Minimally Invasive · Non Surgical
Genicular Artery
3D precision guided uterine fibroid embolization is a non-surgical knee pain treatment for chronic discomfort caused by knee osteoarthritis. As a minimally invasive knee treatment, GAE relieves pain without joint replacement surgery, without general anaesthesia, and without removing any joint tissue.
20
+
Years in Practice
3
US Board Certifications
85
%
Symptom Improvement
0%
Issues of Joint Replacement
No Surgery RequiredWalk-in, Walk-out Procedure
What Is GAE Treatment?
Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment Without Surgery
Knee osteoarthritis causes the cartilage cushioning the joint to wear down over time, leading to persistent knee pain that becomes harder to manage with age. Genicular artery embolization is a non-surgical treatment for knee pain. A catheter-based procedure targeting the small, inflamed blood vessels around the knee believed to drive much of the pain, without removing or replacing any joint tissue.
No General Anaesthesia Needed
This minimally invasive knee treatment is performed under light sedation through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin.
Joint Tissue Fully Preserved
Unlike with knee replacement, nothing is removed or replaced; the procedure targets the blood supply, not the joint itself.
Targets the Source of Pain
Imaging identifies the inflamed vessels feeding the painful area before they are selectively blocked, addressing knee arthritis pain at its source.
Signs & Symptoms
Is Your Knee Pain Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis tends to develop gradually, with pain that becomes harder to manage with time. Embolization for knee arthritis may be worth discussing if you recognise several of the following.
Persistent knee pain that limits walking distance
Pain that worsens with stairs or standing
Stiffness that makes morning movement difficult
Swelling around the knee joint
Reduced relief from anti-inflammatory medication
Joint injections (steroid or hyaluronic acid) providing only temporary relief
Reluctance to undergo knee replacement surgery
Concerns about general anaesthesia due to age or other health conditions
Important: GAE is best suited to patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis who have already tried conservative treatments, such as medications or joint injections.
How We Evaluate Knee Osteoarthritis
Clinical History & Pain Mapping
Reviewing pain patterns, prior treatments, and the exact location of discomfort.
Reviewing pain patterns, prior treatments, and the exact location of discomfort.
Physical Examination
Assessing joint mobility, swelling, and tenderness
Knee Imaging
X-rays to confirm the degree of cartilage and joint space narrowing
Review of Prior Treatment Response
Evaluating how medication or injections have performed so far.
Genicular Artery Mapping
Pre-procedure imaging to plan the precise vessels to be targeted during GAE treatment.
The Procedure
How Genicular Artery Embolization Works
GAE is performed using real-time imaging guidance, with the patient comfortably sedated throughout.
Sedation & Access
A small puncture is made in the wrist or groin under light sedation. No general anaesthesia is required.
1
0
Catheter Navigation
A fine microcatheter is guided through the arteries down to the small genicular vessels supplying the knee.
2
0
Targeted Embolization
Microscopic particles are injected to block the abnormal, inflamed vessels identified as the source of pain.
3
0
Same-Day Discharge
Most patients go home within a few hours of the procedure, with a brief recovery period before resuming normal activities.
4
GAE vs Knee Replacement Surgery
FACTOR
Type of Procedure
Anaesthesia
Hospital Stay
Recovery Time
Joint Tissue
Repeatable if Needed
Suitable for High-Risk Patients
GAE (Dr. Imtiaz)
Knee Replacement Surgery
Why Choose Us
A Precision Approach to Knee Pain Treatment
GAE relies on careful imaging and catheter precision to target the right vessels. Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad brings internationally trained expertise in interventional radiology to patients in Pakistan.
Northwestern Fellowship
Fellowship-trained at Northwestern University, Chicago, in 1995, with over two decades of interventional and endovascular practice.
3D Precision Guided Imaging
Advanced angiography facilities at Farooq Hospital and OMI Hospital for accurate vessel targeting.
An Option Before Surgery
A non-surgical knee pain treatment for patients who want to delay or avoid joint replacement.
Trusted Across Pakistan
Patients from across the country seek consultation for minimally invasive knee treatment.
Patient Stories
What Patients Say
Men who were hesitant about surgery have found a more comfortable path to relief through PAE.
”All staff members are very cooperative and supportive. We are highly satisfied with Dr. Imtiaz’s kind, professional, and caring behavior, which made the entire experience comfortable and reassuring.
Abdul Rauf, 64Lahore, Pakistan
”It was an excellent experience with Dr. Imtiaz and his compassionate team. Their professionalism, kindness, and skilled care gave me confidence and comfort. I am deeply grateful for the treatment received and the supportive behavior of all the doctors and staff.
Saleem Khan, 58Dubai, UAE
”We are very happy with this treatment. We have been followers of Dr. Imtiaz Sahib for years. Dr. Usama Sahib first saw us, and we are thankful to both Dr. Imtiaz and Dr. Usama for their guidance and support.
Muhammad Farooq, 61Karachi, Pakistan
Desclaimer: The testimonials featured on this page reflect the genuine experiences of patients personally treated by Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad. Each story is shared with the patient’s informed consent and has not been edited to misrepresent their outcome.
FAQ
Common Questions About GAE
Have more questions about genicular artery embolization? Get in touch for a free consultation before deciding on treatment.
Speak directly with Dr. Imtiaz’s team
0331 111 0397
Available Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm
What is genicular artery embolization?
3D Precision Guided Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive knee treatment that targets the small blood vessels around the knee associated with chronic pain from osteoarthritis. By blocking abnormal blood flow to inflamed tissue, it aims to reduce pain without removing or replacing the joint.
Who is a candidate for GAE?
Patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis who haven’t found lasting relief from medication or joint injections, and who want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery, are typically good candidates for GAE treatment.
Can GAE help knee osteoarthritis?
Yes. GAE specifically targets the inflamed vessels associated with osteoarthritis-related knee pain. Many patients experience meaningful pain relief and improved mobility within weeks of the procedure, with outcomes that have been shown to last well beyond the initial recovery period.
Is GAE an alternative to knee replacement?
For many patients, yes, particularly those who aren’t ready for, or aren’t ideal candidates for, joint replacement surgery. GAE is generally considered an additional option in the treatment pathway rather than a direct substitute in every case, and a clinical evaluation helps determine the right fit.
How long does recovery take after GAE?
Recovery is typically quick. Most patients go home the same day, with mild discomfort managed by medication, and a return to normal daily activity within a few days a significantly shorter recovery window than knee replacement surgery.
Related Treatments
Other Minimally Invasive Treatments
Free First Consultation
Considering Treatment Without Surgery?
Book a free consultation with Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, a US board-certified specialist in Pakistan, available in Lahore, Karachi, and online from anywhere in the world. We are happy to help you understand your options clearly and without pressure.
Lahore
Farooq Hospital, DHA, 0331 111 0397
Worldwide
info@drimtiazahmad.com
Karachi
OMI Hospital, MA Jinnah Rd, 0331 111 0397
