What to Expect Before, During, and After the GAE Procedure

Choosing a medical procedure can feel like a big step, especially when you’ve been living with chronic knee pain for a long time. The good news is that Genicular Artery Embolization, or GAE, is designed to be a straightforward, minimally invasive option for people with osteoarthritis-related knee pain. Knowing how the day will unfold and what recovery usually looks like can take a lot of stress out of the process. Here’s a clear walk-through of what to expect before, during, and after the GAE procedure.

Before your GAE procedure

Your journey starts with a consultation with an interventional radiologist. This visit is where you and your doctor decide if GAE makes sense for your knee and your goals. Expect a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and imaging such as X-rays or an MRI to confirm that inflammation from osteoarthritis is the main driver of your pain. This step matters because GAE is meant for chronic inflammatory pain, not every type of knee problem.

If you are a good candidate, you’ll get simple pre-procedure instructions. These often include fasting for a set period of time, adjusting certain medications, and arranging for someone to drive you home afterward. Your care team will explain exactly what to do and what to avoid so you feel prepared.

What happens on the day of GAE

When you arrive, you’ll check in and be brought to a procedure room. You’ll change into a gown, and the team will place basic monitors to track your heart rate and blood pressure. A local numbing medicine is applied to a small area, usually at your wrist or groin, where the doctor will access an artery. You stay awake during the procedure, but most patients feel relaxed and comfortable.

The GAE procedure step by step

Once the area is numb, the doctor makes a tiny puncture to insert a very thin catheter into an artery. Using live imaging, they guide the catheter to the small arteries surrounding your knee. A contrast dye helps map your genicular arteries and shows which branches are overactive and feeding inflammation.

After the target vessels are identified, the doctor releases tiny, biocompatible particles through the catheter. These particles block the abnormal micro-vessels that are fueling the inflamed joint lining. Healthy circulation to the rest of the knee is preserved. The catheter is then removed, and a small bandage is placed at the puncture site. Most procedures take about one to two hours from start to finish.

Right after the procedure

You’ll move to a recovery area for a short observation period. It’s normal to feel mild soreness at the puncture site and some aching or warmth in the knee as inflammation begins to settle. Most people are able to get up and walk carefully within a short time. Since this is an outpatient treatment, you’ll usually go home the same day once the team is sure you’re stable and comfortable.

The first 24 hours at home

The first day is about rest and letting your body reset. Plan for a relaxed evening. You may be asked to keep the leg elevated at times and avoid strenuous activity. Ice can help if your knee feels sore or puffy. Most patients manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain medicine, following their doctor’s instructions.

The first week and beyond

Recovery after GAE is usually quicker than people expect. Many return to light daily routines within a day or two and feel ready for most normal activities within a week. Walking is encouraged, starting gently and increasing as your knee allows. Low-impact movement helps prevent stiffness and supports healing.

Pain relief often builds over several weeks. Some people notice improvement quickly, while others feel a gradual shift as inflammation calms down. Your doctor may recommend a simple recovery plan or a few physical therapy sessions to help rebuild strength and confidence in the knee.

Your care team is part of the process

GAE is a partnership. Your interventional radiologist and clinical team aren’t just there for the procedure itself. They help guide screening, answer questions, and support your recovery. If something feels off during healing or you’re unsure about activity levels, reach out. That communication is part of a smooth outcome.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Understanding the full GAE procedure helps you feel more in control. From the pre-visit screening to the short outpatient treatment and quick recovery window, the process is designed to be clear, safe, and patient-friendly. If chronic osteoarthritis knee pain is limiting your life, knowing what to expect can make it easier to take the next step toward relief.

References

1. Padia SA, et al. “Genicular Artery Embolization for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Interim Analysis of a Prospective Pilot Trial.” Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 2023. Link
2. Bagla S, et al. “Multicenter Randomized Sham Controlled Study of Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain Secondary to Osteoarthritis.” Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 2022. Link
3. Ashraf N, et al. “Safety and Efficacy of Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Joint Osteoarthritis Associated Pain: A Systematic Review.” Vascular, 2025. Link