GAE Knee Pain Care

GAE (Genicular Artery Embolization) in Bangkok

Genicular artery embolization at YOUNIFY Clinic, Silom, Bangkok, reduces the abnormal blood vessels that carry inflammation into an arthritic knee, through a needle puncture rather than an incision, starting from THB 129,000. Most patients go home the same day, and progress is reviewed at scheduled follow-up visits. Results vary by individual.

Clinic open daily, 11:00 to 20:00 (Bangkok time) · Online enquiries answered 24 hours a day

GAEKnee painKnee osteoarthritisNon-surgical knee care
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Small access

Performed through a tiny catheter pathway

Selected cases

Cause and disease stage are reviewed first

Ongoing plan

Rehab and load management still matter

How GAE Works: Treating the true source of pain

By addressing abnormal blood vessels rather than focusing only on the joint itself, we can reduce inflammation at its source and provide more durable pain relief compared with traditional therapies.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure used to relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It works by targeting abnormal blood vessels around the knee that drive ongoing inflammation and pain.

Using advanced imaging guidance, the doctor carefully reduces these abnormal vessels while preserving normal blood flow to the knee. GAE can be especially helpful for patients whose symptoms do not improve with medications, physical therapy, or injections such as steroids or hyaluronic acid.

GAE highlights

  • A non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain
  • Performed through a tiny pinhole (about 0.6 mm) with no incision or hospital stay
  • Works by blocking abnormal blood vessels that cause inflammation and pain
  • Takes about 1-2 hours under local anesthesia
  • Provides long-lasting pain relief with quick recovery and minimal side effects
  • A minimally invasive option for selected people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis whose pain continues despite conservative care. It targets the inflamed joint lining, not the worn cartilage.

Efficacy and Safety

Procedure technically completed

Most patients

Adverse events

In published studies, serious complications have been uncommon. The most common side effect is temporary skin discoloration over the knee, which usually fades on its own. About 0.3% may need hospital care.

Pain reduction (VAS score)

WMD for VAS improved at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

WOMAC (pain + function)

Higher scores indicate worse pain, stiffness, and functional limitations. Scores decreased after treatment.

* Values shown are pooled average changes (WMD) versus baseline across multiple cohorts.

Step-by-Step Treatments to Reduce Abnormal Blood Vessels

We choose the right approach based on your symptoms and assessment.

Injection Technique for GAE

This injection is different from common treatments such as hyaluronic acid or nerve block injections. It directly targets abnormal blood vessels that cause pain.

It is performed by our medical team using a substance designed to reduce these vessels. Because it treats the cause of pain, the results can be longer-lasting.

In some studies, many patients experience significant improvement in appropriate cases, and serious side effects are uncommon. Individual results may vary.

92% met the WOMAC improvement threshold at 12 months

Catheterization for GAE

For more targeted treatment, we offer catheterization therapy, also called Genicular Arterial Embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal blood vessels.

  1. First, a small tube similar to an intravenous (IV) line is inserted into a blood vessel. A very thin and soft catheter (about 0.6 mm wide) is then gently guided through the blood vessels from the wrist or foot to the painful area.
  2. Once the catheter reaches the area causing pain, the abnormal blood vessels can be clearly seen, and the treatment substance is delivered directly to them.
  3. When the substance is injected through the catheter, it forms tiny particles that selectively reduce blood flow in abnormal blood vessels. This causes the problem vessels to shrink and close, while normal vessels remain healthy.

Medical substance used

  • Imipenem/cilastatin, an antibiotic in clinical use for more than 20 years, acts here as a temporary embolic agent. In a randomized trial, it gave pain results similar to permanent microspheres at 12 months.
  • Forms tiny particles that selectively reduce blood flow in abnormal vessels.
  • Helps reduce inflammation at its source and provide durable pain relief.
Procedure and Imaging

See How GAE Works

This page now keeps the GAE-specific procedural detail in one place, including the catheter pathway, abnormal vessel reduction, and before-after imaging examples for patients comparing non-surgical knee pain treatment.

92%
Met the WOMAC improvement threshold at 12 months
0.6mm
Small catheter diameter
20+ yr
In clinical use as an antibiotic
GAE before and after imaging comparison
Before-After GAE

Imaging comparison showing reduction of abnormal blood vessels following GAE treatment.

Are You a Candidate for GAE?

