What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an advanced medical procedure designed to reduce and even eliminate knee pain. GAE slows down the blood flow to small arteries in the knee joint called the genicular arteries. When these tissues become inflamed, they create abnormal blood vessels that cause swelling and stiffness. GAE blocks some of these abnormal vessels, which reduces inflammation and joint damage, in turn easing your discomfort.
The results from GAE are promising when performed by experts in the field. You may experience significant pain reduction and better function for months to years all from a simple outpatient procedure. Dr. George Bolotin at the Astra Knee Pain Center supports you with patient resources to help you make an informed choice about whether this innovative treatment is right for your knee pain conditions. You learn if you qualify for GAE or why you shouldn’t get GAE, based on specific health factors.
How Is GAEProcedure Performed?
Your knee pain specialists in Brooklyn use local anesthesia to numb the area where the catheter is placed before your non-surgical knee pain treatment begins. This ensures you remain awake but comfortable throughout the process. Once the area is numb, your GAE doctor in Brooklyn makes a tiny incision to insert a catheter into one of your arteries.
When the catheter is correctly positioned near your inflamed genicular arteries, your doctor injects tiny embolization particles through the catheter. These particles block the abnormal blood flow that fuels inflammation in your knee joint.
Right after your procedure, the GAE recovery timeline begins and may include:
- Day of Procedure. You go home the same day; no hospital stay needed.
- Days 1 to 3.Mild soreness or bruising at the catheter site is common.
- End of week 1.By now, you notice the first signs of pain relief.
- Weeks 2 to 4.You feel better and more mobile and comfortable day by day.
- Weeks 4 to 6.Everyday activities like walking and climbing stairs feel easier.
Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects After GAE?
GAE has proven to be a safe and effective option. Clinical studies and patient outcomes show that long-term risks and side effects of GAE are rare. The tiny particles used during your procedure remain in place and are generally well-tolerated within your body. Reduced blood flow after GAE is both controlled and safe. The procedure specifically targets only the inflamed genicular arteries and leaves your healthy tissues unaffected.
In many cases, your surrounding tissues adjust without any issues. In very rare situations, if embolic particles move beyond the intended area, nearby tissues may be affected. This is extremely unlikely especially when your procedure is done by a skilled knee pain specialist in the Bronx.
You may notice a few short-term effects, but they usually go away quickly, and may include:
- Mild soreness or bruising where the catheter was inserted
- Temporary discomfort in your knee as your body adjusts
- Tiredness or slight stiffness in the first few days
Where Can I Get Genicular Artery Embolization in Brooklyn?
At the Astra Knee Pain Center, you have access to a team of experts who specialize in non-surgical knee pain treatments including GAE. Their board-certified interventional radiologists use the latest imaging and techniques to treat your knee pain precisely and safely without the need for invasive surgery.
Whether you’re exploring genicular artery embolization Brooklyn or need a second opinion regarding knee surgery, you receive clear answers and personalized care. Contact the Astra Knee Pain Center today to discuss your knee health and non-surgical treatment options with an experienced GAE specialist in Brooklyn.
Astra Knee Pain Center
4209A Avenue U Ste 2
Brooklyn, NY 11234
718-814-9924
Web Address: https://www.astrakneepaincenter.com/
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/92jNQvynwTrTwLst9
https://plus.codes/87G8J35G+RM
Nearby Locations:
Sheepshead Bay, Madison, Marine Park, Old Mill Basin, Mill Basin
11223, 11224, 11229, 11234, 11235
Driving Directions To The Astra Knee Pain Center:
from Brooklyn: https://maps.app.goo.gl/so5nVa9gaa4RsCh66
from Brighton Beach: https://maps.app.goo.gl/estBnxiQeZpAiXmh8
from Manhattan: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2n7mQ92t3CQgdpbz9
from Queens: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WvuMxyWCcBGdZVMb8
from Staten Island: https://maps.app.goo.gl/B6eeG1nTrDFTLhJz7
Working Hours:
Monday: 9am - 6pm
Tuesday: 9am - 6pm
Wednesday: 9am - 6pm
Thursday: 9am - 6pm
Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Payment: cash, check, credit cards.