Minimally Invasive Relief for Chronic Knee Pain

Advanced Non-Surgical Knee Pain Treatment

If chronic knee pain is limiting your mobility and affecting your quality of life, you may not need surgery to find relief. At Vista Interventional Care Center, we offer Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). GAE is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment designed to reduce inflammation and relieve osteoarthritis-related knee pain without joint replacement. Our board-certified interventional specialists provide advanced, image-guided treatments right here in Knoxville, serving patients throughout East Tennessee.

What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is an innovative outpatient procedure that treats chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. In patients with knee osteoarthritis, inflammation increases abnormal blood flow around the joint. This excess blood flow contributes to pain and swelling. During GAE, an interventional radiologist will use a real-time fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging) and contrast dye, to:

🔹 Insert a small catheter into an artery in the leg, usually through the groin or wrist.
🔹 Guide the catheter to the genicular arteries, which supply blood to the inflamed knee.
🔹 Inject tiny embolic particles to reduce excess blood flow and decrease inflammation.
🔹 Preserve normal knee function while significantly reducing pain and swelling.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, and most patients go home the same day with minimal recovery time.

Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization in Knoxville

Compared to traditional surgical options such as knee replacement, GAE offers several advantages:
Minimally Invasive: No surgical incisions in the knee, minimal recovery time

Effective: Significant pain reduction demonstrated in multiple clinical studies

Safe: Low complication rate with mostly minor, self-resolving side effects

Quick Recovery: Return to daily activities within days, not months

Preserves Options: Doesn’t prevent future treatments, including knee replacement if needed

Many Knoxville patients seeking alternatives to knee replacement choose GAE to delay or avoid surgery.

Who Is a Candidate for GAE?

You may be a candidate for genicular artery embolization in Knoxville if you:

• Have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis causing chronic pain
• Have tried conservative treatments (physical therapy, medications, injections) haven’t provided adequate relief
• Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
• Have medical conditions that make you a poor candidate for major surgery
• Are looking for a treatment option that allows you to return to normal activities quickly

Our team performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether GAE is the right option for your condition.

What to Expect During the Procedure

At our Knoxville outpatient center, the procedure typically takes one to two hours:
1. Local anesthesia and mild sedation are administered.
2. A tiny catheter is inserted through a small incision, usually in the wrist or groin.
3. Using real-time imaging, the physician identifies the specific genicular arteries causing inflammation.
4. Embolic particles are delivered to reduce abnormal blood flow.
5. Patients return home the same day and to normal activities within days.

Recovery After GAE

Recovery is generally quick and well tolerated. Most patients resume light activities within 24–48 hours. Gradual pain improvement typically occurs over several weeks, with many patients reporting significant improvements in mobility and daily function.

Is GAE Safe?

GAE has an excellent safety profile:

• No major complications reported in clinical trials
• Minor, temporary side effects may include:
  • Mild skin discoloration near the knee (10-30% of patients)
  • Temporary increased pain or swelling
  • Small bruise at the groin access site

Most side effects are resolved on their own within days to weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GAE covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies. Our Knoxville staff verifies benefits prior to scheduling.

Is GAE painful?
The procedure is typically well tolerated with local anesthesia and mild sedation.

How long do results last?
Many patients experience relief lasting months to years, depending on arthritis severity.

Schedule a Consultation in Knoxville

If you are searching for genicular artery embolization in Knoxville or exploring non-surgical knee pain treatment options, contact Vista Interventional Care Center today. Schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting knee pain relief.