Minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain

A Randomized Sham-controlled, Multicenter Trial on the Effect of Genicular Arteries Embolization in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

Phase 3 Interventional Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT06497140

This study is testing a new way to relieve knee pain for people with osteoarthritis by using a special treatment called Genicular Arteries Embolization to see if it helps them feel better and move easier.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Paris and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06497140 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Genicular Arteries Embolization (GAE) using an ethiodized oil-based emulsion to relieve pain in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. It is a multicenter, prospective, randomized sham-controlled trial, where patients will be randomly assigned to receive either the GAE treatment or a sham procedure. The study aims to assess pain relief and functional improvement over a 12-month follow-up period, with patients monitored through various questionnaires. The trial builds on previous findings that demonstrated the safety and potential efficacy of GAE in a smaller study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with primary knee osteoarthritis who experience significant pain and are not eligible for knee surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who have had recent intra-articular injections or prior knee surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant pain relief and improved function for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of primary KOA according to the classification of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) (5)
* Radiographic Kellgren and Lawrence score ≥ 2 (6)
* VAS pain score ≥ 40 mm (scale 0-100 mm)
* Previous intra-articular injection in the target knee
* Patient not eligible to knee surgery
* For woman of childbearing potential: negative bêta-HCG before randomization
* Social security affiliation
* Signed informed consent
* Good understanding of the French language

Exclusion Criteria:

* Intra-articular injection of any product in the target joint within 3 months before embolization
* Prior knee surgery other than ligament repair
* Any inflammatory joint disease other than osteoarthritis
* Any contra-indication to puncture of the ipsilateral femoral artery
* Current treatment with cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cisplatine, vancomycine, amphotericine B or any aminoside
* Ipsilateral symptomatic hip OA
* Treated hyperthyroidism
* Known severe allergy to Lipiodol® and/or iodine contrast medium
* Known moderate to severe kidney failure (creatinine clearance \< 30 45 ml/min)
* Known right-to-left cardiac shunt or intra-tumoral vascular shunt
* Asthma attack in the 8 days before randomization
* Exploration or treatment with radioactive iodine scheduled within 1 month after randomization
* Symptomatic atheromatous lesion in the ipsilateral limb
* Patient unable or unwilling to comply with the follow-up schedule (at the investigator's discretion)
* Vulnerable populations (such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, patient under guardianship curatorship, deprived of liberty)
* Patient under exclusion period in another trial
* Patient on AME (state medical aid)

Where this trial is running

Paris and 2 other locations

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 OsteoarthritisEmbolizationPainRandomized sham-controlled trial
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.