Topic: Health

A minimally invasive procedure called genicular artery embolization (GAE) is helping people with chronic knee pain find relief without major surgery. The treatment reduces blood flow to inflamed areas in the joint, decreasing swelling and discomfort.

Cynthia Schraf-Fletcher, a 74-year-old woman, experienced significant relief from her chronic knee pain after undergoing GAE on her right knee. She had previously undergone total knee replacement surgery on her left knee, but the results were not as successful. The procedure was performed by Dr. Leigh Casadaban, an assistant professor of radiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine.

GAE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that targets abnormal blood vessels associated with inflammation in the joint. By reducing blood flow to these areas, the treatment can help decrease swelling and discomfort. This makes it a promising option for people who have tried conservative treatments but are not yet ready for major surgery.

According to Dr. Casadaban, patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis tend to benefit the most from GAE. While patients with more advanced disease can also undergo the procedure, the effects may be less durable. The treatment has been shown to have a high success rate, with about 70% of patients experiencing significant pain relief.

The procedure typically takes one to two hours and is performed under conscious sedation. During the procedure, an interventional radiology team makes a small incision near the crease of the leg and uses X-ray imaging and contrast dye for guidance. The team then releases microscopic beads that block blood flow to the abnormal vessels.

Patients are monitored for several hours after the procedure and are usually able to return home the same day. Doctors generally advise taking it easy for a few days during recovery.

GAE was originally developed in Japan over a decade ago, but it has gained attention worldwide since then. The FDA has granted 'breakthrough device status' to multiple devices related to the procedure in the United States.

Early and ongoing research continues to produce encouraging results. The theory is that GAE reduces inflammation inside the knee joint, and symptom relief can last years. Four-year data published in Japan shows that if you have one outpatient procedure, your pain relief can last for those four years.

Why It Matters

This new treatment could be a game-changer for people who are struggling with chronic knee pain but don't want to undergo major surgery. It's especially important for older adults who may not be able to tolerate the recovery time from total knee replacement surgery.

Key Facts

• GAE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that targets abnormal blood vessels associated with inflammation in the joint.
• The treatment has been shown to have a high success rate, with about 70% of patients experiencing significant pain relief.
• Patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis tend to benefit the most from GAE.
• GAE was originally developed in Japan over a decade ago but has gained attention worldwide since then.
• The FDA has granted 'breakthrough device status' to multiple devices related to the procedure in the United States.

Key Terms

Genicular artery embolization

A minimally invasive outpatient procedure that targets abnormal blood vessels associated with inflammation in the joint.

Implications

This new treatment could be a game-changer for people who are struggling with chronic knee pain but don't want to undergo major surgery. It's especially important for older adults who may not be able to tolerate the recovery time from total knee replacement surgery.