Much of the pain is due to inflammation from abnormal blood vessels in the knee. GAE works by blocking these abnormal blood vessels, causing inflammation to subside and the pain to resolve. The procedure is performed by Interventional Radiologists – doctors specially trained to do minimally invasive vascular procedures. During GAE, an Interventional Radiologist inserts a small catheter into the leg and positions it at the knee. Through the catheter, medication particles are slowly infused to eliminate the abnormal blood vessels in the knee thereby reducing inflammation and its resultant pain. In using these specialized techniques, patients receive such benefits as no hospital stays and significantly faster recovery times as compared to traditional surgery.
