Imagine undergoing multiple surgeries to correct chronic knee pain but finding no relief. This was the reality of Arlene Randle’s life earlier this year. “I had four different surgeries to try to fix my knee problems, everything but a knee replacement,” she said. “I was in physical therapy because I had developed a limp in my right leg. After three weeks of PT, I was still limping, and my physical therapist suggested that I see Dr. Shrenik Shah at Preferred Vascular Group.” Dr. Shah is the Medical Director at the Southwest Atlanta Vascular Care office and has been with Preferred Vascular Group for eight years.

Randle bumped into Dr. Shah as she walked through the door for her appointment. “He actually stopped and talked to me,” she said. “He listened to my whole story. I was so impressed with the time he took with me. My orthopedist had left me feeling that I had no options. But Dr. Shah explained something that might work.”

That “something” was a procedure called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). This minimally invasive outpatient procedure works by reducing blood flow to inflamed areas of the knee. Within a few weeks, many patients report significant pain relief and improved mobility.

Randle had GAE about two weeks after her initial visit. “On June 30, Dr. Shah did the procedure. Just two days later, I wasn’t limping anymore,” said Randle, still amazed at how well it worked.

Dr. Shah finds GAE a good choice for people who have tried other pathways for alleviating knee pain caused by chronic osteoarthritis. “There is no downtime, and in the right scenario, it can eliminate or significantly reduce knee pain that the patient may have been experiencing for years,” he said. “The procedure is effective because it specifically targets the inflammatory pathways that give rise to knee pain.”

Randle said Dr. Shah and his team made her feel comfortable through every step of the process. “They explained everything. He has a great bedside manner.”

Dr. Shah says it’s rewarding to help patients like Randle. “The fact that I can profoundly change the trajectory of lives in a single procedure never fails to amaze me, even after years of doing this.”

Preferred Vascular Group has five convenient locations in Georgia and can offer same-day or Saturday appointments. For more information, visit preferredvasculargroup.com.