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.
Treatment for: Knee pain caused by osteoarthritis
Procedures offered: Genicular artery embolization
Knee osteoarthritis
New research is changing our understanding of how osteoarthritis evolves. Of special importance is the finding that the synovium, the thick band of connective tissues that surround the knee and produce a fluid that lubricates the joint, may show signs of significant change even before visible cartilage degeneration has occurred. In other words, the inflammation and joint deterioration that causes OA knee pain is happening while the cartilage is still mostly intact.
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a new, minimally invasive procedure meant to “fill the gap” between medication and total knee replacement surgery. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist uses imaging to guide a catheter through the vascular system and to the genicular artery feeding the synovium. Tiny particles are injected that block the flow of blood to the synovium, which in turn decreases the inflammatory mediators that it secretes. The result is fast and long-term pain relief, as well as improved function and quality of life. Additionally, it does not preclude the ability to have knee replacement surgery in the future.
GAE Preparation Instructions
- Please inform us of all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to local anesthetic, medications or to contrast (also known as “x-ray dye”).
- You may be advised to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Tylenol, Advil) or a blood thinning medication for a period of time before your procedure.
- Please inform us about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
- Women who are or may be pregnant should inform us immediately. Many imaging tests such as x-ray are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you may take your usual medications, especially blood pressure medications. These may be taken with some water in the morning before your procedure.
- You may be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours before your procedure.
- You may need to remain for a period of observation after your procedure.
- You will be given a gown to change into before your procedure.
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.
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!