Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) | Knee Pain Relief Without Surgery

"We look forward to restoring the vascular health of patients in the communities we serve. Healing Starts Here." - Dr. John

BIOGRAPHY

Why paying attention to knee pain is important:

Chronic knee pain may be a sign of osteoarthritis, a progressive condition that worsens over time.
1 in 4 adults in the U.S. will develop symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in their lifetime.
Osteoarthritis-related inflammation leads to increased blood flow, worsening pain and stiffness.
Many patients turn to knee replacement surgery without exploring non-surgical alternatives.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a breakthrough, minimally invasive procedure that reduces inflammation and provides long-lasting knee pain relief—without major surgery.

Are you suffering from knee pain?

It could be Osteoarthritis (OA) Knee Pain.

Knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive condition that worsens over time due to inflammation and increased blood flow to the knee joint lining (synovium). Left untreated, OA can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and a significant decline in quality of life.

Not all knee pain is the same. Osteoarthritis-related knee pain is often:

Persistent aching, stiffness, or swelling that worsens over time
Pain during or after activity, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods
Increased discomfort at night or after resting
Clicking, cracking, or grinding sensations when moving the knee
Swelling and tenderness around the knee joint
Decreased range of motion, making it harder to bend or straighten the knee

At Davis Vascular Center, led by board-certified vascular specialist Dr. John Davis, we provide Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)—a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and helps restore mobility without the risks of knee replacement surgery.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

GAE is a minimally invasive treatment used for knee pain relief due to osteoarthritis by reducing blood flow to the lining of the knee. In osteoarthritis patients, pain is often caused by an increased blood flow to the knee due to inflammation. GAE is an alternative to knee replacement surgery.

What to Expect during GAE

GAE is an outpatient and minimally invasive procedure that uses moderate sedation. During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin and guided using moving X-ray imaging to the arteries carrying blood to the lining of the knee. Tiny beads are injected through the catheter into these arteries, blocking them and reducing blood supply to the area of inflammation. During the procedure, images of the patient’s leg can be viewed in real-time, making the procedure precise and effective. After the procedure, patients may experience temporarily increased knee pain, but over the course of several weeks, there will be a reduction or elimination of the knee pain.

Common GAE Symptoms

Minimally invasive procedures aim at allowing patients to get back on their feet with a quick recovery. From arthritis pain to debilitating knee pain, GAE is one of the best non-surgical treatment options. A good candidate for GAE includes, but not limited to: