What is Knee Embolization?
Knee embolization, also known as genicular artery embolization (GAE), is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment offered by Dr. Derek Mittleider at Vascular and Embolization Specialists in Space Coast Florida, targeting osteoarthritis-related knee pain. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, a leading cause of disability, affects adults over age 50 and is traditionally attributed to joint wear and tear. However, recent insights reveal a significant inflammatory component in OA, which leads to increased blood flow to the knee tissues, exacerbating pain and promoting further joint degeneration. GAE addresses this issue by targeting the inflammation, reducing pain, and slowing joint deterioration. During your initial visit to our Cocoa, FL practice, Dr. Mittleider will assess your knees and develop a personalized treatment plan to target your osteoarthritis-related knee pain.
How Does Knee Embolization Work?
Genicular artery embolization is a reliable and efficient supplementary therapy for managing knee pain due to osteoarthritis. This procedure involves the insertion of a slender tube into the leg artery, which is then precisely navigated to the knee's blood vessels using x-ray guidance. Here, tiny particles are administered to curb the blood flow to the inflamed tissues, effectively alleviating pain and enhancing knee functionality. Dr. Mittleider performs GAE as an outpatient service in Cocoa, FL. GAE is known for its minimal discomfort, enabling most patients to resume their regular activities within days.
What are the benefits of knee embolization?
Genicular artery embolization is a highly effective method for alleviating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Here are some of the key benefits of GAE:
- Rapid and lasting pain relief
- Significant improvement in knee function
- No adverse effects on knee cartilage, bone marrow, ligaments, or menisci
- Minimally invasive treatment option
- Short recovery time
Vascular and Embolization Specialists Reviews
I couldn't be happier with the Doctor and the staff, everybody was very professional and caring I will definitely recommend Dr.Derek Mittleider, outstanding !
Friendliest staff and doctor!! Smooth from beginning to end. Clean facility. Recovery is going well. I have to go back for another procedure in December. This would not have been possible if they didn’t help me with my insurance.
Miracle worker! - I cannot express my gratitude enough for Dr. Mittleider! After being told by three different surgeons that amputation was the only option, being referred to a fourth whom refused to even see the patient because his case was 'too extensive', we were feeling completely hopeless. Dr. Mittleider took the time to listen and thoroughly assess the condition. He performed a miraculous procedure that not only saved the limb but also restored quality of life. His expertise, compassion, and dedication are unmatched. We are beyond thankful for his incredible work and highly recommend him to anyone in need of vascular care!
Dr. Mittleider and his staff are far better than 5 stars!!!! Thank you for taking such good care of me.
All the staff were so friendly and accommodating. It made this surgical experience completely uneventful. Thank you. Would recommend to anyone.
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Am I a Candidate for Knee Embolization?
Knee embolization is suited for individuals with chronic knee pain, particularly from inflammation due to osteoarthritis, who haven’t found relief with treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections. Ideal candidates include those preferring a minimally invasive option over surgery, individuals with health risks that make surgery challenging, and those wanting to delay joint replacement. This procedure targets inflamed blood vessels contributing to knee pain, making it an option for people seeking effective, non-surgical pain relief to improve mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact can GAE have on knee pain?
A review published in the Orthopeadic Journal of Sports Medicine in 2021 reported that knee pain improved for most patients within one week of the procedure (a 54% decline) and continued to improve over the course of 2 years. At 24 months, there was an average 80% reduction in pain.
What impact can GAE have on knee function?
Functional status using the standard Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score has been reported to improve 73% at 6 months, 79% at 12 months, and 85% at 24 months, showing a durable positive effect of GAE.
Are the effects of GAE real or could they be due to the placebo effect?
A study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology in 2022 compared GAE to a sham procedure (a fake procedure where the patient does not know if he had an embolization or not). At one month, GAE patients had a 62% reduction in knee pain and a 46% improvement in knee function. Patients who underwent the sham procedure had no improvement in pain or function.
Does GAE cause damage to normal knee structures?
Published data on patients who had follow up MRIs 24 months after GAE showed no harm to cartilage, bone marrow, ligaments, or menisci.
Are patients happy with GAE:
Yes. Patients who undergo GAE report high levels of satisfaction with the procedure. Several published studies have shown that GAE can have a positive effect in as little as 1 week with improvements in pain and mobility that can last at least 2 years. Patients report significant reductions in the amount of pain medication of all types and joint injections for knee pain (65-100% reductions)
Which patients may benefit from knee embolization (GAE)?
- Chronic knee pain sufferers
- Individuals with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who have not found relief from medications, physical therapy, or joint injections
- Individuals with severe osteoarthritis who are not candidates for knee replacement or wish to delay or avoid knee surgery
- Not ideal candidates for surgery
- Patients who are not good candidates for surgical intervention due to medical comorbidities, advanced age, or personal preference to avoid surgery
- Individuals looking for a minimally invasive alternative treatment that does not require anesthesia, a hospital stay, or prolonged recovery
Get Relief From Knee Pain
Are you struggling with knee pain due to osteoarthritis and looking for a minimally invasive solution? Don't let knee pain hold you back any longer! Genicular artery embolization, performed by the skilled hands of Dr. Derek Mittleider at Vascular and Embolization Specialists in Cocoa, FL, can transform your quality of life. Join the many patients who have experienced the life-changing effects of this advanced treatment. Call Vascular and Embolization Specialists to begin your journey to better knee health.
