If knee pain has slowly taken over your life — morning stiffness, pain while climbing stairs, difficulty sitting cross-legged, restless nights — you’re not alone.
In South Bangalore neighborhoods like Jayanagar, Basavanagudi, JP Nagar, Banashankari, patients often experience long-term knee pain and hear the same answers repeatedly:
“Take painkillers.”
“Try physiotherapy again.”
“Let’s do another injection.”
“You’ll eventually need knee replacement.”
But here’s the truth no one told you yet:
**Chronic knee pain is not always a “bone problem.”
In many patients, it’s a blood-flow problem.**
And restoring blood flow can dramatically reduce pain — without knee replacement, without general anesthesia, and without hospital admission.
This is where Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) comes in.
What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?
GAE is a minimally invasive vascular procedure that targets the tiny arteries around your knee that become inflamed and overloaded due to arthritis, injuries, or chronic strain.
Think of your knee like a city with traffic.
When certain roads get congested, the entire system suffers.
By precisely blocking only the “inflamed pain-causing branches,” GAE reduces abnormal blood flow → reduces inflammation → reduces pain → improves mobility.
In simple words:
GAE switches off the pain pathways inside the knee using a pin-hole treatment.
No stitches.
No cutting bone.
No implants.
No physiotherapy downtime.
Who Should Consider GAE in Bangalore?
You may be a good candidate if you experience:
-
Knee pain that persists for months or years
-
Pain during walking, climbing stairs, or long standing
-
Pain that worsens at night
-
Pain after sitting for long periods
-
Temporary relief from injections but symptoms keep returning
-
Pain despite physiotherapy
-
Unable or unwilling to undergo knee replacement
-
Told “your X-ray doesn’t match your pain level”
If two or more of these match you, GAE is a proven option.
Why Traditional Knee Treatments Often Fail
Many patients in Bangalore go through the same sequence:
-
Painkillers
-
Physiotherapy
-
Steroid/PRP injections
-
Knee arthroscopy
-
Suggested knee replacement
But the problem is this:
These treatments do not target the root cause – abnormal blood flow and vascular inflammation around the knee.
Pain returns because the underlying inflammation keeps feeding the nerves.
GAE directly addresses this vascular source.
How GAE Works — Step-by-Step
1. Evaluation & Knee Imaging
-
X-ray
-
MRI (if needed)
-
Ultrasound of knee arteries
2. Local Anesthesia Only
No general anesthesia. You remain awake.
3. Micro-Catheter Navigation
A hair-thin catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin.
4. Targeting Pain-Causing Arteries
Specific genicular artery branches feeding inflammation are identified.
5. Embolization
Tiny medical particles are used to reduce abnormal blood flow to the painful area.
6. Immediate Recovery
-
Procedure time: 45–90 minutes
-
Hospital stay: Not required in most cases
-
Resume walking the same day
Benefits of GAE Compared to Knee Replacement
GAE vs Knee Replacement
-
No cutting bone
-
No physiotherapy downtime
-
No hospital admission
-
No implant risks
-
Pain reduction often within weeks
-
Suitable for patients who can’t undergo major surgery
GAE vs Arthroscopy
-
Arthroscopy cleans the joint
-
GAE switches off the pain pathway
-
Works even when arthroscopy fails
GAE vs Steroid or PRP Injections
-
Injections are temporary
-
GAE gives longer-lasting relief
-
No repeat cycles needed
GAE vs Painkillers
-
Painkillers mask symptoms
-
GAE treats the underlying source
Is GAE Safe? Risks & Side Effects
GAE is considered very safe because:
-
No surgical cuts
-
No bone work
-
No general anesthesia
-
Minimal bleeding
-
No long recovery period
Temporary side effects:
-
Mild knee warmth
-
Light swelling
-
Temporary soreness
Most resolve within 3–7 days.
Why Choose a Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon for GAE?
GAE is 100% a vascular procedure.
This requires:
-
Arterial anatomy expertise
-
Catheter navigation skills
-
Control over inflamed blood vessels
-
Precision in choosing which arteries to block
A vascular surgeon understands the entire arterial system — this improves accuracy, safety, and outcomes.
Why Choose Dr Sravan for GAE in Bangalore?
-
Vascular & endovascular surgeon specialising in minimally invasive procedures
-
Located in Basavanagudi, easily accessible from Jayanagar, JP Nagar, Banashankari
-
Expert in artery-based pain treatments and limb-salvage techniques
-
Works with advanced imaging and modern endovascular technology
-
Patient-first approach with clear explanation of every option
-
Helps patients avoid unnecessary major surgeries whenever possible
For patients who have “tried everything,” this is often the first treatment that works.
Red-Flag Symptoms: When You Should Not Delay Evaluation
If you have:
-
Knee pain that affects your sleep
-
Pain limiting daily activity
-
Failed multiple treatments
-
Pain after walking short distances
-
Knee pain for more than 6 months
-
Pain without severe X-ray damage (very common)
You should get a vascular evaluation immediately.
FAQs
What is Genicular Artery Embolization?
A minimally invasive procedure that reduces knee pain by blocking abnormal blood flow in specific knee arteries that feed inflammation.
Is GAE painful?
Most patients feel only mild discomfort. It’s done under local anesthesia.
How long does recovery take?
Most people resume normal routine the same day, with pain improvement seen in 2–6 weeks.
Does GAE replace knee replacement surgery?
In many patients, yes. Especially those with moderate arthritis or those unfit/unwilling for major surgery.
Is GAE safe?
Yes. Complication rates are extremely low because the procedure is done through a pin-hole using imaging guidance.
How long do results last?
Relief can last years. Many patients avoid knee replacement altogether.
Is GAE available in Bangalore?
Yes — offered by Dr Sravan C.P.S, Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon in Basavanagudi.
Consult for Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) in Bangalore
If knee pain is affecting your daily life and traditional treatments haven’t worked, GAE may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Clinic Location: Basavanagudi, Bangalore
Specialist: Dr. Sravan C.P.S (Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon)
Purpose: Knee pain relief without major surgery
Book your evaluation today.
