Genicular artery embolization

[BloodySurgeon]

curious why IR are now trying to perform genicular artery embolization (GAE) instead of referral for genicular nerve ablation. Anyone consider this for failed RFAs? No blocks required for PA. Thoughts?

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[lobelsteve]

Patient asked about this today. Weird. Never heard of it.
Joe Prologo at Emory is doing this.

 

[bedrock]

Can only image that it pays a lot more than genicular nerve ablations.

Though that is an admittedly low bar to hurdle.

 

[nvrsumr]

Local group of rads does only this and kyphos. Office based

 

[oneforfighting]

Remember listening to a backtable podcast on this:

 

[Ferrismonk]

I've heard of this, but never actually seen it done. Considering genicular RF is not covered by basically anyone anymore, perhaps its a reasonable option.

 

[oreosandsake]

How possible is it that the RF is also coagulating the artery?

Same places/targets?

 

[bedrock]

Local group of rads does only this and kyphos. Office based

Can you please post or private message me their name? I have some patients without coverage for genicular ablations that I might send them, as an option if this is covered by insurance.

 

[geauxg8rs]

Can only image that it pays a lot more than genicular nerve ablations.

Though that is an admittedly low bar to hurdle.

ESP when that bar is often zero dollars

 

[Orin]

Data look promising
Different mechanism postulated with cutting off blood flow to hypervascular inflammatory tissue
You can sometimes image this on MRI but angio is more sensitive I believe

I referred out rarely for it when I had an IR doing it, but I don't think it replaces cryo/RFA.

 

[Ducttape]

please post data.
we have heard about "promising data" that all too often are actually poorly designed means of generating financial windfall.