Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease whereby the cartilage in the knee joint breaks down, causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It is also a progressive disease, which means it will only worsen over time.
There is new science that shows how chronic inflammation leads to the development of abnormal blood vessels within the lining of the knee (the synovium) which increases the flow of blood to the joint and accelerates the destruction of cartilage.
When the pain is mild to moderate, physicians often prescribe medications, physical therapy, gel injections or corticosteroid injections to manage the pain. Total knee replacement surgery is considered the gold standard treatment for severe knee osteoarthritis. However, not all patients are able—or willing—to undergo this major form of surgery, and the subsequent painful recovery and lengthy physical therapy required to regain function. Alternatively, treating this chronic pain with a lifelong medication regimen may not be practical and comes with its own health risks.
Today there is a new treatment option. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a new, minimally invasive procedure meant to “fill the gap” between medication and total knee replacement surgery. If you have osteoarthritis in one or both knees, don’t wait! It’s important to know your treatment options before surgery becomes your only option.
North Star Vascular & Interventional offers GAE, a minimally invasive, outpatient alternative to ongoing medication regimens or surgical treatments such as total knee replacement surgery.
I just had my right knee done June 10, 2025. Both my knees are now done and I had the GAE procedure. I really like the doctors and staff here they truly care about what your going through. I was able to stand and do my dishes for the first time in months. When we pray our prayers eventually get answered. Thank you so much to everyone at the clinic.
I definitely am glad that I gave them my trust to provide me with the amazing experience that I had when I came in to have my procedure done I was very concerned because I have extreme vertigo that has been disregarded by previous medical professionals. That did not happen whatsoever when I came in for my procedure with North Star Vascular! When I was speaking with my prep team over the phone, she made sure that she was able to provide the best care for me. And they did. Throughout the prepping and the procedure they were attentive, accommodating, and the most caring team I have ever dealt with. I can’t wait for my follow-up visit so we can schedule my other knee procedure. I went from a resting level pain of eight in my right knee, which is the worst or actually was the worst to a resting pain of zero I can climb stairs, I can walk , literally pain-free and that was the second day after surgery. I feel strongly that you can put your trust into North Star Vascular and Dr. Golzarian and his team! I can’t stress enough the amazement and delight to be pain free! Take a chance—-you won’t regret it!
Excellent experience, knowledgeable and caring staff! Feels like they turned back the clock 5+ years on my knee!
Dr. Golzarian, thank you for the very good procedure you did to treat my knee osteoarthritis, when all the other doctors wanted to give me an artificial knee because of the advanced osteoarthritis. You gave me the hope of walking again without pain after two hours of performing GAE on my knee. I am 80 years old. I am old, for the first time in six years, I was able to walk again without pain after the procedure, I was able to go up and down the stairs. For this reason, while thanking and appreciating you and your skilled colleagues, I want you to know that I am always grateful to you. Thank you.
The GAE procedure helped a lot. I have less knee pain and can enjoy being myself again. I had a great experience [with North Star], and I look forward to getting my right knee done!
Having a fantastic climbing trip in the Dolomites. My knee feels so much better than before the procedure. I hiked into a mountain hut carrying 40 lbs of climbing gear yesterday, and was able to enjoy the climbs today! I have not taken any pain relievers on the trip (yet). None since the procedure!
After GAE on my left knee I now can go and walk around the store with my family, I haven’t done that in years. Something as simple as stepping over a curb is possible now and without pain. I can’t wait to have my second knee done!