Chronic knee pain sufferers may soon have another option closer to home after Cape Town doctors completed South Africa’s first Genicular Artery Embolization procedure.
Cape Town, South Africa (16 February 2026) – Another first in South African medicine. This week, the country’s first Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) procedure was performed by Dr Dale Creamer and the Cape Town Interventional Radiology team at Mediclinic Constantiaberg.
This successfully marks the first advanced, minimally invasive procedure for chronic knee pain available nationally.
“Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. During GAE, microscopic particles are delivered via a catheter to selectively block small, inflamed blood vessels in the knee lining. This reduces inflammation and alleviates pain,” shares Cape Town Interventional Radiology.
Dr Dale trained in Interventional Radiology at the University of Calgary in Canada and later refined the GAE technique in Europe before bringing the expertise home.
“It is an extremely exciting time for Interventional Radiology in South Africa as we continue to pioneer growth within the specialty,” says Dr Dale. “Our goal is to provide patients with access to the same advanced, evidence-based treatments available in leading healthcare systems around the world – and we are beginning to see that vision realised.”
The milestone expands treatment options for patients who may not yet qualify for knee replacement surgery or who are looking for alternatives to long-term pain medication.
“For the first time in many months I could sleep without having a pillow between my knees. I could get up normally without having to hold onto something. No pain at all in the knees, only the area by my groin a little ache. But otherwise I’m feeling good. Say a big thank you to Dr Creamer and his team for making me feel so special, comfortable, and well cared for. Thank you for going that extra mile.” shared the first South African patient to receive the procedure.
The Cape Town Interventional Radiology team says they are committed to bringing innovation home so South Africans don’t have to travel overseas to access world-class, evidence-based care.
It’s a first for the country and a hope for patients managing chronic knee pain.
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