An Alternative to Knee Replacement? Katherine Shares Her Experience with Genicular Artery Embolization for Osteoarthritis

If you’ve been living with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis, you’ve probably wondered if knee replacement surgery is your only option.

For Katherine, that was exactly what she believed.

After years of pain, a knee replacement that never provided relief, and eventually facing another surgery, she came to Champlain Valley Vascular looking for answers. During her consultation with Rebecca Carter, Nurse Practitioner, she learned about Genicular Artery Embolization for osteoarthritis (GAE)—a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that treats inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Today, Katherine is sharing her story in hopes that others know there may be another option.

Q: How long had you been dealing with osteoarthritis and knee pain?
I’ve lived with knee pain for years. I had a total knee replacement over ten years ago, and unfortunately it never really worked. I even had a revision surgery, but I was still dealing with pain. I was actually looking at another knee replacement because I didn’t think there were any other options.

Q: What treatments had you tried before learning about Genicular Artery Embolization for osteoarthritis?
I’d already gone through the biggest treatment there is—a knee replacement—and then a revision. After all of that, I was still hurting. When you’ve already been through major surgery and you’re still living with pain, it’s discouraging.

Q: How was your knee pain affecting your everyday life?
My goal is to get back to walking, get back to the gym, and do the things I used to enjoy. Those were the things osteoarthritis had taken away from me.

Q: What made you decide to come to Champlain Valley Vascular?
I research everything before making a decision, but honestly I didn’t have to spend much time researching because I knew Dr. Pabst’s reputation. When I met with Rebecca and learned about Genicular Artery Embolization, I realized there was another option before going through another major surgery.

Q: What surprised you the most about the Genicular Artery Embolization for osteoarthritis procedure?
How easy it was. I expected something much more difficult, but the procedure was minimally invasive and so much easier than I imagined. The entire team worked together so well, and everyone made me feel comfortable from beginning to end.

Q: How are you feeling now?
I’m still early in my recovery, but I’m excited. I’m going to do my exercises, start walking again, and get back to the gym. I wanted to make sure I was doing everything the right way because I’m looking forward to getting my life back.

Q: If someone with osteoarthritis was considering knee replacement, what would you tell them?
I would tell them this has been a Godsend. Anyone considering a knee replacement owes it to themselves to come here first and see if they’re a candidate for Genicular Artery Embolization for osteoarthritis. I’ve been telling everyone about it because so many people don’t even know this treatment exists. Knee replacement isn’t always the answer for everyone. If there’s another option that could help before another major surgery, you should absolutely learn about it.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization for Osteoarthritis (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed by vascular specialists to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Rather than replacing the knee joint, GAE decreases the abnormal blood flow that fuels inflammation within the arthritic knee, helping reduce pain while preserving the patient’s natural joint.

For many patients who are not ready for knee replacement—or who continue to have pain after knee replacement—GAE may offer another treatment option.

Is GAE Right for You?

If you’ve been told you have knee osteoarthritis, have chronic knee pain that limits your daily activities, or you’ve tried injections, medications, physical therapy, or even knee replacement without adequate relief, you may benefit from an evaluation.

At Champlain Valley Vascular, Rebecca Carter, Nurse Practitioner, and Dr. Theodore Pabst work closely with patients to determine whether Genicular Artery Embolization is an appropriate option based on each individual’s symptoms, goals, and medical history.

You don’t have to assume knee replacement is your only choice. Sometimes, the first step is simply learning all of your options.

Ready to learn more? Contact Champlain Valley Vascular today to schedule a consultation and find out if Genicular Artery Embolization may be the right treatment for your knee pain.