Knee Pain Treatment (GAE)

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VasCare: Comprehensive Approach to Treating

Knee Pain

VasCare emerges as the go-to destination for individuals seeking relief from knee pain. Our holistic approach combines cutting-edge medical technology with compassionate care, ensuring personalized solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. With a team of experienced professionals guiding every step of the treatment process, VasCare instills confidence and trust in its expertise, promising a journey toward lasting wellness and comfort.

Our commitment to accessibility makes high-quality treatment accessible to all, empowering individuals to prioritize their health without financial strain. For effective, compassionate, and comprehensive knee pain treatments like GAE, VasCare’s Clinic in Corpus Christi stands out as the premier choice, offering a path to renewed mobility and vitality.

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What is Knee Pain?

Osteoarthritis of the knee happens when cartilage in your knee joint breaks down. When this happens, the bones in your knee joint rub together, causing friction that makes your knees hurt, become stiff or swell.

Osteoarthritis in the knee can be treated with GAE, or Genicular Artery Embolization. GAE is an outpatient procedure designed to provide substantial relief from knee pain without resorting to surgery. By targeting inflammation directly, GAE effectively reduces pain and enhances knee function. This innovative approach offers patients the opportunity to experience relief without enduring surgical intervention, lengthy recovery periods, or hospital stays.

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what is GAE

Four Types of GAE Procedures

Superior Medial Genicular Artery Embolization (SMGAE)

This procedure targets the superior medial genicular artery, which supplies blood to the inner aspect of the knee joint. By blocking this artery, inflammation in the inner knee area can be reduced, leading to pain relief and improved function.

Inferior Medial Genicular Artery Embolization (IMGAE)

Focusing on the inferior medial genicular artery, this type of GAE addresses pain and inflammation in the lower part of the inner knee joint. Blocking blood flow to this area can alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility.

Lateral Genicular Artery Embolization (LGAE)

LGAE targets the lateral genicular artery, responsible for supplying blood to the outer aspect of the knee joint. By reducing inflammation in this area, patients experience relief from lateral knee pain and improved range of motion.

Descending Genicular Artery Embolization (DGAE)

DGAE aims to block the descending genicular artery, which provides blood to the front of the knee joint. By interrupting blood flow to this area, DGAE effectively reduces inflammation and alleviates anterior knee pain, allowing patients to regain comfort and functionality.
These different types of GAE procedures offer targeted relief for various sources of knee pain, providing patients with personalized treatment options based on their specific symptoms and needs.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

What Are The Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis?

Swelling

Knee pain often accompanies noticeable swelling around the affected joint. Swelling can result from inflammation, injury, or underlying conditions, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility.

Stiffness

Individuals with knee pain may experience stiffness in the joint, particularly after periods of inactivity or prolonged sitting. Stiffness can limit the range of motion and make activities such as walking or bending the knee challenging.

Pain with movement

Knee pain typically worsens with movement, such as walking, climbing stairs, or bending the knee. The pain may range from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing sensations, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

Instability

Some individuals with knee pain report feelings of instability or a sensation that the knee is giving way. This instability can make it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg and may increase the risk of falls or further injury.

Treatments to Eliminate Knee Pain

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)

GAE is an innovative outpatient procedure designed to provide significant relief from knee pain without the need for surgery. By targeting the genicular arteries that supply blood to the knee joint, GAE reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, and improves knee function. This minimally invasive approach offers patients the opportunity to experience long-lasting pain relief and enhanced mobility without the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an effective non-invasive treatment option for alleviating knee pain and improving function. A skilled physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improve flexibility, and correct imbalances or biomechanical issues contributing to pain. Physical therapy may also include manual therapy techniques, such as massage or joint mobilization, to reduce stiffness and promote healing.

Lifestyle Modifications

Making lifestyle modifications can help alleviate knee pain and prevent exacerbation of symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the load on the knee joints, decreasing the risk of strain and injury. Engaging in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can improve knee strength and flexibility without putting undue stress on the joints. Additionally, using supportive footwear, practicing proper body mechanics, and avoiding activities that aggravate knee pain can all contribute to improved knee health and function.

Understanding the Procedure

The process of Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for knee pain relief starts with an initial consultation where patients discuss symptoms, medical history, and treatment options with a specialist. A thorough physical examination and imaging tests like MRI or X-ray confirm the diagnosis and assess the knee’s condition. Suitability for GAE is assessed through detailed imaging studies such as angiography, ensuring effective planning for the embolization process. This meticulous approach to patient assessment and preparation ensures optimal outcomes and safety throughout the GAE procedure.

