Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis does not always require surgery. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces knee pain by targeting the abnormal blood vessels driving inflammation inside the joint. At Prime Vascular Care, our board-certified vascular surgeon performs GAE for patients who have not found lasting relief from physical therapy, steroid injections, or pain medication. Most patients return to normal activity within days, with no hospital stay and no general anesthesia required.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Persistent Knee Pain
Limited Mobility
Stiffness in Knee Joint
Most patients with chronic knee pain have already tried the standard options. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections can provide temporary relief, but for many they stop working over time. The reason is that standard treatments do not address the underlying vascular process driving the pain.
In osteoarthritic knees, abnormal new blood vessels grow into the synovium, the joint lining, carrying inflammatory signals that standard treatments cannot reach. These vessels are what make knee pain persistent, progressive, and resistant to conventional management. GAE works by targeting and blocking those abnormal vessels directly.
Abnormal blood vessel growth into joint tissue drives persistent inflammation
Steroid injections and physical therapy do not address this vascular process
Nerve changes and joint stiffness develop as inflammation continues to build
GAE works best when patients support their recovery with consistent daily habits. The procedure reduces the vascular inflammation driving your knee pain, but protecting your joint function over the long term requires some adjustments to how you move and load your knee day to day.
Staying active with low-impact movement like walking, cycling, or swimming
Keep your weight in a healthy range to reduce load on the knee joint
Limit activities that repeatedly stress the knee, especially high-impact exercise
Try low-impact activities that help reduce pain that regularly flares up
Genicular artery embolization is a same-day, minimally invasive treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours and is performed under local anesthesia with real-time fluoroscopic imaging to guide precision.
Our vascular surgeon inserts a thin catheter through a small incision, typically in the wrist or groin, and navigates it to the genicular arteries supplying the inflamed synovial tissue. Tiny microspheres are then injected to reduce abnormal blood flow to those specific vessels. The result is a measurable reduction in joint inflammation and, for most patients, a significant improvement in pain and mobility.
To give inflammation in the knee nowhere left to sustain itself
To get patients off the cycle of repeat injections and short-term relief
To treat the inflamed knee joint directly without surgery
Doctors often consider GAE to compare with surgery
We begin every GAE consultation with a thorough evaluation to confirm you are the right candidate for the procedure. Not every patient with knee pain is a good fit for GAE, and an accurate assessment upfront leads to better outcomes.
Good candidates typically have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, persistent pain despite conservative treatment, and no significant structural joint damage requiring immediate surgical intervention. GAE also works well as a bridge procedure for patients who need surgery eventually but want meaningful pain relief in the interim.
Treats the underlying cause, not just the visible vein on the surface
Physical examination of the joint and surrounding tissue
Review of your imaging to guide the discussion of realistic treatment goals
Clear discussion of expected outcomes and realistic treatment gaps
On the day of your procedure, you arrive at our clinic and are positioned comfortably. Local anesthesia is applied at the access site, typically the wrist or groin, and a thin catheter is inserted into the arterial system. Using live fluoroscopic imaging, our surgeon navigates the catheter to the genicular arteries supplying the inflamed knee tissue.
Once in position, tiny microsphere particles are injected to selectively block abnormal blood flow. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours. Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the procedure and go home the same day.
Performed under local anesthesia, no general anesthesia needed
Real-time imaging guides the catheter to the precise target vessels
Microsphere particles block abnormal blood flow to the inflamed synovium
Same-day discharge with no hospital admission required
Recovery from GAE is straightforward for most patients. Some soreness around the access site and mild temporary knee discomfort are normal in the first few days. Most patients return to light daily activity within two to three days and see meaningful pain reduction within two to four weeks as inflammation settles.
We schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your response and confirm the treated vessels have responded as expected. Patients who follow post-procedure guidance consistently tend to achieve the best and most lasting outcomes.
Light activity resumable within two to three days for most patients
Pain reduction typically becomes noticeable within two to four weeks
Follow-up imaging confirms successful reduction in abnormal blood flow
Ongoing support and monitoring included as part of your care plan
Clinical studies show that GAE produces meaningful and sustained pain relief for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Most patients report significant improvement in pain scores and daily function that holds beyond 12 months. For patients who eventually require knee replacement surgery, GAE provides reliable relief during the waiting period without compromising surgical outcomes.
