01/28/2025
Geniculate artery embolization (G*E) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat knee pain, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis or other chronic knee conditions. The geniculate arteries are small blood vessels that supply the knee joint with blood. In some knee problems, these arteries may become a source of pain, contributing to inflammation and discomfort.
During a G*E procedure, a doctor (usually an interventional radiologist) uses a catheter inserted into a blood vessel, typically through the groin or wrist, to navigate to the geniculate arteries. Once there, small embolic materials (like tiny beads or particles) are injected into the arteries to block or reduce blood flow to the inflamed tissue in the knee joint. By doing this, the procedure can reduce pain and inflammation in the knee, potentially providing relief for patients who have not responded to other treatments like physical therapy, injections, or medications.
G*E is considered a safe and effective option for managing knee pain, especially when other treatments haven’t worked, and it can be an alternative to more invasive procedures like knee replacement surgery.
