Columbia researchers offer minimally invasive knee embolization for osteoarthritis
Living with knee osteoarthritis usually means dealing with pain or facing surgery, but a new option from Columbia University researchers might shake things up.
Their minimally invasive knee embolization procedure uses advanced imaging to block blood flow to inflamed parts of the knee, easing pain and helping people move better, often within weeks.
Knee embolization uses tiny particles
Knee embolization is done by interventional radiologists through a tiny incision, using tiny particles, about the size of grains of sand, to calm inflammation.
The whole thing takes about 1 hour, and most people head home the same day. Studies show 70% to 85% of patients feel lasting relief.
With osteoarthritis cases rising fast, interventional radiologist Stephen Reis, MD, chief of the Division of Interventional Radiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, sums it up: "Knee embolization can provide immediate relief when there are no other good options."