Find Relief from Knee Arthritis Without Surgery

Discover a proven, minimally invasive alternative to knee replacement.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) offers lasting pain relief for knee arthritis—without major surgery, hospitalization, or long recovery times.

  • Provides significant pain relief from knee arthritis for years¹
  • Approved by the FDA
  • Improves mobility and daily function
  • Covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare and IEHP

Call 1-800-KNEE-CARE (1-800-563-3227) today!

Book a Knee Pain Consultation

How GAE Relieves Knee Pain

Osteoarthritis can cause abnormal blood vessels to form around the knee, leading to inflammation and ongoing pain. GAE targets these vessels to reduce blood flow, ease inflammation, and relieve discomfort—all without surgery.

GAE Fast Facts:

  • Minimally invasive—no large incisions or hospital stay
  • Performed under local anesthesia for your comfort
  • Pain relief can last 2 years or longer


GAE has shown promising results, even for patients who haven’t found relief with medications, injections, or physical therapy.

Start Your Journey

Your GAE Treatment Experience

GAE is a fast, minimally invasive procedure performed at our state-of-the-art outpatient center. There’s no need for general anesthesia or a hospital stay—the entire treatment is done through a tiny puncture near the groin under local anesthesia. Most procedures take about 30 minutes, and patients are able to return home and resume light daily activities the same day.

During the treatment, we:

1

Insert a small catheter through a tiny puncture near the groin

2

Guide the catheter to the blood vessels causing inflammation

3

Place tiny medical-grade beads to block abnormal blood flow and reduce inflammation

What You Can Expect After GAE

After treatment, most patients experience:

  • Reduced knee pain during everyday activities
  • Improved mobility and flexibility
  • Reduced need for future surgery or invasive treatments
  • Greater ease in walking, climbing stairs, and staying active
  • Little to no downtime, with a fast return to normal routines
Book Your Free Knee Pain Consultation

Is GAE Right For You?

GAE may be an ideal solution if you:

  • Have moderate to severe knee arthritis
  • Are not ready for—or want to avoid—knee replacement surgery
  • Are looking for a minimally invasive solution with a faster recovery
  • Still experience pain despite previous treatments including pain injections and pain medication
Book Your Free Knee Pain Consultation

Category

GAE

Injections

Knee Surgery

Minimally Invasive

Yes

Yes

No

Provides Long-Term Pain Relief

Yes

No

Yes

Preserves Knee Cartilage

Yes

No

No

Recovery Time

Days

Days

Months

Requires Hospital Stay

No

No

Yes

Risk of Major Complications

Low

Low

Higher

Suitable for Patients Avoiding Surgery

Yes

Yes

No

Why Choose
Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists?

When it comes to your health, experience matters. Empire’s board-certified physicians are recognized leaders in non-surgical, minimally invasive vascular care, trusted by major hospitals and thousands of patients across Southern California.

Experts in Vascular Care

Our board-certified surgeons are among the first in the region to offer GAE, bringing you advanced, minimally invasive options backed by research.

FDA-Approved Treatments

We stay at the forefront of medical innovation, using the latest techniques with a focus on long-term results and safety.

Personalized Treatment Plans

We design every treatment plan around your lifestyle, goals, and individual condition—because no two patients are the same.

Patient-Centered Care

From your first consultation through recovery, our team is here with clear guidance, personal support, and compassionate care.

What Our Patients Say:

“Very pleasant staff. They are always on time with the appointments. Dr. Sivia is excellent.”

Google Review

“I have had a great experience with empire vein specialist. My legs do not hurt or feel heavy any more. I recommend them 100 percent. “

Google Review

“Excellent follow-up visit. I received outstanding information to continue my forward progress. The team at Empire Vein Specialist is exceptional from the front to the back.”

Google Review

“I’ve seen Dr. Sivia for more than 2 years, and I always appreciate that we walk away with a plan on addressing my medical needs.”

Google Review

Over 1,000+ 5 star Reviews on Google!

Insurance Coverage

Most major insurance plans cover GAE, including Medicare, IEHP, and more. Our team will verify your benefits and handle the paperwork for you—so you can focus on healing, not logistics.

Common Questions About GAE

GAE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that blocks abnormal blood vessels around the knee to reduce inflammation and relieve chronic pain, particularly from osteoarthritis.

Using a tiny puncture, a catheter is guided into the arteries supplying the knee. Tiny beads are then placed to block abnormal blood flow, helping to ease swelling and reduce pain.

GAE is performed under local anesthesia and mild sedation. Through a small puncture near the groin, a catheter is inserted and guided to the inflamed arteries. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes, and most patients go home the same day.

The procedure usually takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on individual anatomy.

Yes. GAE is considered very safe, with a low risk of complications. Some patients may experience mild bruising, swelling, or temporary discomfort at the puncture site.

Risks are rare but may include:

  • Allergic reaction to contrast dye
  • Mild pain
  • Bruising
  • Swelling

Most patients return to light daily activities within a day or two. Full recovery and maximum symptom relief usually continue to improve over several weeks.

No. GAE is performed entirely on an outpatient basis. You’ll be discharged home the same day after a brief recovery period.

Many patients notice some improvement within the first few days to weeks. Full benefits typically develop over 2–6 weeks as inflammation decreases.

Studies show that up to 86% of patients experience significant and lasting pain relief following GAE, with effects often lasting two years or longer.

No. GAE is designed to reduce knee pain and inflammation, which often improves mobility and daily activity levels.

GAE is most effective for treating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It may not be suitable for pain resulting from acute injuries or non-arthritic conditions.

Compared to injections, GAE offers longer-lasting pain relief without damaging knee cartilage. Unlike surgery, GAE is minimally invasive, outpatient, and requires little downtime.

You’ll have follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and symptom improvement. Most patients require little more than routine check-ins.

Most major insurance plans, including Medicare and IEHP, cover GAE. Our team will help verify your benefits and assist with any necessary paperwork.

You may be asked to fast for a few hours before your procedure. Be sure to discuss your medications with your doctor and arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

GAE provides lasting pain relief for many patients, with some reporting benefits that last two years or more. It can also help delay or avoid the need for knee replacement surgery.

You can call 1-800-KNEE-CARE (1-800-563-3227) or book your free screening online to find out if GAE is right for you.

Visit One of Our Convenient Offices

Rancho Mirage

71780 San Jacinto Dr., Building I (At River’s Edge)
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
 760-568-3461

La Quinta

79440 Corporate Center Dr., Suite 119
La Quinta, California 92253
 442-324-0561

Palm Springs

1100 North Palm Canyon Dr., Suite 107
Palm Springs, California 92262
 760-423-6263

Victorville

15095 Amargosa Rd, Suite 101
Victorville, California 92394
 760-596-3363

Ontario

3333 Concours St., Building 6, Suite 100
Ontario, California 91764
 909-481-3242

Riverside

6848 Magnolia Ave., Suite 125
Riverside, California 92506
 951.289.9512

Start Living Without Knee Pain

Your first step to lasting relief starts with a simple, free consultation.

Call 1-800-KNEE-CARE (1-800-563-3227) or book your consultation today.


Book Your Free Knee Pain Consultation
Clinical References (footnotes)

¹ Source: Okuno et al., Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2021. GAE provided significant pain relief for 86% of patients at 6 months.

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