Chronic knee pain can make even simple daily activities — walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods — feel exhausting. For many people, knee osteoarthritis is the underlying cause, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and ongoing discomfort. If medications, injections, or physical therapy have not provided lasting relief, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) may offer a minimally invasive solution.
Dr. Nathanael Sabbah provides advanced, image-guided treatments like GAE to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to a more active life — without major surgery.
Genicular Artery Embolization is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure designed to reduce knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. The pain from osteoarthritis is often linked to chronic inflammation inside the knee joint. Over time, this inflammation leads to the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the knee lining (synovium). These vessels contribute to swelling, irritation, and pain.
GAE targets this problem at its source.
During the procedure:
Importantly, GAE does not affect the healthy structures of the knee or compromise overall circulation. The goal is simply to calm the inflammation driving your discomfort.
GAE has become an increasingly popular option for knee osteoarthritis because it offers several advantages compared to traditional treatments.
Key benefits include:
For patients who are not ready for knee replacement or who are not good surgical candidates, GAE can be a game-changing alternative.
GAE is not for every type of knee pain, but it can be highly effective for the right patients.
You may be a good candidate if you:
GAE is often especially helpful for individuals with moderate to severe osteoarthritis who still want to stay active but are limited by pain.
A consultation with Dr. Nathanael Sabbah includes a full review of your medical history, imaging, and symptoms to determine if GAE is right for you.
One of the biggest advantages of Genicular Artery Embolization is the relatively smooth recovery process.
Immediately After the Procedure
First Few Days
Pain Relief Timeline
GAE does not work instantly like a numbing injection. Instead, relief develops gradually as inflammation decreases.
Activity Level
Living with constant knee pain can affect your work, sleep, exercise, and overall quality of life. If conservative treatments haven’t worked and surgery feels like a big step, Genicular Artery Embolization may be the middle ground you’ve been looking for.
Dr. Nathanael Sabbah specializes in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures designed to treat pain at its source. A personalized evaluation can help determine whether GAE is the right option for your condition and goals.
Schedule a consultation today and take the next step toward lasting knee pain relief and better mobility.
No. GAE is a minimally invasive procedure, not open surgery. It uses a small catheter and imaging guidance instead of large incisions.
Most GAE procedures take about 1–2 hours, and patients go home the same day.
Some patients are able to delay or avoid knee replacement after GAE. Results vary depending on the severity of arthritis and overall joint health.
Patients are typically comfortable during the procedure. Local anesthesia and medication help minimize discomfort.
As with any procedure, there are potential risks, but GAE is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced specialist. Your doctor will review all risks and benefits with you.
Many patients experience long-term pain reduction. Follow-up care and lifestyle factors can help maintain results.
Take the first step toward relief from BPH symptoms. Contact our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sabbah.
Non-surgical treatments focus on symptom relief without removing prostate tissue, offering an alternative for men who wish to avoid surgical procedures.
Many patients notice gradual improvement in urinary symptoms over several weeks following treatment.
Yes. Non-surgical BPH treatments have a strong safety profile when performed by experienced specialists.
Non-surgical approaches are designed to preserve normal prostate and sexual function.
You can contact Socal Interventional to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nathanael Sabbah for expert evaluation and care.
We proudly serve patients throughout Van Nuys and Irvine, CA, extending our specialised care to nearby communities including Reseda, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Manhattan Beach, Riverside, Santa Clarita, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Tustin, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Woodland Hills.
