Genicular Artery Embolisation
Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE)
is an innovative minimally-invasive treatment of chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. GAE used microscopic particles to reduce blood supply to the inflamed lining of the knee joint (the synovium), blocking the sensory signals that cause pain.
Who is a Candidate for GAE?
GAE is most effective for mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis with evidence of inflammation. It is an excellent option for:
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Patients who are no longer responding to conservative treatment, such as analgesia and joint injection.
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Individuals wishing to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.
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Poor surgical candidates due to medical conditions or high anaesthetic risks.
Clinical Benefits
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Targeted pain relief: directly reduces the chronic inflammation driving knee pain.
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Minimally invasive: no surgical incision.
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Excellent safety profile: no procedural blood loss and performed under conscious sedation.
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Rapid return to normal daily activities.
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Preserves anatomy: does not prevent progression to other treatment options.
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Repeatable: should inflammation return
Important Considerations & Limitations
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Treats inflammation associated with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Severe OA lacking inflammation is less responsive.
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Non-inflammatory pathology, such a meniscal tears and cartilage loss, can cause persistent pain.
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GAE is not appropriate for individuals with severe peripheral arterial disease.
Required Pre-Procedural Assessment
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A knee MRI will help assess for inflammation and other non-inflammatory pathology.
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A CT angiogram of the low limb is require prior to the procedure to help with surgical planning.
Musculoskeletal
Shoulder
Embolisation
Shoulder embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat persistent shoulder pain caused by chronic inflammation, particularly frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), rotator cuff tendinopathy and bursitis. These conditions can cause significant pain, stiffness, restricted movement and difficulty performing everyday activities.
Using imaging guidance, a thin catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and advanced into the small arteries supplying the affected shoulder tissues. Tiny particles are injected to reduce abnormal blood flow associated with inflammation, helping to relieve pain and improve shoulder function.
The evidence supporting shoulder embolisation is very encouraging, but is still developing. At this time I only offer this procedure in my public tertiary hospital position.