What Is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that treats knee osteoarthritis pain by reducing abnormal blood flow to inflamed tissues within the knee. It is emerging as a nonsurgical treatment option for appropriately selected patients who continue to experience pain despite conservative treatments and who may wish to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.^1,4,5

How Does GAE Work?

Knee osteoarthritis is associated with chronic inflammation and the development of abnormal blood vessels within the joint lining. These vessels can contribute to ongoing pain and inflammation. GAE works by selectively targeting and partially blocking these abnormal blood vessels using tiny embolic particles delivered through a microcatheter. By reducing blood flow to inflamed tissues, GAE may help decrease inflammation and reduce pain signaling over time.^1,3,4

What Condition Does GAE Treat?

GAE is used to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage breakdown, inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is generally considered for patients whose symptoms have not adequately responded to treatments such as medications, corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, physical therapy, or lifestyle modification.^1,4,5

Where Does Robotic GAE Fit as a Treatment Option?

GAE is performed by an interventional radiologist using advanced imaging technology to navigate small blood vessels and precisely deliver embolic agents to the target arteries around the knee. As minimally invasive therapies continue to evolve, robotic-assisted endovascular technologies are increasingly being used to support physician navigation and control during vascular procedures.^6,7

The LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic System is designed to assist physicians in the remote manipulation and navigation of guidewires and catheters during endovascular procedures.⁶

A typical GAE procedure includes:

• A small puncture in the wrist, groin, or lower leg
• Insertion of a thin microcatheter into the arterial system
• Navigation to the genicular arteries surrounding the knee
• Delivery of embolic particles to reduce abnormal blood flow
• Removal of the catheter and closure of the access site

Most patients return home the same day.^1,4,5

In the context of GAE, robotic technologies such as LIBERTY® represent the broader advancement of image-guided and robotics-assisted endovascular care.^6,7

What Are the Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis?

Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:

• Knee pain during walking or activity
• Morning stiffness
• Swelling around the joint
• Reduced mobility and flexibility
• Progressive worsening of pain over time

In many patients, these symptoms may be associated with ongoing inflammation and abnormal blood vessel formation within the affected joint tissues.^1,4,5

What Are the Benefits of GAE?

Potential benefits of GAE include:

• Minimally invasive treatment
• No surgical joint replacement
• Same-day discharge for most patients
• Short recovery period
• Gradual improvement in pain and function
• Potential to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery

Clinical studies have shown that many patients experience meaningful reductions in pain and improvements in function following GAE, with durable outcomes reported for up to 24 months in appropriately selected individuals.^1,2,3

When Does Pain Relief Start After GAE?

Pain relief following GAE is generally gradual rather than immediate.

Typical recovery timelines include:

• Initial improvement beginning around 2 weeks after treatment
• Continued improvement over the following weeks
• Peak symptom relief often occurs between 1 and 3 months
• Sustained benefits reported for up to 24 months in some patients^1,2

Individual results may vary depending on the severity of osteoarthritis and other patient-specific factors.

Who Is a Candidate for GAE?

GAE may be an option for patients who:

• Have moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis pain
• Have not achieved adequate relief with conservative therapies
• Want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
• Are not ideal surgical candidates due to age, medical conditions, or personal preferences

A comprehensive physician evaluation is necessary to determine whether GAE is an appropriate treatment option.^1,4,5

What Is Recovery Like After GAE?

Recovery following GAE is typically straightforward.

Most patients can expect:

• Discharge home within hours of the procedure
• Return to normal daily activities within 3–7 days
• Mild soreness or discomfort at the access site
• Gradual improvement in knee pain over the following weeks and months^1,2,4

Is GAE Safe?

GAE is generally considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure when performed by trained interventional specialists.^1,3,4

Potential temporary side effects may include:

• Mild knee discomfort
• Bruising at the access site
• Temporary soreness

Serious complications are uncommon but may include bleeding, vascular injury, or other risks associated with endovascular procedures.^1,3,4

Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with their physician.

References

1. Padia SA, et al. Genicular Artery Embolization for Treatment of Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: 24-Month Outcomes. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR). 2024.
2. Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR). New Study Shows Durability of Minimally Invasive Procedure to Combat Knee Pain. September 23, 2024.
3. Bagla S, et al. Multicenter Randomized Sham-Controlled Study of Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Pain Secondary to Osteoarthritis. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2022.
4. Society of Interventional Radiology. Position Statement on Genicular Artery Embolization for Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis. 2026.
5. Society of Interventional Radiology. New Position Statement Highlights the Growing Role of Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis. May 12, 2026.
6. Microbot Medical. LIBERTY® Endovascular Robotic System – Intended Use and Clinical Information.
7. Cornelis F, et al. ACCESS-PVI Trial: Remote-Controlled Endovascular Navigation with a Miniature, Single-Use Robotic System. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2025.

Important Safety Information

Not all patients are candidates for LIBERTY-assisted procedures. Patients should consult their physician to determine whether LIBERTY is appropriate for their condition.

As with any endovascular procedure, serious complications may occur, including but not limited to:

• Arterial injury
• Bleeding
• Conversion to other manual endovascular techniques can occur and could result in a longer operative time
• Additional procedure-related complications

LIBERTY is not indicated for coronary or neurovascular procedures.

Microbot Medical does not practice medicine. Only a licensed physician can evaluate symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and recommend treatment options. Patients should discuss with their physician whether a robotic endovascular procedure is appropriate for their care.