Genicular artery embolization
With compassionate and expert care, Dr. Manish Taneja at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic helps with the pain and limitations caused by chronic knee pain. With our patient-centered approach, advanced interventional techniques, and state-of-the-art imaging technology, he will work closely with you to relieve your knee pain to improve function and independence.
Introduction to Genicular Artery Embolization
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is latest endovascular procedure introduced as an adjunctive technique for management of pain associated with osteoarthritis especially affecting the knee joint. It is a novel minimally-invasive procedure providing immediate and long term pain relief for patients with osteoarthritis (OA), by reducing the blood flow to the lining of the knee, known as the synovium.
It can be combined with other techniques such as intra-articular injections of steroids, N-stride injection or knee nerve blocks / ablation (genicular nerve block / ablation).
Genicular artery embolization was initially introduced to prevent recurrent bleeding into knee joint occasionally seen as a complication of knee replacement surgery. It was realized that the procedure also provided significant pain relief by blocking blood supply to the lining of the knee joint.
Technique
Genicular artery embolization is a day surgery procedure done under light intravenous sedation. It takes about 45 minutes to complete the procedure. Both knees can be treated at same time. Small 2 mm tubes called catheters are navigated from the groin artery into blood vessels supplying the knee joint. These are then blocked by specific embolic agents. Patients are able to go resume their normal activities within a couple of days.
Current Status of Genicular Artery Embolization
It is one of the latest techniques introduced for treatment of osteoarthritis of knee joint. It was initially introduced in Japan and then USA. At present the role of this technique and long- term effectiveness is being evaluated further. It is certainly complementary to other known treatment modalities for treating these patient with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic also offers other relevant miscellaneous vascular interventional procedures. as a growing subspecialty in which both vascular and and interventional conditions are diagnosed and treated. This includes TIPS Procedure.
TIPS is a short form for a procedure that helps correct blood flow problems in the liver. Its full name is Trans-jugular Intrahepatic Porto systemic Shunting. TIPS procedure is designed to manage the symptoms associated with serious liver disease.
Other Health Conditions
Being one of the few dual trained and certified neurointerventional and peripheral vascular interventionists in practice in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja has a special interest in treating brain aneurysms, stroke, and vascular malformations using latest advanced techniques.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our vascular specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.