We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Stephen A. Tonks, MD, RPVI, of Premier Vascular & Vein Center  to discuss an innovative treatment for knee pain called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). Dr. Tonks, a board-certified vascular surgeon,  shared insights on how this minimally invasive procedure can benefit patients suffering from knee inflammation, particularly for those not ready or eligible for knee replacement surgery. In this Q&A session, Dr. Tonks explains how GAE works, its benefits, and who might be an ideal candidate for this advanced approach to managing knee pain.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular artery embolization is a newer technology that we use to treat inflamed arteries around the knee. Those are the geniculate arteries, or knee arteries.

What are the benefits of GAE?

The benefit to this procedure is that it can often sort of truncate the inflammatory cascade or clip off the little inflamed branches that are causing a lot of the knee inflammation.

What are the uses for GAE?

It was originally used for knees that had recurrent bleeding, especially post-procedural—so, after you’d had a knee replacement. But over time, we found that it’s also beneficial for patients that have not had knee replacements or even those who have had knee replacements and have pain afterward.

Is GAE a newer treatment option?

Geniculate artery embolization is a newer option and an excellent option, but it’s often not recognized as a potential treatment. It’s something that vascular surgery provides as an adjunct or assistance to the orthopedist who would often diagnose you with knee arthritis.

Who is a candidate for GAE?

Some patients who aren’t candidates for knee replacement are excellent candidates for this, or some patients who are too young and just aren’t ready to get their knee replaced yet. They may qualify as well.

How does GAE work?

In geniculate artery embolization, we are occluding the tiny branches that shouldn’t be there, that have developed over time from the inflammation. And they’re carrying the inflammatory cascade that’s feeding the loop to irritate this knee. By occluding these microscopic branches, we’re able to restore the normal flow to the knee and reduce that inflammatory cascade.

How quickly does GAE work?

Some people feel better shortly after the procedure—hours to a day. For some people, it takes a few weeks to note a significant improvement. And obviously, every technology is not for every patient. If you can’t move your knee, this isn’t going to restore motion. But, if you’ve got that inflammation and pain, especially early in the arthritis cascade, we can help.

—

If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain and want to explore whether you may be a candidate for  Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), we invite you to reach out to Premier Vascular & Vein Center.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (865) 588-8229.