Genicular artery embolization (GAE)
Stanford Health Care is one of a few institutions in the US that offers Genicular artery embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for managing pain caused by knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis often triggers knee pain and inflammation, leading to difficulties in mobility and daily distress. During the Genicular artery embolization procedure, physicians enter a blood vessel via a tiny opening in the groin, and the genicular arteries feeding the knee inflammation are blocked. This reduces knee inflammation and pain, enhancing the patient's quality of life. The success rate of this procedure is high with few reported complications. Patients are discharged home for recovery the same day of the procedure.