Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) — Non-Surgical Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain, Same-Day Discharge
What's included in this package
Medical Procedures
- Genicular Artery Embolization
- Consultation with a doctor
Duration
- 2 days in the hotel
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included
Transport
Transfer to the clinic
Implant
No implant applicable
Additional information
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a non-surgical treatment option for knee osteoarthritis pain — designed for people whose knee pain has not improved with physiotherapy, medication, or injections, and who want to avoid (or are not yet ready for) knee replacement surgery.
Chronic knee osteoarthritis pain is often driven by abnormal small blood vessels that grow around the inflamed lining of the joint. In GAE, an interventional specialist works through a single needle-point access — usually at the groin or thigh — and advances a thin catheter under real-time X-ray guidance into the small genicular arteries around the knee. The abnormal microvessels feeding the inflammation are selectively reduced, while healthy circulation to the joint is preserved. There is no surgical incision, no implant, and the joint itself is untouched.
Most suitable patients walk out of the clinic and are discharged the same day. In published experience, pain relief may last several years in some patients — typically in the range of one to five years, depending on the individual, the stage of osteoarthritis and activity level. GAE manages pain; it does not reverse existing joint damage, and it does not close the door on future treatment — knee replacement remains possible later if ever needed.
Why patients choose GAE at YOUNIFY Clinic:
A genuine alternative pathway for knee pain not responding to conservative treatment — the gap between "injections have stopped working" and "I don't want a knee replacement"
Image-guided precision performed by an interventional specialist
Needle-point access only — no incision, no implant, no damage to the joint
Same-day discharge for most patients; no lengthy rehabilitation compared with joint replacement
Evidence-based patient selection: your existing X-ray or MRI is reviewed before you travel, so you fly only if you are a realistic candidate
Physician-led team whose background includes postdoctoral research at Brigham and Women's Hospital / Harvard Medical School and at Mayo Clinic
Central Bangkok location in Silom, five minutes' walk from BTS Sala Daeng, open daily 11:00–20:00, with English-speaking staff and WhatsApp coordination
International and Muslim-friendly patient support: we welcome patients from the GCC and Muslim-majority countries — privacy and modesty are respected throughout, consultation with a female physician can be requested where available, halal dining options surround our Silom location, and we can schedule around prayer times and Ramadan travel.
GAE is not appropriate for every cause of knee pain. It does not treat major ligament tears, fractures, severe deformity or advanced bone-on-bone destruction where replacement is clearly indicated. Final eligibility is confirmed after specialist assessment and imaging review.
Individual results may vary. Please consult a physician before undergoing any procedure.
24/7 Bookimed assistance
- Personal medical coordinator
- Medical travel arrangements — booking of air tickets and hotel rooms at special partner prices
- Patient advocacy during medical travel
Program price
special price valid till September 19, 2026
What's NOT included in this package
Doctor
Dr. Thanakrit Mongklapaiboon is a body interventional radiologist. He earned his M.D. with First Class Honors from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in 2014. He completed a Diagnostic Radiology residency at Siriraj in 2020. He then finished a fellowship in Body Interventional Radiology.
His practice focuses on image-guided, minimally invasive therapies. These include interventional oncology and targeted tumor treatments. He also performs musculoskeletal procedures, such as Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) and nerve block or ablation. His work covers pulmonary and other thoracic procedures, and embolotherapy. Many procedures use micro-access pinhole techniques. These allow same-day recovery with minimal downtime.
How are we doing?
About the clinic
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) at YOUNIFY Clinic in Bangkok, Thailand, offers a modern way to manage chronic knee pain without major surgery. This image-guided treatment targets abnormal blood flow in the knee to reduce inflammation from osteoarthritis. Dr. Thanakrit Mongklapaiboon performs this precise procedure for patients who have not found relief through standard therapies.
Advanced Interventional Care
Dr. Thanakrit Mongklapaiboon leads the treatment team at YOUNIFY Clinic. He holds a Thai Subspecialty Board certification in Interventional Radiology. Dr. Thanakrit Mongklapaiboon also completed a Fellowship in Body Interventional Radiology. This specialized training allows Dr. Thanakrit Mongklapaiboon to use high-resolution imaging to guide instruments through the vascular system with extreme accuracy.
The GAE Procedure at YOUNIFY Clinic
GAE is a non-surgical treatment that focuses on the root cause of osteoarthritis pain. The doctor uses local anesthesia to make the process comfortable. A tiny 0.6 mm catheter is inserted through the wrist or the groin. No surgical incisions are necessary. The doctor then injects a safe medical substance into specific arteries to block abnormal blood vessels. This substance has a safety record of over 20 years in medical use.
- Procedure time: The treatment typically lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
- Hospital stay: Patients leave the clinic the same day as the procedure.
- Success rate: The technical success rate for this method is around 100%.
- Recovery: Most patients return to their daily routines much faster than after knee surgery.
Patient Safety and Clinic Standards
YOUNIFY Clinic maintains a perfect 5.0 rating based on 15+ Google reviews. The facility opens daily from 11:00 to 20:00 to accommodate different schedules. The medical team speaks English, Thai, and Mandarin to assist international visitors. While the procedure is very safe, fewer than 1% of patients require hospital stays for minor side effects. GAE is ideal for those with chronic knee pain who are not ready for a total knee replacement. It is not suitable for people with acute injuries or severe joint deformities.
If you are looking for a non-surgical way to treat knee osteoarthritis, you can request a consultation through Bookimed to learn more about GAE.
Payment & Rewards
You don’t pay for our services
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