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!
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.
What are my knee osteoarthritis treatment options?
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.
Genicular Artery Embolization for Knee Osteoarthritis
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.
My mom has so much relief after having her procedure and is scheduled for the left knee. Great service!
I had a consultation regarding an artery embolization recommended by my own PCP. Each encounter from the phone call to make appointment, front desk staff to nurses and finally Dr. Golzarian himself were friendly, compassionate and professional. I was pleasantly surprised by the length of time Dr. Golzarian spent to explain my condition, options and expected outcome of each. He truly involved me in the conversation and decision making process. One of the few times I left a physician’s office feeling like I was involved in my own health decisions and completely comfortable about what was the discussion that we had and the decision I made. Highly recommend Dr. Golzarian for your next consultation.
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.
[After PAE] to treat my enlarged prostate, I can go hours now without going to the bathroom. I don’t get up at night to pee anymore. Guys, you’ve got to try this! It really works!
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!
North Star is the best in Minnesota! The staff is so friendly and treat you like family. And Dr. Golzarian is great! I thought I would have to live with knee pain for the remainder of my life. But Dr. Golzarian has made sure I don’t! Not everyday is totally pain free. But I can walk freely, I can get up off the couch without hesitation. I no longer have to rub my knee before making any sudden movements. Thank you North Star!!!
Beautiful office, and very welcoming staff. They have top notch technology and some of the best doctors here too. No doubt you’ll be in good hands here.
Totally painless and with no bleeding or other complication. Had the desired outcome and highly recommended prostatic artery embolization for BPH and as my urologist observed Dr. Golzarian is the most experienced interventional radiologist for doing this procedure in this country.
My experience was wonderful. The team was elite that’s for sure. And painless and quick!!