Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain

A procedure to block the blood supply to the inflamed arteries in the knee joint. From what I've read, they will give you 'versed' before the procedure.

Hello - almost two weeks post GAE. Wondering when I can resume my usual exercise as I’ve been focused on just walking and some upper body work (after the restriction to not lift more than ten pounds the first week). My follow-up appointment is in a couple of weeks. I really want this to work.Thanks!

I have had pain and hypersensitivity on both knees, even 4 years post surgery. It was suggested that I have GAE. Has anyone had this done and if so, results?

Hi @rosesimpkin, you may noticed I updated your title to be "Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain" to include a few more members who have undergone this procedure or have also had it suggested to them as a potential treatment for their knee pain.

@zephyr2309 and @hjhd, I combined your newer discussions on the GAE procedure with @rosesimpkin's titled:

"Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-had-a-gae-for-pain-after-a-tkr/

I'd also like to invite @bsissko to this discussion as they discussed having a GAE after many complications with their knee replacement to share what their results were with the GAE and if they were able to find relief from their knee pain and swelling.

Now that it has been a few weeks, how did the GAE procedure go? Do you have relief?

Yes! Of course, we always have to manage expectations- never going to get those ten year-old knees back - but this procedure has been a win. No discoloration, which can happen, and bruising is clearing up. No pain when I walk. Glad I did it. The outcome for me has been great.

I have just started seeing information about this and am very interested. Is this covered by insurance? (Medicare and private secondary) I am terrified of knee replacement and have been putting it off hoping for a less invasive procedure. Is it only done in specific areas?

Yes, GAE is covered by both. I too have Medicare and secondary. My knee replacements are several years old. I have pain and hypersensitivity. I went for a consultation, they x rayed, checked circulation from extremities to heart and drew blood. They feel the procedure will help. I am scheduled for 7/21. Research the procedure, FDA approved, very few cons. I am desperate as I have exhausted all other possibilities. I will report back after I have this done. Also, there is a newer TKR called jiffy knee that a couple of folks I know have had. Less invasive, check into that as well.

It’s actually a procedure that started in Japan in the early 2000s. My understanding is insurance coverage varies from state to state. I actually qualified for, and participated in a study my physical therapist told me about at UCLA; the interventional radiologist who is the principal investigator on the study gave a presentation as he was enrolling 100 patients. I met with him and his research team in May and completed their questionnaire and x-rays. I’m #77 of 100 qualified participants. I’ll be followed for two years. The purpose of the study is to get the FDA approval for insurers to have to cover it. Now, as noted above, I think it depends on the state and insurer. Four weeks out and my left knee feels great. The interventional radiologist that did mine has done over 300. I told a friend in NY who has been getting injections, and she asked her Ortho about GAE and he referred her to an interventional radiologist. Hope this helps.

Thank you so much for the information, I actually saw a youtube video about the study, that's where I first found out about GAE. I am so glad it has helped you and look forward to getting the procedure for myself. From what I remember from the video, your procedure can last up to 5 years and you can have it done again. This is very promising! Thanks again!