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Benefits of a GAE Procedure

Relief from Chronic Knee Pain

The primary reason for undergoing GAE is to find relief from chronic knee pain that has not responded well to conventional treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections.

Non-Surgical Option

GAE provides a non-surgical alternative to knee replacement surgery. It allows patients to avoid the complexities and extended recovery time associated with invasive surgical procedures, offering a quicker and less disruptive solution for managing knee pain.

Improved Quality of Life

GAE is performed to improve the quality of life for patients. By targeting the source of knee pain and inflammation, GAE can help patients regain comfort and independence in their daily activities.

Enhanced Mobility

By reducing inflammation and alleviating pain, GAE can significantly improve mobility and the range of motion in the affected knee joint. This enables patients to engage in physical activities with greater ease and confidence, restoring their ability to perform tasks that were previously limited by knee pain.

Delay or Avoidance of Surgery

GAE offers patients the possibility of delaying or even avoiding the need for more invasive surgical procedures such as knee replacement. GAE may allow patients to manage their condition without resorting to surgery, preserving their natural joint and avoiding potential complications associated with surgical interventions.

Schedule Your Consultation With Our GAE Doctors

Schedule AppointmentCall: 361-204-4736

Dr. Llewellyn Lee – Board-certified Vascular & Interventional Radiologist

Corpus Christi, Texas
In his more than two decades practicing medicine, Dr. Llewellyn Lee has become an authority on vascular and interventional treatments with thousands of successful procedures performed.
Meet Dr. Lee361.882.4000

Dr. Jennifer Mike-Mayer – Board-certified Vascular Surgeon

Corpus Christi, Texas
With expertise in vascular surgery and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Jennifer Mike-Mayer has become a leading authority in vascular surgical procedures, successfully treating thousands of patients.
Meet Dr. Mike-Mayer361.882.4000
what to expect gae

What To Expect at Your GAE Procedure

Here is what patients can expect during their GAE procedure:

Arrival and Preparation

Upon arrival at the clinic or hospital, patients change into a gown and undergo a final review of medical history and consent forms. Local anesthesia is administered at the catheter insertion site to numb the area, and sedatives may be given to help relax the patient.

Catheter Insertion

A small incision is made at the insertion site, usually the groin or lower leg depending on the area of focus, and a catheter is inserted into the blood vessel. The catheter is carefully guided to the genicular arteries supplying the knee, ensuring precise placement.

Embolization

Once the catheter is in place, microscopic particles are injected through it to block blood flow to targeted areas of the knee. This process reduces blood supply to inflamed synovial tissue, decreasing inflammation and pain. Throughout the procedure, vital signs are monitored closely, and imaging is used to confirm correct placement of the particles and completion of embolization.
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GAE/Knee Pain FAQ

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
GAE is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate chronic knee pain by targeting the genicular arteries that supply blood to the knee joint. By blocking these arteries, GAE reduces inflammation and decreases pain.
Who is a candidate for GAE?
Candidates for GAE are individuals experiencing chronic knee pain that has not responded well to conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections. A consultation with a specialist can determine if GAE is appropriate for your specific condition.
Is GAE a surgical procedure?
No, GAE is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia. It involves inserting a catheter into the blood vessels and delivering microscopic particles to block blood flow to targeted areas of the knee joint.
What are the potential risks or side effects of GAE?
While GAE is generally safe, potential risks include bruising or bleeding at the catheter insertion site, allergic reactions to contrast dye, and very rarely, damage to surrounding blood vessels or nerves. These risks are minimized through careful patient selection and the expertise of the medical team.
How long does a GAE procedure typically take?
The procedure typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the case. Patients may spend additional time in the recovery room for observation before being discharged.
What is the recovery process like after GAE?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort after the procedure and can resume normal activities within a day or two. Some may experience mild soreness or bruising at the catheter insertion site, which typically resolves within a few days.
How long does it take to experience pain relief after GAE?
Pain relief can vary from person to person, but many patients experience significant improvement within a few days to weeks following the procedure as inflammation decreases and blood flow to the affected areas is reduced.
Is GAE covered by insurance?
Coverage for GAE may vary depending on individual insurance plans and policies. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage eligibility and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.