Find Relief from Chronic Knee Pain Caused by Osteoarthritis Without Major Surgery
Does chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis make every step, every staircase, and every morning feel like a battle? Genicular artery embolization (GAE) may be the perfect solution. It is a modern, minimally invasive service that can ease chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, restore mobility, and help patients sidestep the long recovery of traditional surgery.
At Sarasota IR, Dr. Justin Lee, a fellowship-trained interventional radiologist, delivers expert, image-guided care tailored to each patient’s needs. Patients across Florida trust Dr. Lee for a thoughtful, patient-focused approach that prioritizes lasting relief through advanced, non-surgical solutions.
What Is Genicular Artery Embolization?
Genicular artery embolization is a safe, minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It reduces abnormal blood flow and inflammation in the knee joint, helping decrease pain and improve function.
GAE offers an effective alternative for patients who have not achieved adequate relief from medications, injections, or physical therapy and wish to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.
GAE may help relieve symptoms such as:
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Chronic knee pain
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Knee stiffness
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Swelling and inflammation
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Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or exercise
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Decreased mobility
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Reduced quality of life due to knee osteoarthritis
Benefits of GAE
Many patients choose GAE because it offers several advantages over traditional surgical treatment:
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Minimally invasive treatment with no large incisions
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Same-day outpatient procedure
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Reduced knee pain and inflammation
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Improved mobility and function
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Short recovery time
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May delay or avoid knee replacement surgery
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Minimal downtime compared to surgery
GAE Candidates
GAE may be appropriate if you:
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Experience chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis
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Have not achieved adequate relief from medications, injections, or physical therapy
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Are not ready for knee replacement surgery
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Want a minimally invasive treatment option
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Desire a faster recovery and less downtime
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Are looking for an alternative to surgery
Your Path to Relief
Genicular artery embolization involves:
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Lee to review your symptoms, medical history, prior treatments, and imaging studies to determine whether GAE is right for you.
Procedure Day
The procedure is performed in our outpatient imaging suite under local anesthesia and moderate sedation. Through a small catheter inserted into the artery, tiny particles are delivered into the genicular arteries that supply inflamed tissue in the knee. This reduces inflammation and helps relieve pain.
Recovery
Patients return home the same day and typically resume normal activities within several days. After the procedure, you may experience:
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Mild soreness or discomfort for several days
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Temporary swelling or bruising near the treatment site
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Gradual improvement in knee pain and function over several weeks
Dr. Lee will provide personalized instructions regarding medications, activity levels, symptom management, and follow-up care to support a smooth recovery.
GAE Risks
GAE has an excellent safety profile, but all medical procedures carry some risk.
Potential risks include:
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Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
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Temporary knee discomfort or swelling
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Infection (rare)
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Non-target embolization causing injury to surrounding tissues (rare)
Your physician will discuss your individual risks and determine whether GAE is appropriate for your specific situation.
Why Choose Dr. Justin Lee for Genicular Artery Embolization in Sarasota, FL?
Dr. Justin Lee is a dual board-certified interventional radiologist with extensive training in general surgery, diagnostic radiology, and vascular and interventional radiology. A graduate of Tufts University and The George Washington University School of Medicine, he completed his surgical training at Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center before becoming the first graduate of Georgetown University Hospital’s combined Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology program.
An RSNA resident research award recipient, principal investigator, and internationally invited speaker, Dr. Lee has pioneered embolization techniques and built one of the country’s busiest practices. He delivers personalized, attentive care with an emphasis on minimally invasive solutions and overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Studies have shown that GAE can significantly reduce knee pain and improve function in many patients with osteoarthritis who have not responded adequately to conservative therapies.
During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted through an artery to the arteries supplying inflamed tissue around the knee. Tiny particles are then injected to reduce abnormal blood flow and inflammation.
Most patients experience little discomfort during the procedure. Mild soreness or swelling afterward is common and usually resolves within a few days.
GAE typically takes one to two hours to complete.
Most patients return to light activities within a day or two and resume normal daily activities shortly thereafter.
Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks. Maximum benefit is often achieved within one to three months after treatment.
GAE is not a cure for osteoarthritis, but it may significantly reduce pain and improve function, helping some patients delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.
Patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who continue to experience pain despite conservative treatments may be good candidates. A consultation and imaging review can help determine eligibility.
Coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. Our team can help verify your benefits and discuss available options.
GAE is minimally invasive and generally associated with fewer risks, less pain, and a much shorter recovery time compared to knee replacement surgery.
The first step is scheduling a consultation. During your visit, we will review your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and imaging studies to determine whether Genicular Artery Embolization is right for you.
Learn More About GAE Today
Don’t let chronic knee pain dictate your daily life any longer. Dr. Justin Lee and his team in Sarasota, FL, are ready to help you explore whether genicular artery embolization is the right step toward lasting relief and renewed mobility. Call (941) 777-4723 today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward moving comfortably again.