Minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis

Geniculate Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Not applicable Interventional University of Calgary · NCT05386797

This study is testing a new, less invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis to see if it can help people who haven't found relief from other therapies and want to avoid surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Calgary Academic / other
Locations1 site (Calgary)
Trial IDNCT05386797 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of geniculate artery embolization (GAE) as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain and disability. The study aims to provide a minimally invasive alternative for patients who have not responded to conservative therapies and are either not surgical candidates or prefer to avoid surgery. GAE works by disrupting the blood supply to the affected area, potentially alleviating pain and improving function. Participants will be monitored for pain relief and overall quality of life improvements following the procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals over 40 years old with knee pain resistant to conservative treatments and who are not surgical candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with severe knee osteoarthritis or those with significant comorbidities that contraindicate the procedure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer significant pain relief and improved quality of life for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies on geniculate artery embolization have shown promise, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though it remains relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. VAS score of at least 50 mm for knee pain
2. Pain resistant to at least 3 months of conservative therapy (including medical therapy, physiotherapy, intra-articular cortisone or viscosupplement injection).
3. Age \> 40 years
4. Radiographs demonstrating knee osteoarthritis on same side as pain
5. Patient not a surgical candidate or declines surgical management

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Radiographically severe knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade \>2)
2. Severe non-knee related lower limb pain with VAS \> 50 mm.
3. Local infection and inflammatory arthritis.
4. Malignancy
5. Previous knee surgery
6. Bleeding risk - known hematologic disease increasing risk of bleeding, pre-procedure INR \> 1.4, pre-procedure PTT \> 40 seconds or pre-procedure platelets \< 50,000/uL
7. Known chronic renal failure or eGFR \< 45
8. ECOG grade \> 2
9. Patient weight \> 300 lbs
10. Patient unreliable for follow up

Where this trial is running

Calgary

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Knee OsteoarthritisEmbolization
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.