Hidden Connections: The Role of Geniculate Artery Anastomoses in Embolization

Monday, March 31, 2025

5:00 PM – 5:05 PM CT

Location: Music City Center, 207 AB

Abstract Presenter(s)

Juri Bassuner, MD

Assistant Professor
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States

Author/Co-author(s)

BK

Bridget Kowalczyk, MD

Resident Physician
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, United States
SA

Shahroz Aziz, MD

Assistant Professor
UTHealth Houston, United States
MP

Mihir Patel, MD

Assistant Professor
UT Houston, United States
Ahmed M. Kamel Abdel Aal, MD, PhD, FSIR

Professor of Radiology, Chief of Interventional Radiology
University of Texas Health Science Center, United States
MS

Mohamed Shahin, MD

Assistant Professor
UT Health McGovern Medical School, United States

Learning Objectives:

Understand the anatomical structure and function of geniculate arteries.

Identify special scenarios where anastomoses are beneficial and potentially harmful.

Background: Geniculate artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to manage chronic knee pain, particularly in patients with osteoarthritis. The geniculate arteries, which supply blood to the knee joint, have a complex network of anastomoses that play a crucial role in the success of this procedure. Understanding these anastomoses is essential for interventional radiologists to effectively target the arteries and achieve optimal outcomes.

Clinical Findings/Procedure Details: This exhibit will provide a detailed review of the geniculate artery anatomy, focusing on the anastomotic connections. High-resolution angiographic images and diagrams will illustrate the typical and variant anatomy of these arteries. Images demonstrating anastomoses will be presented to show the clinical application and outcomes of GAE, emphasizing the importance of understanding anastomoses to avoid complications and improve efficacy.

Conclusion and/or Teaching Points:

The anastomoses of the geniculate arteries are critical to the success of geniculate artery embolization.

Detailed knowledge of the vascular anatomy and careful procedural planning are essential to avoid non-target embolization and ensure effective pain relief.

This educational exhibit aims to enhance the understanding of geniculate artery anatomy and improve the technical skills of practitioners performing GAE.