GAE in Los Angeles
Non-surgical knee osteoarthritis treatment for Los Angeles patients, including Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Westwood, Century City, and Santa Monica.
Editorially updated September 8, 2026. This educational page was prepared by SoCal Interventional using the cited primary and authoritative sources. It does not replace an individualized medical evaluation.
Quick answer: SoCal Interventional offers genicular artery embolization (GAE) to Los Angeles patients at two offices in the San Fernando Valley: Tarzana and Van Nuys. GAE is a same-day, image-guided procedure that treats chronic knee osteoarthritis pain by reducing blood flow to the inflamed joint lining, without surgery, implants, or a hospital stay. Both offices belong to SoCal Interventional, the interventional radiology practice of Dr. Nathanael Sabbah, which also sees Orange County patients in Fountain Valley.
SoCal Interventional — Tarzana
18370 Burbank Blvd, 5th Floor, Tarzana, CA 91356
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM · (310) 929-0026
On Burbank Boulevard just west of Reseda Boulevard, a short drive from the 101 (Ventura) Freeway. Office details and directions
SoCal Interventional — Van Nuys
15211 Vanowen St, Suite 305, Van Nuys, CA 91405
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM · (310) 929-0026
On Vanowen Street near Sepulveda Boulevard, close to the 405 Freeway and Valley Presbyterian Hospital. Office details and directions
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is offered at our Fountain Valley office in Orange County as well as in Los Angeles and Tarzana.
Patients from Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Brentwood, Westwood, Century City, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, the Hollywood Hills, Hancock Park, and Mid-City typically choose whichever Valley office is easier to reach: Tarzana via Beverly Glen or the 405 and 101, or Van Nuys directly off the 405 at Sepulveda and Vanowen. Both locations are staffed by the same physician team.
This page describes the actual practice locations where Los Angeles patients are seen. SoCal Interventional does not have a physical office in every community named above.
GAE relieves knee osteoarthritis pain by reducing the abnormal blood supply that feeds the inflamed lining of the joint. Through a pinhole access point in the upper thigh, Dr. Sabbah guides a microcatheter into the small genicular arteries around the knee and releases tiny particles there; the joint is never opened, and pain eases gradually over the following weeks.
GAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain. Osteoarthritis triggers new, fragile blood vessels in the synovial lining that carry inflammation and pain nerves into the joint. Using live X-ray, a microcatheter is navigated from a small access point in the thigh to those vessels, and microscopic particles limit their blood supply. The joint is not opened, no hardware is placed, and most patients walk out the same day.
GAE is considered for adults with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis pain that has not responded to physical therapy, medication, or injections, and who want to avoid or delay knee replacement. It is not for everyone: an examination and knee imaging confirm that osteoarthritis, rather than a mechanical problem or infection, is causing the pain.
GAE is generally considered for adults with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis pain that persists despite conservative care such as physical therapy, weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, or injections, and who are either not candidates for knee replacement or wish to delay it. It is also discussed with patients who have had a knee replacement but continue to experience pain attributed to inflamed soft tissue. Candidacy is confirmed with an examination and knee imaging; pain from mechanical problems, infection, or advanced deformity may be better served by other treatment.
From Beverly Hills, Bel Air, or Westwood, the most direct routes are Beverly Glen Boulevard north over the hill to Ventura Boulevard for Tarzana, or the 405 northbound to Sepulveda Boulevard for Van Nuys. From Santa Monica, Brentwood, or the Palisades, take the 405 north; Van Nuys is a few minutes past the Ventura Freeway interchange. We schedule consultations outside peak traffic hours on request. Parking details are provided at booking, and a companion should drive you home on procedure day.
Because GAE requires only a small arterial access point, recovery is short. Most patients walk the same day and return to normal daily activity within a few days. Some experience temporary skin discoloration or mild soreness around the knee for one to two weeks. Pain relief develops progressively over several weeks to a few months, and follow-up visits track function and pain scores.
Reported risks of GAE include transient knee pain or swelling after the procedure, temporary skin color changes near the treated area, access-site bruising, and rare non-target embolization. Some patients have limited or short-lived improvement. GAE does not rebuild cartilage and is not a substitute for knee replacement in every case; the goal is meaningful pain reduction and improved function.
Insurance coverage for GAE varies by plan and is evolving as clinical evidence grows. SoCal Interventional accepts most PPO plans, Medicare, and self-pay, and reviews your specific benefits before scheduling. Bringing recent knee X-rays or MRI reports and a list of treatments already tried speeds up the evaluation.
Knee pain limiting your life in Los Angeles? Ask whether GAE is an option.
SoCal Interventional does not have a Westside office. Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, and Westwood patients are seen at the Tarzana or Van Nuys office, both within the City of Los Angeles and reachable over Beverly Glen or the 405.
A history, examination, and knee X-ray (sometimes MRI) confirm osteoarthritis and rule out mechanical causes such as a torn meniscus, ligament injury, or infection. Bring any recent imaging reports to your consultation.
Often, yes. Many GAE patients have already tried cortisone or hyaluronic acid injections. Short-lived relief from injections does not disqualify you and is a common reason people ask about embolization.
GAE is being used selectively for persistent pain after knee replacement when inflamed soft tissue is suspected. This is evaluated case by case with your surgeon’s records.
Yes. Many Los Angeles patients come for a second opinion after being offered knee replacement. The consultation reviews your imaging and treatment history and explains whether GAE is reasonable for your situation.
Medical content reviewed by Nathanael Sabbah, MD, interventional radiologist.