Avoid Knee Replacement with Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for Chronic Knee Pain Relief in San Francisco

If you're looking for long-term relief from chronic knee pain and want to avoid surgery, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be the solution. At San Francisco Vein & Vascular, GAE is a non-surgical outpatient procedure that targets inflamed arteries around the knee to reduce pain and improve mobility. This treatment is especially helpful for patients with osteoarthritis who have not found relief from steroid injections, physical therapy, or other conservative options. Our vascular specialists provide personalized care using advanced image-guided techniques to help you stay active without the need for knee replacement.

What Is a GAE Knee Procedure?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis. This outpatient treatment targets the small arteries around the knee (genicular arteries) that contribute to inflammation and discomfort.

The procedure is performed by a board-certified vascular surgeon using advanced imaging to guide a tiny catheter into the arteries supplying the knee. Microscopic particles are released to reduce blood flow to the inflamed areas, helping to relieve pain and improve function.

GAE is often a good option for people who haven't found relief from conservative treatments like cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid injections, PRP, or physical therapy. Most patients return to normal activity within a few days. This non-surgical knee procedure is now available in San Francisco.

Who is a Candidate for Genicular Artery Embolization Procedure?

You may be a strong candidate for Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) in San Francisco if you:

• Are between the ages of 40 and 80

• Experience chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis

• Have not found relief with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections

• Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery

• Are not a candidate for surgery due to other health issues

• Prefer a non-surgical, outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time

To find out if GAE is right for you, start by taking our short WOMAC Survey. A score over 25 may indicate that you’re a good candidate. Then, schedule a consultation to discuss your results and next steps with our vascular team.

What to Expect During Your GAE Knee Procedure:

If you're considering Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for chronic knee pain, knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared. The procedure is performed at our accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) using advanced imaging for precision and patient comfort.:

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Preparation:
The procedure is done under local anesthesia with mild sedation. A small catheter is inserted into the femoral artery through a tiny puncture in the groin or upper thigh.

2. Targeting the Source of Pain:
Using real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), your vascular specialist guides the catheter to the genicular arteries that supply blood to inflamed tissue in the knee.

3. Embolization Process:
Microscopic particles are delivered through the catheter to reduce abnormal blood flow and decrease inflammation, helping to relieve pain and restore function.

4. Recovery:
The catheter is removed, and the puncture site is covered with a small bandage. No stitches are required. Most patients walk out of our office within a few hours and resume normal activities within 1–2 days.

How Long Does Genicular Artery Embolization Last?

Many patients experience noticeable pain relief within days or weeks after the procedure, with continued improvement over several months. Clinical studies show that the effects of GAE for knee pain can last up to two years or more, especially in patients with moderate osteoarthritis.

While GAE does not reverse joint damage, it can offer long-term symptom relief. For many, this helps delay or avoid knee replacement surgery and reduces reliance on pain medications.

Key Benefits of GAE Knee Procedure:

• Minimally Invasive: No incisions, stitches, or general anesthesia. Just a small puncture and quick recovery.

• Outpatient Procedure: Performed in our Medicare-approved Ambulatory Surgical Center so you can return home the same day.

• Fast Recovery: Most patients walk out within a few hours and resume normal activities in one to two days.

• Proven Results: Clinical studies show pain relief lasting up to two years or more.

• Reduced Reliance on Medications: Many patients need fewer or no pain medications after GAE.

• Non-Surgical Alternative to Knee Replacement: Effective relief without the risks, recovery, or downtime of major surgery.

Why Choose SFVVI for Genicular Artery Embolization?

At San Francisco Vein & Vascular Institute (SFVVI), we perform GAE for knee pain in a Medicare-approved Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC), offering hospital-level safety in a comfortable outpatient setting.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Expertise: Led by Dr. Daniel Nathanson, Chief of Vascular Surgery at CPMC and one of the most experienced vascular surgeons in San Francisco.

• Ambulatory Surgical Center Safety: Our facility meets national standards for safe, minimally invasive care.

• Advanced Technology: We use the latest imaging and embolization techniques for precision and comfort.

• Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, from consultation to recovery.

• Fast Recovery: Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activity within 1–2 days. No hospital stay required.

Schedule a Consultation:

If you're suffering from chronic knee pain due to arthritis and want to avoid surgery, contact us to learn more about Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). Our team will evaluate your symptoms and determine if this non-surgical knee pain treatment is right for you.

Call Us: 415-221-7056
Location: 1 Daniel Burnham Court, Ste 205C, San Francisco, CA 94109
Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Genicular Artery Embolization covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance provider and plan. Many insurers cover GAE when it’s deemed medically necessary. Our office will verify your insurance benefits and help with prior authorization.

2. What are the success rates for GAE?
Studies show a high success rate for relieving chronic knee pain, particularly within the first month. Many patients experience long-lasting relief for up to two years or more. The technical success rate for the procedure exceeds 99%.

3. How long does the pain relief last?
Pain relief can begin within days to weeks and continue improving for several months. For many patients, results last up to two years or longer, depending on the severity of arthritis and individual factors.

4. Are there risks or side effects?
GAE is a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure. Mild side effects may include temporary bruising, soreness, or skin discoloration. Serious complications are rare and will be reviewed during your consultation.

5. Can I still get GAE if I’ve already had knee surgery?
Yes. GAE is often a good option for patients who have had prior knee surgeries and are seeking non-surgical pain relief alternatives.

6. Who is a candidate for GAE?
You may be a good candidate if you:

• Are between 40 and 80 years old

• Have chronic knee pain from arthritis that limits daily activity

• Tried physical therapy, cortisone, or PRP injections without lasting success

• Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery

If you’re unsure whether Genicular Artery Embolization is right for you, schedule a consultation with our specialists to explore your options.

7. What is the recovery time for GAE?
Most patients walk out of the office within a few hours. Mild soreness or bruising at the catheter site may occur, but most return to regular activities within a few days.

8. How is GAE different from knee replacement surgery?
GAE is non-surgical and preserves your natural knee joint. There’s no hospital stay, no large incision, and minimal recovery time compared to surgery.

9. Can GAE be repeated if my pain returns?
Yes. If your pain returns over time, your physician can evaluate whether a second embolization is appropriate..

10. Will GAE affect my ability to have a knee replacement in the future?
No. GAE does not interfere with the structure of the knee joint. You’ll remain eligible for a total knee replacement in the future if needed.