Catheter embolization of small knee arteries to relieve osteoarthritis pain
Percutaneous Transcatheter Genicular Embolization in Osteoarthritis
This study will try using a catheter procedure to block small arteries around the knee to reduce chronic pain in adults 40–80 with knee osteoarthritis or persistent pain after knee replacement who haven't found enough relief from standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Masarykova Nemocnice v Usti nad Labem, Krajska Zdravotni a.s. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ústí nad Labem) |
| Trial ID | NCT07361198 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, single-center pilot trial of selective genicular artery embolization performed under local anesthesia via femoral arterial access. Angiography is used to identify focal hypervascular regions (
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 40–80 with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence II–IV) or ongoing pain after total knee arthroplasty who have not had sufficient relief from medications, physical therapy, or injections and who can consent to angiographic procedures.
Not a fit: Patients with generalized pain syndromes (e.g., fibromyalgia), active infection, severe renal impairment, uncorrectable coagulation problems, contrast allergy, significant peripheral arterial disease, pregnancy, or those already responding to conservative care are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the procedure could reduce knee pain and improve function, potentially delaying or avoiding more invasive surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot studies and case series of genicular artery embolization have reported pain relief in some patients, but larger randomized trials and long-term outcome data remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 40 to 80 years * Clinical symptoms consistent with chronic knee pain * Radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis of Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV or persistent knee pain following total knee arthroplasty * Insufficient pain relief after standard conservative treatment (e.g., pharmacological therapy, physical therapy, or injections) * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent \_ Willingness and ability to comply with the study procedures and follow-up schedule Exclusion Criteria: * Active local or systemic infection * Known coagulation disorders or ongoing anticoagulation that cannot be safely interrupted * Significant peripheral arterial disease affecting the lower limbs * Known allergy or contraindication to iodinated contrast agents * Severe renal impairment * History of fibromyalgia or other generalized chronic pain syndromes that may confound pain assessment * Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Where this trial is running
Ústí nad Labem
- Masarykova nemocnice v Ústí nad Labem — Ústí nad Labem, Czechia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Patrik Matras, MUDr.
- Email: patrik.matras@kzcr.eu
- Phone: +420 604 753 473
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.