Genicular Artery Embolization Raleigh
A Non-Surgical Solution for Chronic Knee Pain
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing knee pain and haven’t found lasting relief from medications, injections, or physical therapy, it may be time to consider a different approach.
Champion Health System offers TAME Knee™ (Trans-Arterial Micro-Embolization), our branded platform for minimally invasive, image-guided embolization therapies. For patients with knee osteoarthritis, the TAME Knee™ procedure is medically known as Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). TAME Knee™ is the umbrella brand that encompasses our advanced embolization treatments across multiple conditions.
GAE is an outpatient procedure that targets abnormal blood flow associated with inflammation inside the knee. It is designed to reduce pain and swelling without joint replacement surgery, a hospital stay, or a lengthy recovery.
Who Is a Candidate for TAME Knee™ GAE?
You may be a candidate for TAME Knee™ genicular artery embolization if knee osteoarthritis is causing persistent pain and limiting your daily life. The procedure may be considered when conservative treatments have not provided enough relief or when you want to avoid or delay knee replacement.
● You have chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis
● Your symptoms are limiting daily activities or mobility
● Conservative treatments (medications, injections, physical therapy) haven’t worked
● You want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery
● You prefer a minimally invasive option with faster recovery
● You may not be an ideal candidate for surgery due to other health conditions
GAE is not appropriate for every cause of knee pain. Acute injuries, ligament tears, severe mechanical instability, or other structural problems may require a different treatment. Our team will review your symptoms, imaging, physical findings, and medical history before recommending treatment.
What to Expect During the TAME Knee™ GAE Procedure
TAME Knee™ genicular artery embolization is performed in an outpatient setting. You receive local anesthesia and light sedation to help keep you comfortable. Through a tiny puncture, usually near the wrist or groin, the physician inserts a narrow catheter into an artery and uses live imaging to guide it toward the blood vessels supplying the painful area of the knee.
Once the abnormal vessels are identified, microscopic particles are delivered through the catheter to reduce blood flow to inflamed tissue. The catheter is then removed, and the access site is covered with a small bandage. No large incision is required. The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis.
What to Expect After TAME Knee™ GAE
After TAME Knee™ Genicular Artery Embolization, most patients return home the same day and resume light activities within a few hours to days. You may experience mild soreness or discomfort at the treatment site, but this typically resolves quickly. Pain relief is gradual, with many patients noticing improvement over several weeks as inflammation decreases. Over time, this can lead to better mobility and reduced day-to-day discomfort.
Understanding TAME™ GAE
What Is TAME Knee™ Genicular Artery Embolization?
At Champion Health System, GAE is offered as part of the TAME™ family of minimally invasive embolization treatments. TAME Knee™ genicular artery embolization is a targeted, image-guided procedure used to treat chronic knee pain commonly caused by osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis does more than wear away cartilage. It also causes chronic inflammation that stimulates the formation of tiny abnormal blood vessels and pain-sensitive nerves around the knee. These vessels help sustain inflammation and discomfort. During TAME™ GAE, a physician guides a small catheter to the genicular arteries and delivers microscopic particles that reduce this abnormal blood flow, helping interrupt the inflammatory pain cycle.
By treating the blood vessels linked to inflammation, TAME™ GAE addresses an important source of osteoarthritis pain rather than simply covering up symptoms. The natural knee joint remains intact.
For many patients, this means meaningful, long-term pain relief without surgery.
Is TAME Knee™ GAE Right for Your Knee Pain?
TAME Knee™ Genicular Artery Embolization is primarily used to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA)—a degenerative joint condition where cartilage breakdown leads to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Osteoarthritis-related knee pain is often persistent and may worsen over time, especially with activity.
TAME Knee™ GAE is specifically designed to target the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis by reducing abnormal blood flow to the affected areas of the knee. This helps decrease pain and improve mobility over time.
It’s important to note that TAME Knee™ GAE is not intended to treat all types of knee pain. Conditions such as acute injuries, ligament tears, or structural damage may require different treatment approaches. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether osteoarthritis is the primary cause of your symptoms and if TAME Knee™ GAE is the right solution.
Benefits of TAME Knee™ Genicular Artery Embolization
TAME Knee™ GAE is an effective alternative to knee replacement designed to provide lasting relief while minimizing disruption to work, family responsibilities, and daily routines.
Patients often experience:
● Significant reduction in osteoarthritis knee pain
● Decreased inflammation and swelling
● Improved mobility and joint function
● Faster recovery compared to surgery
● No general anesthesia or hospital stay
● Preservation of the natural knee joint
Most patients begin noticing improvement within weeks, with continued progress over time.
TAME™ GAE vs. Other Knee Pain Treatments
| Treatment Option | TAME™ GAE | Knee Replacement Surgery | Injections | Physical Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Major surgery | Non-invasive | Non-invasive |
| Anesthesia | Local + sedation | General | None | None |
| Recovery Time | A few days | Weeks to months | Minimal | Ongoing |
| Hospital Stay | No | Yes | No | No |
| Long-Term Relief | Yes | Yes | Temporary | Variable |
| Preserves Joint | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Why Choose Champion Health System for TAME™ GAE?
Experienced Vascular Specialists
Our team of board-certified interventional radiologists is trained in advanced embolization techniques, ensuring precision and safety throughout your procedure.
Personalized, Patient-Centered Care
We take the time to understand your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle—creating a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Outpatient Convenience
All procedures are performed in our North Carolina clinics, allowing you to avoid hospital stays and recover in the comfort of your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions About TAME™ and GAE
Is TAME™ the same as genicular artery embolization?
TAME™ is Champion Health System’s brand for minimally invasive, image-guided embolization therapies. Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, is the TAME™ procedure used to treat chronic knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.
How long is the recovery after GAE?
Most patients return to light activity within a few days. Recovery is significantly faster than with knee replacement surgery.
Is GAE safe?
GAE is a minimally invasive procedure performed using advanced imaging by trained specialists. Complications are uncommon, and the procedure is generally well tolerated.
Will I still need knee replacement surgery later?
GAE can provide long-lasting relief and may help delay or avoid surgery. However, osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, and some patients may require additional treatment over time.
Is GAE covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, may cover GAE when medically necessary. Our team will help verify your benefits and guide you through the process.
Take the Next Step Toward Knee Pain Relief
You don’t have to live with chronic knee pain or move directly from conservative care to joint replacement. TAME™ genicular artery embolization offers a modern, minimally invasive option for qualified patients with osteoarthritis knee pain.
Schedule a consultation with Champion Health System to learn whether GAE is appropriate for your symptoms, health, and treatment goals.