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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Yesterday, Dr. Golzarian operated on my right knee, which had severe arthritis. Now that 24 hours have passed, I feel like I’m in my twenties when I’m exactly 80 years old. I just don’t know and can’t express my gratitude to you and your dear colleagues. I think you performed a miracle. All the orthopedists I went to for my knee bone wear unanimously said that they should replace with an artificial knee. But now I am walking without any pain and my blood pressure is rising. I just wanted to say that I thank you and your colleagues at North Star from the bottom of my heart.
Excellent experience, knowledgeable and caring staff! Feels like they turned back the clock 5+ years on my knee!
My mom has so much relief after having her procedure and is scheduled for the left knee. Great service!
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!