Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of disability among adults over 50. In India, more than 15 crore people suffer from joint disorders, with knee osteoarthritis being the most prevalent. As age advances, joint cartilage gradually wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and a significant decline in mobility.
While early-stage OA can be managed through exercise, medication, and weight control, many patients progress to a stage where walking, standing, or even sleeping becomes painful. For such patients, joint replacement surgery is traditionally recommended.
But what if you are not fit for surgery, unwilling to take surgical risks, or simply looking for a minimally invasive, faster, and safer option?
Enter Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) — a breakthrough interventional radiology procedure now available at CVIC Indore, offering non-surgical, image-guided relief from chronic knee pain.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
GAE is a minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment designed to reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It works by targeting the genicular arteries — small vessels that supply blood to the inflamed synovial lining of the knee.
By selectively blocking these inflamed vessels with microscopic particles, GAE reduces abnormal blood flow, inflammation, and pain — all without surgery, incisions, or joint replacement.
How Does Knee Osteoarthritis Cause Pain?
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that cushions the bones wears away, causing friction, swelling, and inflammation. The body tries to compensate by increasing blood flow to the area, which leads to further:
- Synovial inflammation
- Joint swelling
- Formation of abnormal blood vessels (angiogenesis)
- Pain receptor activation
GAE interrupts this cycle by cutting off the excess blood supply, effectively reducing inflammation and pain perception.
Who Is a Candidate for GAE?
GAE is ideal for patients who:
- Have moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis
- Experience persistent knee pain despite medications and physiotherapy
- Are not suitable for joint replacement surgery (due to age, comorbidities, etc.)
- Want to delay or avoid surgery
- Cannot tolerate steroid injections or NSAIDs
- Want faster recovery and minimal downtime
Signs You May Benefit from GAE
- Chronic knee pain that limits daily activities
- Pain while climbing stairs, walking, or sleeping
- Difficulty standing or walking for more than 10–15 minutes
- You’ve been advised total knee replacement but want an alternative
- Past surgery failed or you’re afraid of surgery risks
Step-by-Step: How GAE Works at CVIC Indore
1. Initial Evaluation
A thorough consultation is done at CVIC to assess your symptoms, medical history, and imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT scan) to confirm osteoarthritis severity.
2. Pre-Procedural Work-Up
- Blood tests and kidney function test
- Medical fitness evaluation
- Procedure explained in detail
- No general anesthesia needed
3. Procedure Day
- Performed under local anesthesia
- A catheter is inserted via the wrist or groin into the femoral artery
- Using real-time fluoroscopic imaging, the catheter is guided into the genicular arteries of the affected knee
- Tiny embolic particles are released to block abnormal blood vessels
- Procedure takes about 1 to 1.5 hours
4. Post-Procedure Recovery
- Patient monitored for a few hours in recovery
- No surgical incision or stitches
- Discharged same day or next morning
- Light activities can be resumed within 24–48 hours
Benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization Over Surgery
| Feature | Knee Replacement Surgery | GAE (Embolization) |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Major surgery | Minimally invasive |
| Hospital Stay | 3–5 days | Day-care |
| Recovery Time | 6–12 weeks | 2–5 days |
| Blood Loss | Significant | Minimal |
| Risk of Infection | Moderate | Very Low |
| Anesthesia | General | Local only |
| Scarring | Yes | No |
| Cost | Higher | Affordable |
| Repeatable | No | Yes, if needed |
What Makes GAE a Game-Changer?
✅ Non-Surgical:
No open incision, no general anesthesia, no sutures, and no long hospital stay.
✅ Painless Recovery:
No physiotherapy required. Patients resume basic activities in 2–3 days.
✅ Preserves the Joint:
Unlike knee replacement, GAE does not remove any bone or cartilage.
✅ Can Be Repeated:
If needed, the procedure can be repeated safely.
✅ Ideal for Elderly or High-Risk Patients:
Perfect for those who cannot undergo major surgery due to diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions.
Clinical Evidence – Is GAE Effective?
Numerous studies from Europe, the U.S., and Japan have shown that:
- Up to 80–90% of patients report significant pain reduction
- Improved joint mobility and quality of life
- Pain relief sustained for up to 2–3 years or more
- Very low complication rate (<1%)
- Does not interfere with future surgical options
Why CVIC Indore is the Right Choice for GAE
CVIC (Central Vascular & Interventional Clinic) is a center of excellence in minimally invasive vascular and image-guided procedures, offering Genicular Artery Embolization in Indore with a holistic, patient-first approach.
CVIC Highlights:
✅ Advanced Cath Lab & Imaging Suite
✅ Performed by experienced Interventional Radiologists
✅ Personalized care plan for each patient
✅ Shorter waiting times and quick discharge
✅ Affordable pricing and insurance assistance
✅ Follow-up with orthopedic or physiotherapy partners if needed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will I feel pain during the procedure?
🅰️ No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is virtually painless.
Q2: When can I walk again?
🅰️ Most patients start walking within 12–24 hours and resume light activity in 2–3 days.
Q3: Can GAE treat both knees?
🅰️ Yes, GAE can be done for both knees — either in the same session or a few weeks apart.
Q4: Are the results permanent?
🅰️ Many patients report relief for 2–3 years or longer. Repeat procedures are possible if symptoms return.
Q5: Does it cure osteoarthritis?
🅰️ GAE does not reverse joint damage but relieves inflammation and pain, improving mobility and quality of life.
Q6: Is GAE safe for seniors?
🅰️ Yes. GAE is ideal for older adults who cannot tolerate surgery or anesthesia.
Q7: Will I still need a knee replacement later?
🅰️ Possibly — but GAE can delay or even eliminate the need for surgery in many patients.
Q8: Is it covered by insurance?
🅰️ Yes. GAE is covered under several insurance policies. CVIC’s admin team helps with documentation and approvals.
Ready to Walk Without Pain Again?
If chronic knee pain is affecting your quality of life — and you’ve been avoiding surgery — Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may be the right choice.
📍 Clinic Address:
CVIC – Central Vascular & Interventional Clinic
Vijay Nagar, Near Bombay Hospital, Indore, MP – 452010
📞 Call or WhatsApp Now: +91-8103727728
📧 Email: info@cvicindore.com
🌐 Website: www.cvicindore.com
Book a personalized consultation today and explore how CVIC Indore can help you walk pain-free again — without surgery.
Final Words
In the past, surgery was the only path forward for knee osteoarthritis. But today, with advances in interventional radiology, treatments like GAE are changing lives — offering effective, low-risk relief.
At CVIC Indore, we are proud to bring this global innovation to Central India, giving patients new hope, mobility, and independence.
Take the first step toward a pain-free life.
Say goodbye to knee pain. Say yes to GAE.
