Affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School
Tel: 617-754-2523
Harvard's Minimally Invasive Specialists
Geniculate Artery Embolization
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
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Faster Recovery Times
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No Anesthesia
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Same Day Procedure
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No Scars or Cuts
Genicular artery embolization (GAE), or embolization of the knee, is a novel minimally-invasive procedure to reduce knee pain for patients with osteoarthritis (OA), by reducing the blood flow to the lining of the knee, known as the synovium.
What is geniculate artery embolization?
The term embolization comes from a Greek word, embolus, that means a clot or plug in a blood vessel. In the case of osteoarthrosis of the knee, embolization is a strategic blockage of blood vessels around the knee that contribute to inflammation. By blocking these arteries, there is a reduction in the amount of inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, a process that can help or eliminate the associated knee pain. Initial trials shows the promise this technique holds for patients with debilitating knee pain who are not ready or willing to undergo knee replacement surgery. While it may not treat the underlying cartilage destruction, evidence so far shows that this may be an effective way to manage the symptoms.
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At present, this procedure remains investigational. In a recent prospective, multi-center trial, 20 patients with severe knee pain from OA were treated with GAE. The study patients were found to have less pain and increased range of motion after the procedure. A larger study was performed in Asia that showed success rates exceeding 80%, and the results remained durable up to 4 years after the procedure.​
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Effective
Geniculate artery embolization has been shown to decrease symptoms of osteoarthritis in studies.
Safe
Traditional surgeries can be very effective for knee pain, however surgery and anesthesia carries risks.
Fast Recovery
Geniculate artery embolization can be performed as a day time procedure. This allows for a faster recovery.
No Pain or Scar
GAE is a procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia because it is virtually painless.
How can we help with osteoarthritis of the knee?
If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and traditional measures such as medications and joint injections have failed, geniculate artery embolization may be a treatment option for you. The physicians at HMFP are specialists in treating the most complex vascular issues, including excess blood flow to the synovium that is inflamed. The interventional radiologists and clinical staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center combine medical expertise and compassion to guide you through your geniculate artery treatment journey every step of the way, providing symptomatic relief and getting you back to your daily routine quickly.​
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Our GAE practice is lead by physicians who are subspecialty trained in interventional radiology and have additional training in geniculate artery embolization.
Muneeb Ahmed MD
Interventional Radiologist
Residency - Harvard Medical School at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Fellowship - Johns Hopkins University
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Dr. Ahmed is the Section Chief of Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Vice Chair of Interventional services at BIDMC. He is a nationally known leader in the field of Interventional Radiology. He is extensively trained in endovascular approaches and has extensive speciality training and experience in geniculate artery embolization.
(617) 754-2523
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Geniculate artery embolization is a novel and effective way to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, without the need for surgery.
