major surgery, or want to delay it, it can be a meaningful middle option.
Not sure yet whether GAE is the right fit? Start with our overview of knee pain treatment in Utah, which walks through every option from physical therapy to GAE.
Is GAE Right for You?
Who Qualifies for GAE
GAE is supported by current interventional radiology guidelines for a specific type of patient. You may be a candidate if:
- You’re over 40 with knee osteoarthritis confirmed on imaging
- Your knee pain is moderate to severe (a 4 or higher on a 10-point scale)
- You’ve tried conservative care for 3+ months (physical therapy, medications, injections) without lasting relief
- You want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
Even advanced arthritis doesn’t automatically rule you out. What matters most is the pattern of inflammation in your knee, which we evaluate during your consultation.
Want the longer version? Read who qualifies for GAE and our side-by-side look at GAE vs. knee replacement.
WHO ISN'T RIGHT FOR GAE?
When GAE Isn't the Right Fit
GAE is not recommended when knee pain is actually coming from somewhere else (like a pinched nerve in the back), or when certain conditions are present, including significant peripheral artery disease, active infection, inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, bleeding disorders, significant kidney disease, or severe joint deformity.
That’s exactly what our evaluation is for. We’ll tell you honestly whether GAE makes sense for your knee, and if it doesn’t, what does.
What to Expect
How GAE Works, Step by Step
- Evaluation. We confirm your osteoarthritis, review your history, and make sure GAE is appropriate for you.
- Access. A tiny catheter enters through a pinhole in the wrist or upper leg. No incision.
- Mapping. Angiography (real-time imaging of your blood vessels) shows exactly which genicular arteries are feeding the inflamed tissue.
- Targeting. A microcatheter is guided selectively into only the abnormal vessels.
- Embolization. Microscopic particles reduce blood flow to the inflamed areas.
- Home the same day. The procedure is outpatient and typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Most patients walk out the same day.
Many patients begin noticing relief around 2 weeks after the procedure as inflammation settles.
GAE at Integrated Pain Specialists is performed by Aaron Frodsham, MD, Vascular and Interventional Radiologist, at our Interventional Surgical Center in West Jordan.
The Evidence
What Results Can You Expect?
We believe in setting honest expectations, so here’s the straight answer.
In large real-world studies, most patients report meaningful pain relief at 12 months after GAE, with average pain scores dropping by roughly a third or more. That’s why interventional radiology societies now support GAE for well-selected patients.
At the same time, the strictest clinical trials show more modest results, and researchers are still working out exactly which patients benefit most. GAE is a promising option, not a guaranteed one.
That’s why candidacy matters so much. The evaluation comes first, and we’ll only recommend GAE if your specific knee fits the profile of patients who tend to do well.
Insurance Coverage
Is GAE Covered by Insurance?
GAE is covered by many insurance plans. Coverage varies by insurer and individual policy, and our team verifies benefits and authorization requirements before scheduling, so you’ll know exactly where you stand with no surprises.
For the details on how coverage works, see Is GAE covered by insurance?
See How GAE Works
Watch: Genicular Artery Embolization Explained
A short overview of how GAE targets the source of knee arthritis pain.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Genicular Artery Embolization FAQs
What is genicular artery embolization?
GAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure for chronic knee osteoarthritis pain. A specialist reduces blood flow to the abnormal vessels that feed inflammation in the knee, which lowers inflammation and pain without surgery on the joint itself.
Is GAE painful?
GAE is performed through a pinhole access point with local anesthesia and sedation as needed. Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure and some temporary soreness afterward as inflammation settles.
How soon will I feel relief after GAE?
Many patients begin noticing improvement around 2 weeks after the procedure, with continued gains over the following weeks as inflammation in the knee decreases.
Is GAE the same as a knee replacement?
No. GAE treats the inflammation driving your pain without cutting, implants, or joint surgery. It doesn’t prevent you from having a knee replacement later if you ever need one.
Is GAE covered by insurance?
GAE is covered by many insurance plans. Coverage varies by insurer and individual policy, and our team verifies benefits and authorization requirements before scheduling, so you know exactly what to expect.
Who is a good candidate for GAE?
Typically adults over 40 with confirmed knee osteoarthritis, moderate to severe pain, and at least 3 months of conservative treatment that hasn’t provided lasting relief. A consultation confirms whether your knee fits the profile.