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Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) in Irvine, CA

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What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Knee arthritis symptoms are often caused by bones in the knee joint rubbing against each other, creating friction. This friction leads to an increased blood flow to the knee due to inflammation. GAE minimizes the flow of blood to the knee lining, also called the synovium, to alleviate inflammation and reduce knee pain. While the procedure does not treat the underlying cartilage damage, it effectively treats the symptoms associated with knee arthritis.
genicular artery embolization

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How is genicular artery embolization (GAE) performed, and how does it help with joint pain?
GAE is an outpatient procedure that takes one to two hours under light sedation and requires very minimal recovery time. During GAE, a catheter is inserted into a small puncture site in the leg. Using X- ray guidance, the catheter is then inserted into the blood vessels that supply the knee joint with blood. Once positioned, tiny microsphere particles are carefully released to slow the blood supply to the inflamed portions of the knee joint. The decrease in blood flow reduces pain and decreases the swelling associated with osteoarthritis.
What can I expect during recovery from genicular artery embolization (GAE)?
Recovery from GAE is generally smooth, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort. Initially, patients may notice some mild swelling or bruising at the catheter insertion site, which typically resolves within a few days. It’s common to feel knee pain relief within the first few weeks as the treatment begins to take effect. Patients are usually able to return to their normal activities within a short period, but it’s important to follow the post-procedure care instructions provided by our medical team to ensure the highest quality outcomes.
Am I a good candidate for genicular artery embolization (GAE)?

A good candidate for GAE is typically someone who experiences chronic knee pain that has not responded well to conventional treatments such as medication or physical therapy. This procedure is particularly beneficial for people seeking a minimally invasive option to alleviate knee pain and improve mobility.

However, GAE may not be suitable for those with certain vascular conditions or severe knee joint damage. A thorough evaluation by one of our vascular physicians is essential to determine if GAE is the right choice for managing osteoarthritis symptoms in the knee.

Symptoms of Pelvic Venous Congestion Syndrome (PVCS) include:

GAE offers several advantages over knee replacement surgery for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Unlike knee replacement surgery or joint replacement surgery, both of which are major surgeries requiring general anesthesia and an extended hospital stay, GAE is minimally invasive and can often be performed on an outpatient basis.

In addition, recovery from knee replacement typically involves significant bed rest and up to six months of rehabilitation to regain full mobility. GAE, however, allows patients to experience significant pain relief with a much shorter recovery period and minimal disruption to their daily lives.

For these reasons, the vascular physicians at Pedes Orange County often recommend GAE to patients who are considering knee replacement surgery.

genicular artery embo

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Genicular Artery Embolization in Irvine, CA for Developing Arthritis

Don’t live your life with knee pain any longer. Instead, reach out to the expert team of vascular specialists at Pedes Orange County in Irvine, CA. Call us at (949) 373-4384 to schedule your appointment with one of our dedicated physicians and feel less pain today. You may also contact us online at your convenience to get your questions answered by our dedicated team members. We look forward to helping you achieve pain-free movement.
genicular artery embolization

photo credit to theii.org

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Our Vascular Disease Physicians

The physicians at Pedes Orange County devote their lives to saving limbs and minimizing pain. Our conveniently located, state-of-the-art facility is designed for your comfort and utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide minimally invasive treatments. Our vascular physicians are board-certified and some of the best in Southern California. Personable staff members make every visit a positive experience, with short wait times and an efficient, streamlined process that ensures you feel educated and confident that you are in good hands.

J. Joseph Hewett, M.D.

Vascular Specialist

Dr. J. Joseph Hewett is a graduate of the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Duke University Medical Center and his sub-specialty fellowship training in Vascular and Interventional

Neil K. Goldstein, M.D.

Vascular Specialist

Dr. Neil Goldstein is an Interventional Radiologist, ABR certified with CAQ in Vascular Intervention. He completed his interventional radiology fellowship training at UC Irvine and has been in academic interventional radiologist practice since 2003…

Mohammad R. Jaber, M.D.

Vascular Specialist

Dr. Mohammad Raffat Jaber is board certified in internal medicine and vascular surgery. He completed his internal medicine and general surgery residencies at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He completed his Postdoctoral…

Derrick Tran, MD

Vascular Specialist

Dr. Derrick Tran is a distinguished interventional radiologist specializing in a comprehensive array of vascular and interventional procedures. Dr. Tran practices all aspects of vascular and interventional radiology, including neurointerventions…

Why Pedes Orange County

Pedes Orange County offers quality care and treatments for all vascular men’s health conditions, including varicoceles and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Don’t suffer in silence any longer; visit our facilities and engage with our leading healthcare professionals, who will take the time to listen to you and curate the proper treatment, care, and management for your health concerns.
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What to Expect from Your Visit to Pedes

Ultrasound

Advanced ultrasound-guided examination techniques will be used to visualize the veins, arteries, or both, in your legs. This is often used in the diagnostic process to detect the presence and extent of disease.

Consultation

Once we review the results of your diagnostic tests,  our physicians will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, ensuring the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Treatment

Your treatment plan will be personalized to you and your individual needs. At Pedes, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures and nonsurgical treatments, all of which are performed by our dedicated vascular physicians within the comfort of our state-of-the-art facility.

Follow-up

We ensure our patients receive continuous care and support with regular follow-up visits. Each follow-up visit is scheduled at the time of your in-office appointment. Should you have a concern between appointments, we encourage you to call our office and get scheduled at any time.
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