At Sinai, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) eases the pain of knee osteoarthritis through a tiny catheter — no incisions, no general anesthesia, and no joint replacement. An outpatient option for people who aren't ready for knee surgery, or want to avoid it.
GAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for the pain of knee osteoarthritis. Here's what sets it apart from a knee replacement.
No incision and no joint replacement. GAE works from inside the blood vessels through a catheter the width of a pen tip.
GAE calms the abnormal blood flow feeding the inflammation — so you keep your natural joint instead of replacing it.
Performed under local anesthesia and light sedation. No general anesthesia, no hospital stay, no long rehab.
A genuine option after physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, or injections have stopped giving you relief.
Most people walk out the same day and return to normal activity within days, with pain relief building over the following weeks.
GAE is covered by Medicare. Commercial coverage varies, so we verify your specific plan and discuss your options before anything is scheduled.
Many people assume a knee replacement is the only answer — and put up with the pain for years. Answer 6 quick questions to see where your knee stands and whether a non-surgical option may fit. Your answers stay on your device. Nothing is sent or saved.
This educational self-check is not a diagnosis. Only a clinical consultation and imaging can determine the cause of your knee pain and the right treatment.
We review your knee and your history, and use imaging to confirm osteoarthritis and that you're a strong candidate for GAE.
Through a tiny catheter placed in the leg, microscopic beads reduce the abnormal blood flow that feeds the inflammation in your knee — calming the pain at its source.
You go home the same day. Most people return to normal activity within days, and pain relief continues to build over the following weeks.
You shouldn't have to choose between living in pain and replacing your knee.
Speak with the Sinai team about your knee pain and whether GAE is right for you. Prefer we reach out? Leave your details and we'll call you back.
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☎ Call (212) 844-9990No. There's no incision and no joint replacement. An interventional radiologist guides a thin catheter through a small puncture in the leg using live imaging. It's done while you're awake but relaxed, and you go home the same day.
GAE is designed to relieve pain and may help you delay or avoid a knee replacement. It doesn't remove the option to have surgery in the future if you ever need it — it simply gives you a less invasive step to try first.
Medicare covers GAE. Commercial insurance coverage varies — some plans still consider it investigational. We verify your specific coverage and discuss any self-pay options with you before anything is scheduled, so there are no surprises.
It's an outpatient procedure — you go home the same day. Most people return to normal activities within a few days, with pain relief building over the following weeks.
People with knee osteoarthritis whose pain hasn't responded to physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or injections, and who want to avoid — or aren't ready for — a knee replacement. A consultation and imaging confirm whether GAE is right for you.
Call (212) 844-9990 or request a callback. We'll arrange a consultation with on-site imaging and give you a clear, honest answer — with no pressure to proceed.
Find out whether Genicular Artery Embolization at Sinai is right for you. It starts with one phone call.
☎ Call (212) 844-9990