What is Knee Embolization?
Knee embolization, also known as genicular artery embolization (GAE), is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment offered by Dr. Derek Mittleider at Vascular and Embolization Specialists in Space Coast Florida, targeting osteoarthritis-related knee pain. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, a leading cause of disability, affects adults over age 50 and is traditionally attributed to joint wear and tear. However, recent insights reveal a significant inflammatory component in OA, which leads to increased blood flow to the knee tissues, exacerbating pain and promoting further joint degeneration. GAE addresses this issue by targeting the inflammation, reducing pain, and slowing joint deterioration. During your initial visit to our Cocoa, FL practice, Dr. Mittleider will assess your knees and develop a personalized treatment plan to target your osteoarthritis-related knee pain.
How Does Knee Embolization Work?
Genicular artery embolization is a reliable and efficient supplementary therapy for managing knee pain due to osteoarthritis. This procedure involves the insertion of a slender tube into the leg artery, which is then precisely navigated to the knee's blood vessels using x-ray guidance. Here, tiny particles are administered to curb the blood flow to the inflamed tissues, effectively alleviating pain and enhancing knee functionality. Dr. Mittleider performs GAE as an outpatient service in Cocoa, FL. GAE is known for its minimal discomfort, enabling most patients to resume their regular activities within days.
What are the benefits of knee embolization?
Genicular artery embolization is a highly effective method for alleviating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Here are some of the key benefits of GAE:
- Rapid and lasting pain relief
- Significant improvement in knee function
- No adverse effects on knee cartilage, bone marrow, ligaments, or menisci
- Minimally invasive treatment option
- Short recovery time
Vascular and Embolization Specialists Reviews
I owe my life to Dr. Derek Mittleider. I was brought into the hospital by ambulance with a complicated IVC filter issue as well as a new DVT in my groin and 3 blood clots (pulmonary embolism's) to my lungs, They got through the IVC filter and migrated to my lungs. Dr. Mittleider is a miracle worker and I am so grateful for his expertise in removing the IVC filter that has been attempted 3 times prior, unsuccessfully. I am a very rare case with many complications, another being I had to stay on blood thinners due to the Acute pulmonary embolisms in my body. His bedside manner is exceptional, he explains everything to where you completely understand what is happening. He is devoted, professional and calming. I am literally crying writing this as my health has been in such decline with challenging problems with the IVC filter and now these very scary blood clots. I could not have asked for a better more dedicated and brilliant Doctor and so relieved I found him, unfortunately via an emergency situation. On his entrance into the operating room, I heard a very positive message before falling asleep and that was, "It's a good day Palm Bay" giving me even more calm while beginning to go under anesthesia. I can't say enough great things about him and my husband, family and I are so grateful he has moved to Florida. Without him, I would not be in the situation I am currently in, I can't even say I would be here today. :)
On Sept. 24, 2017, a Sunday morning, Dr.Mittleider saved my life, literally. I had a severe bleed from the spleenic artery and he placed coils around the artery to stop the bleed. I had lost over half my blood when he worked his magic. I can never thank him enough to saving my life and returning me to my family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What impact can GAE have on knee pain?
A review published in the Orthopeadic Journal of Sports Medicine in 2021 reported that knee pain improved for most patients within one week of the procedure (a 54% decline) and continued to improve over the course of 2 years. At 24 months, there was an average 80% reduction in pain.
What impact can GAE have on knee function?
Functional status using the standard Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score has been reported to improve 73% at 6 months, 79% at 12 months, and 85% at 24 months, showing a durable positive effect of GAE.
Are the effects of GAE real or could they be due to the placebo effect?
A study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology in 2022 compared GAE to a sham procedure (a fake procedure where the patient does not know if he had an embolization or not). At one month, GAE patients had a 62% reduction in knee pain and a 46% improvement in knee function. Patients who underwent the sham procedure had no improvement in pain or function.
Does GAE cause damage to normal knee structures?
Published data on patients who had follow up MRIs 24 months after GAE showed no harm to cartilage, bone marrow, ligaments, or menisci.
Are patients happy with GAE:
Yes. Patients who undergo GAE report high levels of satisfaction with the procedure. Several published studies have shown that GAE can have a positive effect in as little as 1 week with improvements in pain and mobility that can last at least 2 years. Patients report significant reductions in the amount of pain medication of all types and joint injections for knee pain (65-100% reductions)
Get Relief From Knee Pain
Are you struggling with knee pain due to osteoarthritis and looking for a minimally invasive solution? Don't let knee pain hold you back any longer! Genicular artery embolization, performed by the skilled hands of Dr. Derek Mittleider at Vascular and Embolization Specialists in Cocoa, FL, can transform your quality of life. Join the many patients who have experienced the life-changing effects of this advanced treatment. Call Vascular and Embolization Specialists to begin your journey to better knee health.