Finding Relief from Knee Pain Without Surgery

Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis can be life-altering. For many patients, stiffness, swelling, and discomfort in the knees makes it hard to walk, work, exercise, or sleep. If you’ve been told your only option is a knee replacement — but you’re not ready for surgery — there’s good news.

At RIA Endovascular, we offer an innovative, non-surgical procedure called Geniculate Artery Embolization (GAE) that can reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve quality of life.

What is Geniculate Artery Embolization?

GAE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It targets the tiny arteries in your knee (called geniculate arteries) that are responsible for inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis.

Using image guidance, a small catheter is inserted through a pinhole incision — typically in the groin or wrist — and guided to the arteries that feed the inflamed areas of your knee. Then, tiny particles are released to block the abnormal blood flow causing inflammation. This helps quiet the overactive pain signals and reduces swelling.

Who is a Good Candidate for GAE?

GAE is ideal for patients who:

• Have moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis

• Want to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery

• Have not responded well to medications, physical therapy, or injections

• May not be surgical candidates due to other health conditions

What to Expect

The procedure takes about 1–2 hours and is done under local anesthesia with sedation. Most patients return home the same day and experience significant pain relief within a few weeks. Recovery is fast, with minimal downtime.

Studies show that GAE can provide lasting pain relief for many patients — especially those looking for an alternative to major surgery.

Why Choose RIA Endovascular?

At RIA Endovascular, our fellowship-trained interventional radiologists specialize in image-guided, minimally invasive procedures that treat conditions like osteoarthritis without the need for open surgery. We take time to listen, explain your options, and help you make the best choice for your health and lifestyle.

You don’t have to live with chronic knee pain — and you may not need surgery to feel better.