Do you suffer from chronic knee pain?
Have Medications and Physical Therapy Failed to Provide Lasting Relief?
Genicular Artery Embolization – GAE may be the solution
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Providing Exceptional Medical Care for Major Vascular Disease Processes.
Our specialty is minimally invasive treatment of common medical conditions, including knee pain/osteoarthritis, uterine fibroids, enlarged prostate (BPH), peripheral arterial disease, and varicose veins. Left untreated these conditions can progress and result in debilitating symptoms requiring major invasive surgery. Our approach is to perform early and effective treatments using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques in a compassionate and personalized manner. These treatments are done on an outpatient basis through tiny incisions in the groin or wrist with very short recovery times.
What Our Patients Are Saying:
What is Geniculate Artery Embolization (GAE)?
Geniculate artery embolization offers a minimally invasive solution that can provide lasting pain relief by targeting the precise nerves causing discomfort in osteoarthritis. This outpatient procedure is performed by highly skilled interventional radiologists who use real-time imaging to guide a tiny catheter into the arteries supplying blood flow to the knee.
Once in position, the doctor will inject tiny particles to block blood supply to specific geniculate arteries around the knee joint. This shuts down pain signals transmitted through these nerves to the brain. Patients often report a substantial reduction in pain within 1-2 weeks that can last a year or longer.
Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
Most people are familiar with arthritis, but don’t have a complete understanding of the condition. Arthritis is a way of describing many conditions involving inflammation that causes joint pain.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the cartilage of the joint being worn down over time or trauma. It is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. It cannot be reversed. However, there are some treatments available to help improve joint function or reduce pain.
Over 32 million adults in the US have osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with overuse of the joint, injury to the joint, age, and obesity. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis and genetics can indicate increased risk for osteoarthritis.
Our Doctors
Dr. Arya Bagherpour
Dr. Bagherpour has had a robust career treating patients with minimally invasive therapeutic interventions. He is dual-board certified in Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology.
Dr. Alex Shestopalov
He completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. He then completed his radiology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and his vascular and interventional radiology training at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, TX.
Why Should You Consider GAE Procedure?
The benefits of geniculate artery embolization include:
- RLittle to no recovery time compared to surgery
- RPreserves the knee joint and your mobility
- RCovered by most major insurance plans
- RClinically-proven safe and effective
- RNo general anesthesia required
If you’re tired of living with chronic knee pain/osteoarthritis, don’t rush into surgery. Consider a minimally invasive geniculate artery embolization procedure to get lasting relief.
Get Back to Doing the Things You Love
Many patients find significant pain relief within days or weeks that can last over a year. Embolization avoids major surgery and lengthy recovery times. And unlike a knee replacement, the procedure preserves your knee joint.
Take control over your knee pain today and see if geniculate artery embolization is right for you. Don’t let knee pain interfere with your active lifestyle. We’re here to help you get back to the activities you love.
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation at no obligation, or for additional details regarding treatments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for Geniculate Artery Embolization (GAE)?
GAE is ideal for patients with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis who have not found relief from medications, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments. It’s important to undergo a thorough evaluation by our interventional radiologists to determine if GAE is the right option for you, taking into account your specific medical history and condition.
What are the potential risks and side effects of GAE?
While GAE is considered safe and minimally invasive, there are potential risks and side effects, including bruising at the catheter insertion site, mild pain or discomfort in the knee, and, in rare cases, infection or allergic reactions to the contrast dye used during the procedure. Our team will discuss these risks with you in detail and take all necessary precautions to minimize them.
How long does the GAE procedure take, and what should I expect during it?
The GAE procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours. It is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day. During the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter is inserted. You might feel some pressure but should not experience significant pain. Real-time imaging is used to guide the catheter and ensure precise delivery of the embolic particles to the targeted arteries. After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period before being discharged with specific post-procedure care instructions.
Contact Us
Teleheath & In-Person Appointments Available.
Contact Details
Phone: 346-800-1380
Fax: 346-800-1388
Practice Addresses
1050 Gemini St., Suite #202, Houston, TX 77058
Working Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM