(518) 562-7557

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY VASCULAR – PLATTSBURGH, NY

Knee Pain Relief
Without Surgery

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is an outpatient procedure that cuts knee inflammation at the source — no general anesthesia, no weeks of recovery.

See if you qualify
How it works

Most patients resume normal activities the same day.

8→3

AVG. PAIN SCORE
WITHIN ONE WEEK¹

~1 hr

PROCEDURE TIME

Same Day

BACK HOME

No

GENERAL ANESTHESIA

THE PROBLEM WITH YOUR CURRENT OPTIONS

Surgery isn’t your only choice. It’s just been presented that way.

One in three Americans over 60 has osteoarthritis of the knee. When pain becomes severe, most doctors point to knee replacement — but two out of three patients who qualify don’t want it. The risks are real, the recovery is long, and for many people, it’s simply not the right move yet.

Chronic pain medication and repeat injections aren’t great answers either. They manage symptoms without addressing what’s actually driving the inflammation. Call (518) 562-7557 to schedule your consultation with our chronic pain experts.

Total knee replacement

Major surgery. 6–12 weeks of recovery and physical therapy. Carries real surgical risks — and it’s permanent.

Pain medication

Treats the symptom, not the cause. Long-term use carries its own risks — and OA keeps progressing underneath.

Repeat injections

Cortisone and gel injections can help short-term, but effects wear off — and frequent use can actually accelerate joint damage.

See if you qualify

THE GAE PROCEDURE

What happens, step by step

GAE is performed by an interventional radiologist — a specialist in image-guided, minimally invasive procedures. Here’s what to expect.

A tiny catheter is inserted

Through a small puncture at your wrist or upper thigh — similar to an IV. No surgical incision.

Imaging guides it to the right vessels

The catheter is navigated through the bloodstream to the genicular arteries — the vessels supplying blood to the inflamed joint lining (synovium).

Tiny particles reduce blood flow

Microspheres are released into the artery. This reduces excess blood flow to the synovium, calming the inflammation that causes your pain.

You go home the same day

No general anesthesia. No overnight stay. Most patients are walking comfortably and surprised by how quick the whole thing was.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT

Why inflammation — not just cartilage loss — is the real target

Research now confirms that a condition called synovitis is a critical driver of OA pain. As cartilage breaks down, it releases debris into the synovial lining, triggering an immune response that inflames the joint and accelerates further damage. GAE interrupts this cycle directly. Call Champlain Valley Vascular at (518) 562-7557 to schedule, or fill out our form below.

See if you qualify

THE GAE PROCEDURE

What happens, step by step

GAE is performed by an interventional radiologist — a specialist in image-guided, minimally invasive procedures. Here’s what to expect.

A tiny catheter is inserted

Through a small puncture at your wrist or upper thigh — similar to an IV. No surgical incision.

Imaging guides it to the right vessels

The catheter is navigated through the bloodstream to the genicular arteries — the vessels supplying blood to the inflamed joint lining (synovium).

Tiny particles reduce blood flow

Microspheres are released into the artery. This reduces excess blood flow to the synovium, calming the inflammation that causes your pain.

You go home the same day

No general anesthesia. No overnight stay. Most patients are walking comfortably and surprised by how quick the whole thing was.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT

Why inflammation — not just cartilage loss — is the real target

Research now confirms that a condition called synovitis is a critical driver of OA pain. As cartilage breaks down, it releases debris into the synovial lining, triggering an immune response that inflames the joint and accelerates further damage. GAE interrupts this cycle directly.

WHO QUALIFIES

GAE may be right for you if…

The procedure is best suited for patients who still have knee cartilage but are experiencing significant pain. The further OA progresses, the fewer options remain — which is why earlier evaluation matters.

You are between 40 and 80 years old
You have moderate to severe knee pain
Osteoarthritis has been confirmed by X-ray or imaging (without bony deformity)
You have local knee tenderness
You would prefer to avoid or delay total knee replacement
Conservative treatments haven’t given you lasting relief

Don’t wait too long. OA is progressive — once cartilage is gone completely, surgery may be your only option. Patients who still have some cartilage remaining tend to see the best results from GAE, and treating now may help you avoid more invasive intervention later. Call our expert interventional radiologists at at (518) 562-7557 to schedule, or fill out our form below.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

Find out if GAE is right for you

We’ll review your imaging and work directly with your doctor to determine if you’re a candidate. Consultations are available by phone or in person at our Plattsburgh outpatient center.

CALL US DIRECTLY

(518) 562-7557

Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm

OR FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW

Request a consult

We’ll call you within one business day

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Champlain Valley Vascular

Plattsburgh, NY · (518) 562-7557

Minimally Invasive Vascular & Interventional Radiology

References:

  1. Society of Interventional Radiology, 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting. Pain score data from clinical study of GAE outcomes.
  2. Hawker GA, et al. A prospective population-based study of the predictors of undergoing total joint arthroplasty. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54:3212–3220.
  3. Hawker GA, et al. Perceptions of, and willingness to consider, total joint arthroplasty. Arthritis Rheum. 2004;51:635–641.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician to determine if GAE is appropriate for your condition.

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