INNOVATIVE KNEE REPLACEMENT ALTERNATIVES:
Knee Replacement Alternative at Arizona Vascular Professionals
Millions of Americans experience osteoarthritis in their knee each year, which is a prevalent condition that affects the joints. If left untreated, this condition can cause significant pain, deformity in the joint, and limitations in mobility and function.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in the knee that worsens over time. While there are several effective short-term solutions for pain relief, long-term management requires medical intervention and targeted treatment to alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and maintain the overall health of the knee.
Arizona Vascular Professionals offers the latest and minimally invasive vascular treatments in the Phoenix and Maricopa County, with a team of experts who have over many years of experience in the field.
Our team of interventional radiologists who are certified by the board have expertise in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis pain using a non-surgical technique known as Geniculate artery embolization (GAE). This minimally invasive procedure can be performed at an early stage, before the condition progresses to the point where major surgery is required.
Keep reading to discover more about osteoarthritis, including indications, symptoms, and effective treatments that offer enduring relief for knee pain caused by arthritis.
What is Genicular Artery Embolization?
GAE is a minimally invasive knee replacement alternative to treat pain symptoms and delay the need for a total knee arthroplasty.
Geniculate artery embolization refers to the process of blocking the blood supply to the synovium, which is the highly vascularized tissue lining the joints.
The synovium is a layer of blood vessels that lines the joint capsule. In cases of knee osteoarthritis, it becomes significantly thicker and inflamed, resulting in increased blood flow (hypervascularity). This causes inflammation and heightened pain.
Why Choose genicular artery embolization?
- Our Interventional Radiologists that perform the procedure are experienced and specialized in GAE procedures. No other specialists can diagnose and treat for Genicular Artery Embolization.
- We are able to get patients in quickly, and in many cases, procedures can be done within two weeks of consultation.
- Pain Relief
- Arizona Vascular Professionals is contracted with Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial plans.
How is Genicular Artery Embolization Performed?
In this minimally invasive procedure, our team of skilled physicians will insert a small catheter into an artery in your leg.
We then conduct an angiogram, a straightforward diagnostic procedure that utilizes x-rays to capture images of the blood vessels in your system.
After that, we introduce minuscule particles into the catheter, which will then travel towards the inflamed sections of your knee joint lining. This injection reduces the blood flow to the inflamed area, resulting in prolonged relief and enhanced joint well-being.
What are benefits of Genicular Artery Embolization?
There are numerous advantages to choosing genicular artery embolization as a knee replacement alternative for individuals with moderate to severe osteoarthritis and associated symptoms.
Several well-conducted studies have demonstrated that the majority of patients achieve substantial and long-lasting relief from joint pain following synovium embolization.
Moreover, several research studies have demonstrated that reducing blood flow has the potential to decrease inflammation, thereby potentially slowing down the advancement of osteoarthritis.
Reducing blood flow to the inflamed lining reduces inflammation and pain, and poses minimal health risks.
One of the biggest advantages of GAE, aside from relieving symptoms, is that it is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. This means that there is no need for a hospital stay or a long recovery period. You can arrive in the morning, have the procedure done, and go home a few hours later. The following day, you can resume your normal light activities.
Other benefits of GAE at Arizona Vascular Professionals include:
- Outpatient procedure, no hospital stay
- Better quality of life
- No knee incision required
- Performed under conscious sedation, no general anesthesia
GAE can be repeated as a non surgical alternative to knee replacement with no increase in the risk of complications, which helps in delaying knee joint replacement surgery in the future. One embolization procedure can provide patients with up to 6 months of long-lasting symptom relief.
Who is a good candidate for GAE?
- Age: 40-80 years
- Moderate to severe knee pain
- Osteoarthritis based on x-ray
- Local knee tenderness
- Pain at rest or pain that wakes you up at night
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications
- Previously had joint injections
About the Procedure:
Our minimally-invasive treatment method for knee pain and osteoarthritis takes about 90 minutes to complete. It is performed by an Interventional Radiologist through a small access point in the groin or wrist.
Tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels that feed the tiny arteries surrounding the knee. This blocks the blood flow to the areas that are inflamed.
By blocking these arteries, there is a reduction in the amount of inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, a process that can help or eliminate the associated knee pain.
Schedule an Appointment With Arizona Vascular Professionals Today
Patients who have undergone GAE have reported experiencing a notable decrease in pain and a noticeable improvement in their ability to carry out daily tasks. This improvement in pain level can last for several months to years, acting as an alternative to knee replacement surgery. Learn more about Osteoarthritis >
Our expert team is here to help you feel better by relieving unrelenting knee pain.
Schedule an appointment at our Phoenix clinics today to learn if genicular artery embolization is the best knee replacement alternative in Phoenix and Maricopa County for you.
Contact Us or call (480) 307-8258 to get in touch with our expert care team today for more information on our genicular artery embolization treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What alternatives to knee replacement for elderly patients does AZ Vascular and Vein Center offer?
AZ Vascular and Vein Center offers several alternatives to knee replacement for elderly patients, including GAE, physical therapy, medications, and joint injections.
How long does the GAE procedure take?
The GAE procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s specific anatomy.
Why choose AZ Vascular and Vein Center for knee replacement alternatives?
AZ Vascular and Vein Center offers personalized care, advanced technology, and a team of experienced specialists dedicated to providing effective knee replacement alternatives like GAE for optimal patient outcomes.
Who is a good candidate for GAE?
Good candidates for GAE are individuals with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis who have not found relief from conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections.
How does GAE compare to other knee replacement alternatives?
GAE is a less invasive option compared to other knee replacement alternatives, offering similar pain relief with shorter recovery times and fewer risks.
What is the recovery time after GAE?
Recovery time after GAE is relatively short. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days, with full recovery expected within a few weeks.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with GAE?
Risks and side effects of GAE are minimal but can include bruising, swelling, and pain at the injection site. Serious complications are rare.