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Genicular Artery Embolization Using Imipenem/Cilastatin vs. Microsphere for Knee Osteoarthritis (GAUCHO). 12-Month Clinical Results of a Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Genicular Artery Embolization Using Imipenem/Cilastatin vs. Microsphere for Knee Osteoarthritis (GAUCHO). 12-Month Clinical Results of a Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Mateus Picada Correa, Alexandre Froes Michelin, Lyson Azevedo Aguiar, Ricardo Lugokenski, Rodrigo Ilha Algarve and Joaquim M. Motta-Leal-Filho
Cardiovascular and interventional radiology, 42371012
06/29/2026
DOI: 10.1007/s00270-026-04504-5
PMID: 42371012
url
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-026-04504-5View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

PurposeTo compare the safety and clinical outcomes of genicular artery embolization (GAE) performed with permanent microspheres (PM) and imipenem/cilastatin (I/C) in patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis.Materials and MethodsIn this IRB-approved prospective, randomized, single-center, single-blind trial, 60 patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis were allocated to GAE with I/C (n = 30) or microspheres (n = 30). Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, 30 days, 90 days, and 365 days using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between groups, except for a higher rate of bilateral treatment in the microsphere group (56.6% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.037). Technical success was achieved in all procedures, with lower embolic volume in the microsphere group (p = 0.003). The mean volume of embolic was 1.5 ml in the microsphere group and 2.0 ml in the I/C group (p = 0.003). Between-group comparisons showed no significant differences in VAS at 30, 90, and 365 days (3.20 vs. 2.28, p = 0.102; 3.38 vs. 3.33, p = 0.931; and 3.95 vs. 3.88, p = 0.928), in WOMAC pain (6.25 vs. 4.83, p = 0.182; 8.11 vs. 6.00, p = 0.051; and 7.50 vs 6.27, p = 0.323), or in KOOS pain (63.59 vs. 72.12, p = 0.115; 56.58 vs. 67.14, p = 0.074; and 53.76 vs. 65.81, p = 0.081) for I/C versus microspheres, respectively.ConclusionGAE using either I/C or microspheres is safe and effective, with significant clinical improvement over 12 months and no major differences in adverse events and pain outcomes between embolic agents.
 Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems Cardiovascular System & Cardiology Life Sciences & Biomedicine Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging Science & Technology

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