Knee
Genicular artery embolization (GAE)
A minimally invasive procedure for osteoarthritis: the small inflammatory vessels of the knee are closed. Indicated when injections and physiotherapy are not enough and replacement surgery is not yet indicated.
How it is performed
In osteoarthritis the synovial membrane becomes inflamed and develops a network of small abnormal vessels, accompanied by new nerve endings that amplify pain. Through an arterial access point of a few millimetres, a microcatheter reaches the genicular arteries that supply the painful area of the knee; injection of microparticles reduces this inflammatory vascularisation and, with it, the pain.
Who it is for
- Mild to moderate gonarthrosis with pain resistant to medication, physiotherapy and injections
- Patients who are not candidates for joint replacement or who wish to postpone it
- Persistent pain after knee replacement, in selected cases
Recovery
Same-day discharge. Light activity for a few days; benefit develops progressively and reaches its maximum within 1-3 months.
Conditions treated in this area: knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis), persistent pain after knee replacement, chronic tendinopathies, refractory anteromedial pain.
Scientific evidence
A multicentre randomised controlled trial against a sham procedure and systematic reviews of sham-controlled trials document a clinically significant reduction in pain and improved function in knee osteoarthritis, maintained at follow-up. Complications are generally minor and transient (access-site haematoma, self-limiting skin lesions).
References on PubMed
- Multicenter Randomized Sham Controlled Study of Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain Secondary to Osteoarthritis
Bagla S, Piechowiak R, et al. — J Vasc Interv Radiol, 2022 · PMID 34610422
- Genicular artery embolization for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review of sham-controlled randomized trials
Milhem F, Takhman M, et al. — J Orthop, 2025 · PMID 40766107
- GAUCHO Trial: Genicular Artery Embolization Using Imipenem/Cilastatin vs. Microsphere for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Correa MP, Motta-Leal-Filho JM, et al. — Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol, 2022 · PMID 35304614
Published data describe average results in groups of patients and are not a prediction of an individual outcome. The indication for treatment must always be assessed during a consultation.
Want to know if it is right for you?
At the first consultation we review your clinical history and previous imaging together.