At Prime Vascular Care in Virginia, we track every GAE patient’s outcomes over time and adjust follow-up care when needed to protect your long-term knee health.
Studies show sustained pain relief lasting beyond 12 months in most patients
Does not interfere with future knee replacement if surgery becomes necessary
Improvement in both pain scores and functional mobility documented consistently
Outcome tracking and follow-up built into every GAE care plan
Excellence in Patient Care
Dr. Akinrinlola is a board-certified vascular surgeon trained in minimally invasive endovascular procedures. GAE demands the same catheter-based precision our surgeon applies across all vascular interventions daily. Virginia patients get specialist-level care, not a generalist occasionally performing the procedure.
Advanced Options for Effective Care
We use current imaging technology and microsphere embolization techniques that match clinical standards at leading vascular centers. Our approach adapts to your specific anatomy and the vessels contributing to your knee pain, not a fixed protocol applied to every case.
Patient-Centered Treatment
You will not be rushed through a consultation before your evaluation is complete. We confirm candidacy, explain the procedure clearly, and set realistic expectations upfront. Virginia patients leave their first visit knowing exactly what the procedure involves and what recovery looks like.
I was dealing with varicose veins for years, and the pain had started to affect my daily life. I came across Prime Vascular Care and I’m so glad I did. Dr. Akinrinlola and his team were incredibly thorough in explaining my treatment options. The procedure was quick and nearly painless, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in how my legs feel. I’m finally able to enjoy activities I couldn’t before. Highly recommend Prime Vascular Care to anyone needing vascular treatment in Virginia!
After being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, I was worried about my future health. Dr. Akinrinlola explained everything clearly and gave me confidence that I was in great hands. The team at Prime Vascular Care not only treated my condition effectively but also made me feel supported every step of the way. I’ve since made a full recovery and can’t thank them enough for their expert care.
I had been suffering from peripheral artery disease for some time, and I felt like I had no options left. Prime Vascular Care was recommended to me, and I’m so grateful I made the appointment. The treatment plan was tailored to my specific needs, and Dr. Akinrinlola’s expertise really put me at ease. My circulation has improved dramatically, and I feel so much better. I can walk without pain again, and it’s all thanks to the excellent care I received.
I was referred to Prime Vascular Care for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and I was nervous about the procedure. Dr. Akinrinlola took the time to explain everything in detail, and his confidence really helped calm my fears. The surgery was a success, and I’m now recovering well. I can’t express how much I appreciate the professionalism and kindness of the entire team. They truly care about their patients’ well-being.
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If your knee arthritis pain has lasted several months and medication, therapy, or injections are no longer enough, it’s a sensible time to ask about your options. Exploring genicular artery embolization early gives you a chance to reduce your pain before knee replacement becomes the only path forward.
Clinical studies consistently show that GAE produces meaningful pain relief lasting beyond 12 months for most patients with knee osteoarthritis. Results vary based on disease severity and individual response, but the majority of patients report significant improvement in both pain levels and daily function after the procedure.
Prime Vascular Care is a dedicated vascular surgery practice with two locations in Virginia, Sterling and Woodbridge. Our board-certified vascular surgeon performs GAE using the same catheter-based precision applied across all our endovascular procedures. Patients searching for a genicular artery embolization clinic in Virginia receive specialist-level care without traveling out of state.
Prime Vascular Care performs genicular artery embolization at our Sterling and Woodbridge, VA locations. Both clinics serve patients from across Northern Virginia, including Alexandria, Fairfax, Manassas, Reston, Woodbridge, and the surrounding areas. No referral is required to book a consultation.
Yes. Prime Vascular Care offers GAE at two Northern Virginia locations. Virginia patients no longer need to travel to major academic centers to access this procedure. Our board-certified vascular surgeon performs GAE using the same techniques and imaging standards applied at leading vascular centers nationwide.
At Prime Vascular Care, we prioritize your well-being with compassionate, patient-centered treatment and clinical excellence.
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