My experience was wonderful. The team was elite that’s for sure. And painless and quick!!
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.
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!
Excellent experience, knowledgeable and caring staff! Feels like they turned back the clock 5+ years on my knee!
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!
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!
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.
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.
Ok. So, first off, awesome crew.
From consultation to day of, I was given clear explanations, my questions were answered. Moe was awesome at checking me in. Kelly, Sandra and Sarah are super pleasant and comforting nurses. They made sure I was comfortable, (played my favorite music) had assuring words and made sure that I knew and understood everything they were doing. Andy, the PA, was very knowledgeable and answered my questions clearly and precise. Dr. Astani was wonderful.
I got the best treatment from North Star.
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!!!