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Care that covers communities in Kansas & Missouri.
The Clarity Care Imaging & Specialty Care office is conveniently located at 9040 Quivira Road, Lenexa, Kansas, 66215. Our center is just north of Oak Park Mall with easy access from much of the Kansas City area including Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Merriam, Mission, Leawood and Prairie Village.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
A New Approach for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
Genicular Artery Embolization: Step by Step
01:
During genicular artery embolization (GAE), an interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into an artery of the affected leg and guides it to the genicular arteries, the small blood vessels that supply the specific inflamed portion of the knee joint.
02:
Using imaging guidance, the specific genicular arteries responsible for pain are identified and blocked by injecting small particles also known as embolic agents. By blocking the blood flow to genicular arteries, GAE aims to reduce inflammation and pain in the knee joint. It is believed that the genicular arteries play a role in the transmission of pain signals from the knee joint to the brain. Interrupting blood supply to the inflamed area in the knee means pain relief.
When is knee pain considered chronic?
When knee pain is – dull, aching, throbbing, or sharp – is persistent and lasts for longer than three months, it is considered chronic. Additional symptoms of chronic knee pain include:
Swelling
Instability
Difficulty walking or bearing weight
Clicking or popping sensations
Muscle weakness
What you can expect after GAE
You can expect to resume your normal activities within a few days following genicular artery embolization (GAE). Significant pain relief and improved mobility in your knee will usually occur within two weeks post procedure. You will also have follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure that the procedure was successful.
01:
During genicular artery embolization (GAE), an interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into an artery of the affected leg and guides it to the genicular arteries, the small blood vessels that supply the specific inflamed portion of the knee joint.
02:
Using imaging guidance, the specific genicular arteries responsible for pain are identified and blocked by injecting small particles also known as embolic agents. By blocking the blood flow to genicular arteries, GAE aims to reduce inflammation and pain in the knee joint. It is believed that the genicular arteries play a role in the transmission of pain signals from the knee joint to the brain. Interrupting blood supply to the inflamed area in the knee means pain relief.
03:
The entire procedure is a short procedure under controlled anesthesia , and allows patients to return home the same day.
03:
The entire procedure is a short procedure under controlled anesthesia , and allows patients to return home the same day.
At Clarity Care, our team of highly skilled physicians offer GAE to preserve joint integrity and provide long term pain relief with shorter recovery times.
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a research proven method to preserve joint integrity and provide long term pain relief in focal areas of inflammation in the knee joint.
GAE blocks or reduces blood flow to the genicular arteries, small blood vessels that supply the affected area of inflammation in the knee joint. This minimally invasive approach can relieve chronic knee pain without the drawbacks of traditional surgical options, such as knee replacements.