GAE may be a suitable non-surgical knee pain treatment for patients with ongoing knee osteoarthritis pain that does not improve with standard treatments.

You may be a good candidate if

  • You have chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis
  • Pain continues despite medications, physical therapy, or injections
  • Knee pain limits daily activities such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs
  • You are not ready for surgery, or surgery is not recommended for you

Who may not be suitable

  • Knee pain is caused by acute injury, infection, or fracture
  • There is severe joint deformity requiring immediate surgery
  • Certain medical conditions make the procedure unsafe

A personalized decision

At YOUNIFY Clinic, candidacy for GAE is determined through careful clinical assessment and imaging review.

Our doctors consider your symptoms, overall health, and stage of knee disease to recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether GAE or another option.

Not sure if GAE is right for you?

A consultation can help clarify your options and guide you toward the most suitable care.

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Doctors

  • Dr. Thanakrit Mangklapaiboon

    Dr. Thanakrit Mangklapaiboon

    Interventional Radiology

    Fellowship in Body Interventional Radiology

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Price list

Procedures in this table start from THB 15,000 to THB 350,000 per procedure; the final plan is confirmed in a written quotation after assessment.

Price list, YOUNIFY Clinic Bangkok
ProcedureStarting Thailand price (฿)Starting Thailand price (AUD)
Knee & joint procedures
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)THB 129,000A$5,609
Transarterial Microembolization (TAME)THB 129,000A$5,609
Joint Injection (Intra-articular)THB 15,000A$652
Total Knee Replacement (surgical alternative)THB 350,000A$15,217

The last two rows are alternatives, not lesser options. A joint injection is a first-line treatment that can ease symptoms for a period and is often used before any other procedure is considered. A total knee replacement is the operation for advanced osteoarthritis. GAE may delay the point at which it is needed rather than take its place. Which one suits you depends on the stage of your arthritis and on your own goals, and is decided with your doctor, not from a price. * Indicative prices for reference only. Final pricing depends on an individual assessment. Contact our team for a personalized quote.

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Traveling from overseas? See the Thailand package for this procedure.

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What the evidence shows: pooled studies report pain reduction that continues through 12 months, but the certainty of this evidence is rated very low, and trials against a sham procedure leave the size of the true effect uncertain. GAE does not repair cartilage and does not rule out knee replacement later.

References

  1. Chlorogiannis DD, Vasilopoulou A, Konstantinidis CI, Pagona AE, Filippiadis DK. Knee pain improvement after genicular artery embolization for the management of knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies. Radiologie. 2024;64(Suppl 1):S32-S46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00117-024-01388-9
  2. Alves LH, Barbosa D, Merighi MC, et al. Genicular artery embolization as a minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Skeletal Radiol. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-026-05340-x
  3. Correa MP, Michelin AF, Aguiar LA, et al. Genicular artery embolization using imipenem/cilastatin vs. microsphere for knee osteoarthritis (GAUCHO): 12-month clinical results of a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2026;49:1825-1837. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-026-04504-5
  4. Outcome and safety of genicular artery embolization for knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-026-04502-7
FAQ

GAE (Genicular Artery Embolization) in Bangkok

Is GAE surgery?

It is not knee replacement surgery. GAE is performed through a small catheter access, but suitability must be confirmed by a doctor.

How much does GAE cost?

GAE starts from THB 129,000. The final price depends on your physician's assessment and is confirmed in a written quotation after your consultation and a review of your imaging, before any deposit.

Clinic open daily, 11:00 to 20:00 (Bangkok time) · Online enquiries answered 24 hours a day

Does GAE cure osteoarthritis?

No. The goal is symptom and inflammation control in selected patients, not reversal of joint degeneration.

How long is recovery?

Recovery is usually shorter than major surgery, but timing depends on your health, knee condition, and your doctor's instructions.

How is GAE different from a knee injection?

A knee injection places medication directly into the joint space. GAE works through the blood supply instead: small arteries feeding the inflamed joint lining are blocked through a thin catheter. GAE is usually considered when conservative care and injections no longer help enough, and your physician reviews your imaging before recommending it. Results vary by individual.

Does insurance cover GAE?

It depends on your policy and your medical indication. Our team can prepare a treatment summary for you to submit to your insurer, but approval is decided by the insurer. We recommend checking your policy before you book.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Noppachai Siranart · Last reviewed

Individual results may vary. Please consult a doctor before treatment.