Genicular Artery Embolization
in Cocoa, FL
Breakthrough Treatment for Osteoarthritis Knee Painin Cocoa, FL
If you’re living with daily knee pain, stiffness, or limited mobility due to osteoarthritis, there’s a powerful nonsurgical option available. At Vascular and Embolization Specialists in Cocoa, FL, Dr. Derek Mittleider performs knee embolization, also known as genicular artery embolization (GAE)—a minimally invasive procedure that reduces inflammation and improves joint function, all without surgery or extended downtime.
A Proven Alternative to Knee Surgery
Knee replacement and invasive procedures often involve long recovery periods, physical therapy, and risks to surrounding tissue. GAE is a leading-edge, image-guided technique that targets only the arteries responsible for inflammation—leaving healthy structures untouched.
- Outpatient procedure takes about 1–2 hours
- No cutting or damage to cartilage, bone, or ligaments
- Over 80% of patients report significant pain relief
- No general anesthesia or overnight hospital stay required
What You Should Know About Knee Embolization
How the Procedure Works
Dr. Mittleider inserts a slender catheter into the leg artery and uses X-ray guidance to navigate to the vessels feeding the inflamed knee tissues. Tiny particles are delivered to reduce blood flow and inflammation—resulting in pain relief and improved mobility within days to weeks.
Common Osteoarthritis Symptoms GAE Can Improve
- Chronic knee pain during movement or rest
- Swelling or stiffness in the joint
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Limited range of motion
- Dependence on pain medications or injections
Who Is a Candidate for GAE
You may be a good fit for knee embolization if you:
- Have chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis
- Have not found relief with medications, injections, or physical therapy
- Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
- Prefer a faster recovery with fewer risks and side effects
When to Consider Treatment
Untreated osteoarthritis can worsen over time, causing joint degeneration and lifestyle limitations. GAE helps slow progression and relieve symptoms—providing a bridge to better mobility and quality of life.
Take Our Quiz to See If You Qualify for GAE
Answer a few simple questions to find out whether genicular artery embolization might be a good fit for your symptoms and lifestyle.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Long-Term Relief for Knee Pain
GAE offers a targeted, nonsurgical solution for osteoarthritis-related knee pain—addressing inflammation at the source while preserving joint integrity. Most patients return to normal routines in days and see lasting results without the risks of surgery
| Feature | Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) |
Knee Replacement Surgery | Medications & Injections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimally Invasive | Yes |
No | Yes |
| Requires Hospital Stay | No |
Yes | No |
| Recovery Time | 1–3 days |
4–12 weeks | None |
| Preserves Joint Structures | Yes |
No | Yes |
| General Anesthesia Required | No |
Yes | No |
| Long-Term Symptom Relief | Yes |
Yes | Variable |
Why Patients Choose Vascular and Embolization Specialists
Specializing in
Image-Guided Treatment
We use advanced imaging and embolization techniques to precisely target inflamed tissues—minimizing risk and maximizing relief.
Faster Recovery
and Less Downtime
Most patients return to normal activity within just a few days.
Trusted by Patients
on the Space Coast
Dr. Mittleider is known for his patient-centered approach, taking time to understand your goals and tailor treatment to your needs.
Knee embolization offers relief from debilitating knee pain without the need for joint replacement. If you’re ready to get back to walking, moving, and living without constant discomfort, we’re here to help you explore your options.
Experience Relief Without Knee Surgery
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?
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.
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