Meenakshi Radiology

Phone: +91 82485 90535
Address: Near New Bus stand, Tanjore

Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE)

  • Meenakshi Radiology
  • Specialities
  • Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE)

    • We welcome 

    Our first batch of DNB Radiology students in Meenakshi hospital, Tanjore

    Minimally Invasive • Reduces Inflammation & Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis

    What is it?

    Genicular artery embolisation is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure that reduces abnormal hyperemia and inflammation in the knee by embolising the genicular arteries, leading to pain relief in osteoarthritis.

    Diagram Labels

    • Superior lateral genicular artery
    • Superior medial genicular artery
    • Middle genicular artery
    • Inferior lateral genicular artery
    • Inferior medial genicular artery

    Indications

    • Chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence grade II–IV)
    • Pain not relieved by medications / physiotherapy
    • Patients unfit for or delaying knee replacement
    • Failed genicular nerve block or RFA
    • Persistent pain with synovitis on imaging

    Procedure Technique: Step by Step

    Genicular Artery Embolisation

    01. Vascular Access

    1

    Common femoral artery puncture (Seldinger technique) and 5F sheath placement.

    Jan

    02. Diagnostic Angiogram

    2

    Initial angiography of femoral artery and popliteal artery.

    Jan

    03. Identify Genicular Arteries

    3

    Identify target genicular arteries: superior medial, superior lateral, middle, inferior medial, inferior lateral (may vary).

    Jan

    04. Microcatheter Advancement

    4

    Microcatheter advanced selectively into the target genicular artery.

    Jan

    05. Embolisation

    5

    Embolic particles (300–500 µ) or coils injected until stasis achieved.

    Jan

    06. Post Embolisation Angiogram

    6

    Completion angiogram shows reduced / absent flow in target branches.

    Jan

    07. Sheath Removal

    7

    Sheath removed and compression applied.

    Jan

    08. Post Procedure

    8

    Observe for 4–6 hours. Mobilize after hemostasis.

    Jan

    Contraindications

    • Pregnancy
    • Uncorrected coagulopathy (INR > 1.5, Platelets < 50,000/µL)
    • Severe peripheral arterial disease
    • Active infection
    • Allergy to contrast
    • Renal failure (non-dialysis patient) (relative)

    ADVANTAGES

    Minimally invasive

    Reduces synovial inflammation and pain

    Improves function and quality of life

    Delays or avoids knee replacement

    Short hospital stay / day care

    Repeatable if required

    Potential Complications

    • Access site hematoma / bleeding
    • Non-target embolisation (rare)
    • Skin necrosis (rare)
    • Vascular injury / dissection (rare)
    • Infection (rare)
    • Allergic reaction to contrast

    Key Points

    • Best results in patients with synovitis and early to moderate osteoarthritis
    • Can be combined with other therapies (physiotherapy, weight reduction, medications)
    • Evidence shows significant pain relief and improved function

    Outcomes

    • Pain reduction
    • Improved walking ability
    • Better quality of life
    • Delay in need for knee replacement

    Important Advice

    • The procedures are safe, effective and minimally Appropriate patient selection and image guidance e key to success. sivQption for managing chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis.