When you’re suffering from chronic knee pain, but want to avoid surgery, consult with a knee pain doctor in Brooklyn or in the Bronx. Dr. George Bolotin of the Astra Knee Pain Center rely on genicular artery embolization (GAE). This minimally invasive procedure effectively kills the pain while leaving the joint structurally sound. Call today for a consultation from the best knee pain doctors in Brooklyn and the Bronx to discover if you’re a candidate for GAE.
Am I a Candidate for GAE?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) provides long-term knee pain relief without surgery. The ideal candidates for GAE are those dealing with chronic knee discomfort that interferes with daily activities. When considering who qualifies for this procedure, a candidate for GAE is typically someone who’s already tried conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy or injections without effective relief.
At the Astra Knee Pain Center in Brooklyn and the Bronx, Dr. George Bolotin and his team use non-surgical methods to treat knee pain. For GAE, these knee pain doctors block the small blood vessels that cause inflammation, helping reduce pain without harming the joint. To find out if you’re a candidate for GAE, visit a knee pain specialists at the Astra Knee Pain Center.
How Do I Know if I’m an Ideal Candidate for GAE?
If you’re struggling with chronic knee pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, you may be a candidate for GAE. This non-surgical option relieves arthritis and other inflammation-related knee pain, so you can avoid knee replacement.
You may be an ideal candidate for GAE if you have conditions that include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Failed conservative treatments, such as medications, injections or physical therapy
- Bone-on-bone grinding
- Chronic joint inflammation
- Knee pain that limits your daily routines, but doesn’t require immediate surgery
The knee pain specialists in the Bronx at the Astra Knee Pain Center carefully evaluate your pain level and imaging results to find the best solution to your pain. If you’ve been told you need surgery, the team recommends a second opinion before surgery to explore safer alternatives like GAE before you make a final decision.
What Are the Advantages of GAE?
Since genicular artery embolization is a non-surgical treatment, it allows you to avoid the long recovery and the inherent risks of a total knee replacement. The Astra Knee Pain Center’s team relies on minimally invasive treatments to manage your symptoms and improve your mobility. Ideal candidates for GAE must be vetted by a knowledgeable vascular specialist like Dr. Bolotin.
The advantages of GAE include:
- It’s less invasive than surgery.
- It leaves you with a much shorter recovery time, compared to knee replacement.
- It targets the root cause of your pain and swelling.
- It preserves your knee’s natural structure.
- It improves your mobility while reducing your pain.
Ideal candidates for GAE include those with chronic knee pain from arthritis or from an injury that hasn’t improved from other treatments. You may find that GAE not only eases your pain, but also allows you to return to your normal activities with more confidence and less discomfort.
When Is GAE Not the Right Choice for Me?
While genicular artery embolization is safe for many people, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Certain medical conditions or joint problems may prevent you from getting this treatment.
You aren’t a candidate for GAE if you have:
- Severe joint instability
- An active infection or untreated vascular disease
- Advanced autoimmune arthritis
- A total knee replacement already
These conditions interfere with a successful GAE or increase your risk of complications. Whether you’re seeking a knee pain doctor in Brooklyn or the Bronx, Dr. Bolotin and his staff take the time to examine you, explain your options and create a personalized treatment plan.
If you shouldn’t get GAE, they propose treatment alternatives. If you’re among the ideal candidates for GAE, they ensure the treatment is performed safely and effectively. If you’re ready to find the best solution for your knee pain, contact the Astra Knee Pain Center to schedule your consultation.
Updated on May 5, 2026 by Dr. George Bolotin (Knee Pain Specialist) of Astra Knee Pain Center
Astra Knee Pain Center Brooklyn
4209 Ave U, Suite A.
Brooklyn, NY 11234
(347) 934-9068
Astra Knee Pain Center Bronx
869 E Tremont Ave
Bronx, NY 10460
(929) 447-4563
Astra Knee Pain Center Queens
30-71 Steinway St,
Astoria, NY 11103
(929) 486-2201