Percutaneous Transcatheter Genicular Embolization in Osteoarthritis
Czechia20 participantsStarted 2026-02-02
Plain-language summary
This clinical study investigates a minimally invasive treatment called percutaneous transcatheter embolization of knee arteries for patients with chronic knee pain caused by advanced knee osteoarthritis or persistent pain after total knee replacement. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common degenerative condition that can lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life, and some patients do not achieve sufficient relief with standard treatments.
The study is based on the hypothesis that targeted embolization of small arteries supplying the inflamed tissues of the knee can safely reduce abnormal blood flow associated with inflammation, leading to pain relief and improved knee function. During the procedure, a thin catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the affected area of the knee, where a temporary embolic agent is administered to reduce pathological blood supply.
The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this procedure by assessing changes in pain intensity, knee function, and quality of life over a follow-up period of up to 24 months. The results of this study may help determine whether this minimally invasive approach can offer a new treatment option for patients who have limited alternatives for managing chronic knee pain
Who can participate
Age range
40 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 40 to 80 years
* Clinical symptoms consistent with chronic knee pain
* Radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis of Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV or persistent knee pain following total knee arthroplasty
* Insufficient pain relief after standard conservative treatment (e.g., pharmacological therapy, physical therapy, or injections)
* Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent \_ Willingness and ability to comply with the study procedures and follow-up schedule
Exclusion Criteria:
* Active local or systemic infection
* Known coagulation disorders or ongoing anticoagulation that cannot be safely interrupted
* Significant peripheral arterial disease affecting the lower limbs
* Known allergy or contraindication to iodinated contrast agents
* Severe renal impairment
* History of fibromyalgia or other generalized chronic pain syndromes that may confound pain assessment
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
VAS (Visual Analog Scale) score
Timeframe: In 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th month after the procedure.
2
WOMAC ( Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) score
Timeframe: In 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th month after the procedure.
3
KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) score
Timeframe: In 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th month after the procedure.
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07361198
SponsorMasarykova Nemocnice v Usti nad Labem, Krajska Zdravotni a.s.