GAE is a minimally invasive procedure to reduce knee pain for patients with osteoarthritis (OA). GAE is performed through a small puncture in the groin. The catheter is positioned in the arteries around the knee, tiny particles can be injected that block the capillaries around the lining of the knee (reducing the blood flow to the lining of the knee), a technique called embolization.  The procedure generally takes between 45 and 90 minutes, and the patient can go home the same day.

GAE blocks the blood flow to the lining of the knee, known as synovium, which is inflamed. By blocking these arteries, there is a reduction in the amount of inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, a process that can help or eliminate the associated knee pain. While it may not treat the underlying cartilage destruction, the evidence so far shows that this may be an effective way to manage the symptoms.

Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the smooth cartilage joint surface wears out. Osteoarthritis usually begins in an isolated joint. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body instead of intruders. In this case, it attacks the synovial membrane that encases and protects the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis often targets several joints at one time.