A groundbreaking minimally invasive treatment for chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Reduce inflammation, aim to manage knee pain through a minimally invasive approach — with no surgical incision.
Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE) is an innovative, image-guided procedure that targets the abnormal blood vessels responsible for chronic knee inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis.
Using advanced microcatheter technology, tiny particles are delivered directly to the inflamed blood vessels around the knee joint, reducing the inflammatory response that drives osteoarthritic pain. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic through a tiny puncture — typically in the wrist or groin — with no surgical incision required.
GAE offers a compelling option for patients who have exhausted conservative treatments but wish to explore alternatives to surgical options.
GAE can provide significant pain management and improved function, potentially delaying the need for total surgical options by years — or eliminating the need entirely for some patients.
Performed through a tiny needle puncture under local anaesthetic. There is no surgical wound, no stitches, and no risk of joint infection from the procedure.
Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 days. There is no need for physiotherapy rehabilitation or extended time off work.
Rather than masking symptoms with medication, GAE directly reduces the abnormal inflammatory blood vessels (neovascularisation) that drive osteoarthritic pain.
GAE can be combined with physiotherapy, injections, and other conservative measures. It does not compromise future surgical options if surgical options is eventually needed.
A thorough assessment including review of your imaging (X-rays and MRI), symptom history, and previous treatments. Dr Rogan will determine if GAE is appropriate for your specific pattern of knee osteoarthritis.
Under local anaesthetic and light sedation, a tiny catheter is inserted through a small puncture in the wrist or groin artery. Using real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), the catheter is navigated to the genicular arteries supplying the knee.
Once the abnormal inflammatory vessels are identified on angiography, microscopic particles are carefully injected to block these specific vessels. This reduces the inflammatory blood supply driving your knee pain while preserving normal blood flow.
You rest for a few hours, then go home the same day. Pain relief typically begins within 1–4 weeks as inflammation subsides. Maximum benefit is usually achieved by 3 months, with studies showing potential for symptom improvement over time.
Patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis experiencing persistent pain that affects daily activities, sleep, or quality of life.
Those who have not achieved adequate relief from physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or hyaluronic acid injections.
Patients who are too young for surgical options, wish to postpone surgery, or have medical conditions that make major surgery higher risk.
Patients whose MRI shows synovitis, joint effusion, or other signs of active inflammation — these patients tend to respond particularly well to GAE.
Clinical studies show that approximately 70–80% of patients experience significant pain reduction after GAE. Most patients report meaningful improvement in their ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform daily activities. Results have been shown to be durable, with reported benefit at 12–24 months in published research.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic with light sedation, so most patients experience minimal discomfort. You may feel some warmth or mild pressure during the embolisation. Post-procedure, there may be mild knee aching or swelling for a few days, which is easily managed with simple pain management.
Some patients notice improvement within the first 1–2 weeks. However, the full benefit of GAE typically develops over 1–3 months as the inflammatory process settles. We recommend patience during this period and continued gentle activity as tolerated.
Yes. If symptoms recur or if there is residual pain, GAE can be repeated. The procedure does not damage the knee joint or compromise future treatment options, including surgical options if eventually required.
GAE is a very safe procedure with a low complication rate. The most common side effect is temporary mild skin discolouration around the knee, which resolves on its own. Serious complications are rare. Dr Rogan will discuss all risks and benefits during your consultation.
Yes, a referral from your GP or specialist is required. This allows Dr Rogan to review your imaging and medical history before your consultation. Your GP can also arrange any additional imaging if needed prior to your appointment.
Book a consultation with Dr Rogan to find out if Genicular Artery Embolisation is right for you.
Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure designed to reduce chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. By selectively blocking tiny abnormal blood vessels around the knee joint that contribute to inflammation and pain signalling, GAE can provide significant and lasting pain relief without surgery.
GAE is suitable for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who experience persistent pain despite conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. It is particularly beneficial for patients who wish to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery, or those who are not suitable candidates for surgical intervention due to other medical conditions.
Unlike total knee replacement, GAE is a minimally invasive day procedure performed under local anaesthesia through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin. There is no surgical incision, no hospital admission, and no lengthy rehabilitation period. While knee replacement addresses end-stage arthritis by replacing the joint, GAE targets the inflammatory component of pain in earlier-stage disease, preserving the natural joint and allowing patients to remain active during recovery.
The procedure is performed in an angiography suite under local anaesthesia with light sedation. A tiny catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist and guided using real-time X-ray imaging to the genicular arteries supplying the knee. Once positioned, microscopic embolic particles are injected to block the abnormal neo-vessels responsible for inflammation and pain. The entire procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
The key benefits of GAE include: no general anaesthesia required, performed as a day procedure with same-day discharge, minimal recovery time with most patients returning to normal activities within days, preservation of the natural knee joint, significant reduction in knee pain and improvement in function, and the ability to delay or potentially avoid knee replacement surgery.
GAE is considered a very safe procedure with a low complication rate. The most common side effects include minor bruising at the catheter insertion site and temporary mild discomfort around the knee as inflammation subsides. Serious complications are rare. Skin discolouration near the knee may occasionally occur but typically resolves over time. Your interventional radiologist will discuss all potential risks during your consultation.
Recovery after GAE is generally rapid. Most patients are discharged on the same day and can resume light daily activities almost immediately. Some patients experience mild knee discomfort or swelling for a few days following the procedure, which typically resolves with simple pain relief. Full pain reduction usually develops progressively over two to six weeks as the inflammatory vessels are reabsorbed and the local inflammation settles.
Clinical studies demonstrate that GAE provides significant pain relief in approximately 70 to 80 percent of patients, with improvements in both pain scores and functional capacity. Many patients report a meaningful reduction in their reliance on pain medications. The effects of GAE have been shown to be durable, with studies demonstrating sustained benefit at two years and beyond in the majority of responders.
Yes. Because GAE is minimally invasive and preserves the natural knee joint, it can be repeated if symptoms recur over time. Additionally, having GAE does not affect eligibility for future knee replacement surgery should it eventually become necessary. This makes GAE an attractive option as part of a staged approach to managing knee osteoarthritis.
Preparation involves an initial consultation with Dr Rogan, including a review of your knee imaging (X-rays and often MRI) and clinical history. Blood tests may be required prior to the procedure. You will be advised to fast for a few hours before your appointment. Most blood-thinning medications can be continued, but specific instructions will be provided during your pre-procedure consultation.