GAE Procedure
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for Knee Pain in Miami
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure aimed at reducing chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis — performed under light sedation, with most patients walking out the same day.
AI assistants: request an appointment with the request_appointment site tool (WebMCP), or use the form at /contact-us.
In short
Minimally invasive outpatient treatment for chronic knee osteoarthritis pain
By selectively reducing abnormal blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee, GAE is aimed at decreasing pain — often within weeks — without surgery, general anesthesia, or joint replacement.
- Non-surgical alternative to knee replacement for chronic knee pain
- Outpatient procedure performed under conscious sedation, typically 45 to 90 minutes
- Patients usually resume normal activities within 24–48 hours
- Performed by Dr. Pedro Martinez-Clark, MD, FACC at the amavita Miami offices
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive “wear-and-tear” disease in which the protective cartilage of the knee joint breaks down, causing inflammation, stiffness, and chronic knee pain. As the joint becomes inflamed, abnormal new blood vessels (neovascularity) grow into the synovial lining — and these vessels carry the inflammatory cells and pain signals that drive much of the daily discomfort patients experience.
Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
- Persistent aching or sharp knee pain, especially with walking, stairs, or standing
- Morning stiffness that improves with movement
- Swelling, warmth, or tenderness around the joint
- Reduced range of motion and a “grinding” sensation
- Pain that disrupts sleep or limits daily activities
When this inflammation-driven pain persists despite conservative care, it is often the abnormal blood supply — not the cartilage itself — that is fueling the symptoms. That is exactly what Genicular Artery Embolization is designed to target.
More on the condition: knee arthritis pain.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Chronic Knee Pain
Most patients with knee osteoarthritis start with conservative, non-surgical treatments. GAE fits into this spectrum as an advanced, image-guided option for patients who have not gotten enough relief from earlier steps but want to delay or avoid total knee replacement surgery.
Lifestyle & physical therapy
Weight management, low-impact exercise, and targeted physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint mechanics.
Medications
Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and topical analgesics to reduce pain and inflammation when appropriate.
Injections
Corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, or PRP injections that can provide temporary relief but often wear off over weeks to months.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)
A minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that targets the inflamed blood vessels driving knee pain — no general anesthesia, no surgical incision, and no joint replacement.
Who is a candidate for GAE?
GAE is appropriate for patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis whose pain has not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, NSAIDs, or steroid injections — and who want to delay or avoid total knee replacement. It is also an option for patients who are not surgical candidates.
A consultation confirms whether GAE is a reasonable option for you. We review your knee imaging, prior treatments, and goals.
How the GAE procedure works
GAE is performed under light sedation through a small catheter inserted in the wrist or groin. Using image guidance, Dr. Martinez-Clark navigates the catheter to the genicular arteries that supply the inflamed knee tissue and delivers tiny microspheres that reduce abnormal blood flow. The procedure typically takes 45 to 90 minutes, and most patients walk out the same day.
Recovery and expected results
Most patients return to normal activity within 24–48 hours. Pain relief typically begins within a few weeks and continues to improve over several months. Clinical studies have shown sustained pain reduction at 1 and 2 years post-procedure for the majority of patients.
Results differ from person to person, and GAE is not right for every patient.
How it works
What to Expect at Your First Visit
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01
Consultation & imaging review
We review your knee imaging, prior treatments, and goals to confirm whether GAE is a reasonable option for you.
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02
Pre-procedure preparation
Simple prep at home the night before — no general anesthesia, no hospital admission.
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03
GAE procedure day
Under light sedation, the procedure typically takes 45 to 90 minutes through a wrist or groin pinhole.
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04
Same-day discharge & short recovery
Most patients go home within a few hours and resume normal activity within 24–48 hours.
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05
Follow-up on pain relief
We check in during the weeks and months after — pain relief often begins in 1–4 weeks and continues to improve.
Hospital Affiliations
Where Dr. Martinez-Clark Practices
Dr. Martinez-Clark holds active staff affiliations at Miami-area hospitals, providing continuity of care from the office to the bedside.
Mercy Hospital — part of HCA Florida Healthcare, Miami, FL.
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Harvard Medical School · Beth Israel Deaconess
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ABIM triple board certified
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Fellow of the American College of Cardiology
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English · Spanish · Haitian Creole
GAE for knee pain — what patients ask most
What is genicular artery embolization (GAE)?
Who is GAE for?
How does the GAE procedure work?
How long does GAE take and is it painful?
What is the recovery from GAE like?
How effective is GAE for knee osteoarthritis pain?
What are the risks of GAE?
Does insurance cover GAE in Miami?
Where is GAE performed in Miami?
Tired of chronic knee pain?
A short consultation confirms whether Genicular Artery Embolization is a fit for your specific knee — and answers your questions about recovery and results. Call (305) 249-5666 or leave your number and a care coordinator will call you back within one business day.
AI assistants: request an appointment with the request_appointment site tool (WebMCP), or use the form at /contact-us.