GAE Procedure: What to Expect Before, During, and After

Before the day: preparation

Once GAE has been agreed as appropriate for you, preparation usually involves:

• Assessment and imaging. X-rays and often an MRI help the team plan which vessels to target. Blood tests check kidney function and clotting.
• Medication review. You will be asked about all medicines and supplements. Some blood-thinning medicines may need to be paused beforehand - always follow the specific instructions your team gives you.
• Practical planning. You will usually be advised on when to stop eating and drinking, what to wear, and to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards.
• Your questions. This is the time to ask about anything - the plan, the risks, and what recovery looks like. Our GAE risks and safety article is a good companion read.

On the day: what happens during GAE

GAE is performed by a physician-led interventional team using internationally accredited techniques and equipment. You stay awake but relaxed; the procedure is done with local anesthetic and usually light sedation to keep you comfortable.

Here is the general sequence:

1. Settling in. You lie on a table in an imaging suite. The team monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen throughout.

2. Numbing and access. A small area - commonly at the top of the thigh or the wrist - is cleaned and numbed. A very thin tube (catheter) is guided into an artery through a tiny pinhole.

3. Mapping the vessels. Using live X-ray and a small amount of contrast dye, the team maps the genicular arteries around the knee and locates the abnormal vessels feeding the inflamed joint lining.

4. Embolization. Tiny particles are released through the catheter to block only those targeted vessels. You may feel warmth or mild discomfort in the knee as this happens.

5. Finishing up. The catheter is removed and gentle pressure or a small closure device seals the pinhole. No stitches are usually needed.

The procedure commonly takes somewhere in the region of one to two hours, depending on the anatomy. The joint itself is never opened.

Right after: the recovery area

Once GAE is finished, you rest in a recovery area for a period while the team monitors you and the access site. Because it is minimally invasive, most patients can return home the same day, though this is confirmed on the day based on how you are doing.

You may notice:

• Mild knee ache, warmth, or swelling as the treated area settles - this is common and usually eased with simple pain relief.
• A small bruise at the access point.
• Instructions to rest the leg and limit strenuous activity for a short period.

Your team will give you clear aftercare instructions, including what is normal, what to watch for, and who to contact with concerns.

When relief tends to appear

GAE is not an instant switch. Some people notice improvement within days to a few weeks, while for others it builds more gradually as inflammation settles. Where it works, relief may last several years in some cases, typically 1-5 years, though results vary by individual. Our week-by-week recovery timeline explains what the following weeks can look like.

A note on comfort and care

At YOUNIFY Clinic, GAE is delivered by our medical team with attention to comfort, clear explanation, and follow-up. You are never rushed, and every step is explained before it happens.

Next step

To find out whether GAE is right for you, our medical team can arrange an initial assessment. Contact us on LINE (@younifyclinic) or WhatsApp +66 81 556 9696.