Treatment overview
A breakthrough treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain.
Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE) is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure designed to help patients suffering from chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It offers a non-surgical alternative for individuals who have not found sufficient relief from medication, physiotherapy, injections, or lifestyle modifications and who may not yet be ready for knee replacement surgery.
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Unlike traditional treatments that focus primarily on managing symptoms, GAE targets the abnormal blood vessels that develop within the inflamed tissues of the arthritic knee. These vessels contribute to ongoing inflammation and pain. By reducing this abnormal blood flow, GAE helps decrease inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve joint function.
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On 11 February 2026, Dr Dale Creamer and the team at Cape Town Interventional Radiology and Joint Centre SA achieved a major milestone in South African medicine, performing the country’s first Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE) at Mediclinic Constantiaberg Hospital in Cape Town. The landmark procedure made an advanced, minimally invasive treatment already offered in leading healthcare systems around the world, accessible to patients across South Africa.
MEDIA QUOTES
“On Wednesday, 11 February 2026, Cape Town marked another milestone, this time in the field of medical innovation. Interventional Radiologist Dr Dale Creamer and his team from Cape Town Interventional Radiology performed South Africa’s first Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE) procedure in both the private and public healthcare sectors at Mediclinic Constantiaberg Hospital.”
Tracy-Lynn Ruiters,
Weekend Argus
“Another first in South African medicine. This week, the country’s first Genicular Artery Embolisation (GAE) procedure was performed by Dr Dale Creamer and the Cape Town Interventional Radiology team at Mediclinic Constantiaberg. This successfully marks the first advanced, minimally invasive procedure for chronic knee pain available nationally.”
Savanna Douglas,
Good Things Guy
Understanding knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when the protective cartilage within the knee joint gradually wears away. This degeneration can lead to:
Persistent knee pain
Joint stiffness
Swelling
Reduced mobility
Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or exercising
A decreased quality of life
Recent research has shown that chronic inflammation within the knee joint plays a significant role in the pain experienced by osteoarthritis patients. This inflammation is often associated with the growth of abnormal blood vessels and nerve endings around the joint.
How does GAE work?
GAE is performed by a specialist Interventional Radiologist using advanced imaging technology.
HOW GAE WORKS
During the procedure
A tiny catheter is inserted through a small puncture in the wrist or groin artery.
Using real-time X-ray guidance, the catheter is carefully navigated to the small arteries supplying the inflamed areas around the knee.
Microscopic particles are then delivered through the catheter to reduce blood flow to these abnormal vessels.
By decreasing the blood supply to inflamed tissue, the procedure helps reduce inflammation and interrupt the cycle of chronic pain.
The surrounding healthy tissues and normal circulation remain unaffected.
Benefits of GAE:
Outpatient treatment with no hospital stay
Significant reduction in knee pain
Enhanced ability to perform daily activities
Improved mobility and flexibility
Reduced dependence on pain medication
Minimal scarring
Faster recovery compared to surgery
Potential delay or avoidance of knee replacement surgery
Patient Suitability
GAE may be suitable for patients who:
Have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis
Experience persistent knee pain despite conservative treatments
Are not suitable candidates for surgery
Wish to delay knee replacement surgery
Treatment Benefits
Why Choose GAE?
For many patients living with chronic knee Osteoarthritis pain, Genicular Artery Embolisation represents a new and exciting treatment option. By addressing the inflammatory process driving pain, GAE offers the possibility of meaningful symptom relief without the risks, recovery time, and lifestyle disruption associated with major surgery.
At Joint Centre SA, our experienced team is committed to providing cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments that help patients regain mobility, maintain independence, and return to the activities they enjoy most.