Chronic knee pain doesn’t have to end in knee replacement. At Swift Vein and Vascular in the Bronx, Dr. Pradeep Goyal, MD, DABR, RPVI, is helping patients across the Bronx, Westchester County, Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn find lasting relief from knee osteoarthritis through Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)—a minimally invasive, outpatient, non-surgical knee pain treatment that targets the actual source of chronic knee inflammation.
If you’ve been searching “non-surgical knee pain treatment near me,” “genicular artery embolization near me,” or “knee embolization Bronx,” this guide explains why GAE is becoming one of the most talked-about alternatives to knee replacement surgery — and why patients are reporting real, measurable success.
What Makes GAE Different From Other Knee Pain Treatments?
Most knee pain treatments — cortisone injections, hyaluronic acid (“gel”) shots, physical therapy, oral medications — treat the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Genicular Artery Embolization is different because it targets a root cause: abnormal, newly formed blood vessels (neovascularity) that develop inside an arthritic knee joint and feed chronic inflammation and pain signaling.
During the procedure, Dr. Goyal uses image-guided catheter techniques — accessing the blood vessels through a tiny puncture in the ankle or groin — to selectively block these abnormal genicular arteries with microscopic embolic particles, while preserving healthy blood flow to the rest of the knee. The result: reduced inflammation, calmer pain signals, and improved joint function, without an incision, without general anesthesia in most cases, and without a hospital stay.
Why Patients Consider GAE a “Success Story” Treatment
Patients who choose GAE at Swift Vein and Vascular are typically people who have already tried — and outgrown — the conservative options:
• Physical therapy that helped only temporarily
• Cortisone injections that wore off in weeks
• Hyaluronic acid (“gel”) injections with inconsistent results
• A desire to avoid, delay, or become eligible for knee replacement surgery
• Concerns about surgical risk due to age or other medical conditions
For these patients, GAE offers a fundamentally different path. Because the procedure targets the vascular driver of inflammation rather than masking pain, relief tends to build gradually and last — clinical experience shows benefits commonly persisting one to three years or longer, depending on the stage of osteoarthritis. That combination of a same-day outpatient procedure with durable, meaningful pain relief is exactly why GAE has become a genuine success story for patients who thought their only remaining option was surgery.
What GAE Success Looks Like, Step by Step
| Stage | What Patients Typically Experience |
| Day of procedure | ~60-minute outpatient visit; local anesthesia with light sedation; walking and discharge home the same day |
| First few days | Minimal downtime; light activity resumes quickly; mild soreness or bruising at the access site is common |
| 2–4 weeks | Inflammation gradually decreases; many patients report less pain walking and climbing stairs |
| Weeks to months | Continued improvement in mobility, sleep, and daily function as inflammation subsides |
| 1–3+ years | Many patients experience sustained pain relief, with the option to repeat GAE or explore further care if symptoms return |
This gradual, cumulative improvement is a key reason GAE tends to earn strong satisfaction from patients: the relief reflects a genuine reduction in inflammation, not a temporary numbing effect.
Real GAE Success Stories From Swift Vein and Vascular Patients
Swift Vein and Vascular has built a 5.0-star reputation on Google, with patient after patient describing meaningful, lasting relief after Genicular Artery Embolization. Here’s what real patients are saying about their GAE experience:
“I have suffered from severe, throbbing pain in both of my knees for many years. Since the procedure, my left knee feels so much better, and I am already ready to have my right knee treated.” — Jocelyn Estrella ★★★★★
“I was told I needed full knee replacement, and now have less pain and can walk a lot better. I highly recommend all to come, that are suffering.” — Felipe Figue ★★★★★
“Since my GAE procedure I’ve been feeling great. My mobility has increased immensely in a month since the procedure.” — Mayra Rosario, Local Guide ★★★★★
“I no longer have any pain in my knee. I feel so much better… This is best knee pain center in New York City.” — Yvonne Robinson ★★★★★
“The GAE procedure was successful and I’m thrilled with the results. My knee pain is gone and I had no down time… I’m definitely looking forward to doing my left knee soon.” — Rocio Gomez ★★★★★
“The doctor called me and checked up on me which is rare. He was detailed about my procedure… he make sure you understand what he is doing.” — Annette Mcleod ★★★★★
Additional five-star reviewers echo the same results: Ruth Colindres reports she’s “completely better” and is already planning treatment for her other knee, while Wade Taylor and Eduardo Valentin both simply sum it up as GAE “working” for their knee pain and highly recommend Swift Vein and Vascular for the procedure.
Across dozens of reviews, common themes emerge again and again: reduced or eliminated knee pain, improved mobility within weeks, minimal to no downtime, and a doctor and staff who take the time to explain the procedure and follow up personally. Several patients — including Jocelyn, Ruth, and Rocio — were satisfied enough with their first knee that they returned to have the second knee treated.
You can read these and other patient reviews directly on Swift Vein and Vascular’s Google Business Profile.
Is Genicular Artery Embolization Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for GAE if you:
• Have chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis lasting six months or longer
• Have tried physical therapy, cortisone, or gel injections without lasting relief
• Want to avoid or postpone knee replacement surgery
• Are not an ideal surgical candidate due to age or other health conditions
• Are looking for a minimally invasive treatment with fast recovery
Frequently Asked Questions About Genicular Artery Embolization
Q1. Does GAE cure osteoarthritis?
No. GAE does not regrow cartilage or reverse arthritis. It reduces the abnormal blood vessel growth and inflammation that drive chronic knee pain, improving comfort and function.
Q2. How long does the GAE procedure take?
Most procedures take approximately 45–60 minutes and are performed on an outpatient basis.
Q3. Will I need general anesthesia?
Most patients undergo GAE with local anesthesia and light sedation — general anesthesia is usually not required.
Q4. How soon can I walk after GAE?
Most patients walk the same day and return home within hours.
Q5. How long does pain relief from GAE last?
Results vary, but many patients experience meaningful relief lasting one to three years or longer.
Q6. Is GAE covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan, and prior authorization is often required. The team at Swift Vein and Vascular assists patients with insurance verification.
Q7. Can both knees be treated with GAE?
Yes — depending on symptoms and clinical evaluation, one or both knees may be treated.
Schedule a Genicular Artery Embolization Consultation in the Bronx
If chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis is limiting your mobility, it may be time to explore a non-surgical option. Dr. Pradeep Goyal and the team at Swift Vein and Vascular provide comprehensive evaluations, imaging review, and individualized treatment planning to determine whether Genicular Artery Embolization is right for you.