Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks selected small arteries around the knee to reduce inflammation and chronic pain.
At Trinity Hospital and Heart Foundation, Basavangudi, Bangalore, GAE is offered as an advanced option for patients with chronic knee pain who do not get enough relief from medicines, physiotherapy, and injections — and who are not ready or not fit for knee replacement surgery.
Care is led by Dr. Sravan C.P.S, a Vascular & Endovascular Specialist, with high-resolution imaging, precise catheter navigation, and a structured knee pain care pathway.
For many patients stuck between "nothing works" and "I don't want a knee replacement yet", GAE is often the most sensible next step.
It is important to remember that GAE is part of a structured knee pain pathway. Proper evaluation and treatment ladder are essential.
Consult a vascular specialist if you have chronic knee pain not responding to medicines and injections, are not ready for knee replacement, or seek minimally invasive options.
GAE with Dr. Sravan is performed in a Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) suite with advanced imaging and precise catheter navigation.
Procedure overview:
How long does the GAE procedure take? The procedure usually takes about 60–90 minutes, depending on the patient's arterial anatomy.
How soon can I walk after GAE? Most patients start walking the same day or the next day, with gradual increase in activity as advised by the doctor.
GAE is not a random, one-off procedure — it is part of a structured knee pain plan including report review, orthopaedic coordination when needed, clear explanation of all options, and planned follow-up to track pain scores and function.
At Trinity Hospital and Heart Foundation, Basavangudi, genicular artery embolization is supported by advanced vascular intervention capabilities and structured knee pain care.
Facility includes:
Location & accessibility:
Cost & financial support:
Weight reduction to reduce knee load, regular low-impact exercise (walking, cycling, physiotherapy), avoiding deep squats and high-impact activities, using knee supports when recommended. Essential first step but not always enough once pain becomes moderate or severe.
Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gels and sprays. Effect lasts only while taking them. Long-term NSAID use can affect stomach, kidneys, or heart. Do not directly change inflamed blood supply in knee joint.
Steroid injections, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), PRP or other injections, nerve-targeted procedures in some cases. Can reduce pain for a period. Often need to be repeated. Still do not directly tackle abnormal blood flow in joint lining.
Minimally invasive vascular procedure targeting overactive genicular arteries feeding painful inflammation. When medicines and injections fail. May delay or reduce need for replacement surgery. Performed by vascular specialist with micro-catheter precision. For patients stuck between 'nothing works' and 'not ready for knee replacement', GAE is often the most sensible next step.
Major surgery when cartilage loss severe, deformity marked, daily function very poor. Important definitive treatment but longer recovery. Not everyone fit or ready. GAE gives strong minimally invasive option for those not ready for surgery.
Common questions and detailed answers about GAE procedure, benefits, recovery, and when it is appropriate
Genicular artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks selected small arteries around the knee to reduce inflammation and chronic pain from osteoarthritis.
For many patients with long-term knee pain, GAE offers more durable relief than repeated medicines or injections because it targets the blood supply driving the pain rather than just managing symptoms temporarily.
GAE can delay or reduce the need for knee replacement in suitable patients by providing pain relief and improved function. However, very advanced joint damage with severe cartilage loss may still require surgery.
People with chronic knee pain, usually from osteoarthritis, who do not get enough relief from medicines, physiotherapy, and injections, and who are not ready or not fit for knee replacement surgery.
The procedure usually takes about 60–90 minutes, depending on the patient's arterial anatomy and the number of genicular arteries requiring treatment.
Most patients start walking the same day or the next day after the procedure, with gradual increase in activity as advised by the doctor based on individual recovery.
Pain relief builds over weeks and can last many months or longer in several patients, depending on the severity of knee damage and lifestyle factors such as weight management and activity modification.
GAE is generally safe when performed by a trained vascular and endovascular specialist using precise imaging. Like any procedure, it has some risks including infection, non-target embolization, or incomplete pain relief — all explained before treatment.
Because GAE is a vascular procedure requiring detailed knowledge of knee arterial anatomy and micro-catheter skills. As a Vascular & Endovascular Specialist with advanced DSA cath lab support in Basavangudi, Dr. Sravan offers precise, targeted GAE with a structured knee pain care pathway.
You can contact Trinity Hospital and Heart Foundation in Basavangudi, Bangalore where Dr. Sravan practices and request an appointment for chronic knee pain evaluation and discussion about genicular artery embolization.
Suffering from chronic knee pain not responding to medicines and injections? Not ready for knee replacement? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sravan C.P.S at Trinity Hospital and Heart Foundation, Basavangudi for expert genicular artery embolization evaluation.
+91 8040136999
trinityheartfoundation@gmail.com
Trinity Hospital and Heart Foundation, Basavangudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka
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