What to Expect on the Day of Your GAE Procedure

For most patients, the hardest part of GAE isn’t the procedure. It’s the not-knowing.

Once patients at Vascular Center of Naples know what their procedure day actually looks like, the anxiety fades. Dr. Becker has been described by patients as “calm, confident, and clearly very experienced” — and he takes the time to explain what’s happening as he does it. (That’s a real patient quote from his Google reviews.)

Here’s what your GAE day looks like from start to finish at Vascular Center of Naples.

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Before you arrive: what to prepare

In the days before your procedure, you’ll receive specific preparation instructions from the Vascular Center of Naples team. This typically includes guidance on medications to hold or continue, fasting instructions (nothing by mouth after midnight is standard when sedation is used), what to wear (comfortable, loose clothing), and arrangements for a driver — you will need someone to bring you home.

If anything is unclear before your procedure day, call the office. The team is used to these questions and happy to walk you through it.

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Arriving at Vascular Center of Naples: check-in and prep

One thing patients appreciate about the Vascular Center of Naples: you’re coming to a dedicated vascular practice with a full surgery suite built into the office — not a crowded hospital outpatient center. The environment is organized and calm. You’ll arrive about 30 to 60 minutes before your procedure time to check in, go over your health history and medications one final time, and get your IV placed.

When it’s time, you’ll be brought into the procedure suite. The access site — typically the wrist or upper thigh — is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Most patients also receive light sedation to keep them comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.

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During the procedure: what’s actually happening

The GAE procedure itself takes about 1 to 2 hours. Using live fluoroscopic imaging, Dr. Becker threads a thin catheter through the blood vessels to precisely locate the geniculate arteries that are feeding the inflamed tissue around your knee. Once confirmed, microscopic embolic particles are delivered to selectively reduce blood flow to those areas.

Patients often describe feeling mild pressure or warmth at certain points — not pain. Dr. Becker narrates what’s happening as he works, which patients consistently say makes the experience feel much less intimidating than they expected. One recent patient described it as “he even took the time to show me what was going on on the screen as he did it.”

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After the procedure: recovery and going home

After the procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area for about 1 to 2 hours while the team monitors you. Once you’re cleared, your driver picks you up. That’s it. No overnight stay, no hospital discharge process, no rehab facility.

You’ll receive discharge instructions covering what to do, what to watch for, and any temporary activity restrictions. Some mild soreness at the access site is normal. Post-procedure discomfort is typically limited to minor bruising or mild soreness. Most patients resume light activity within 24 to 48 hours.

As for when you’ll start feeling better: pain relief and improved function are commonly experienced within 2 to 4 weeks as inflammation settles. Some patients notice earlier changes; for others, improvement builds more gradually. Dr. Becker will follow up with you to track your progress.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be awake for the procedure?

Most patients receive light sedation and remain comfortable and relaxed but not fully unconscious. General anesthesia is not required. Your specific protocol depends on your health history.

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Will it hurt?

The access site is numbed before anything begins. Most patients describe mild pressure at moments during the procedure, not pain. If you feel something that concerns you, tell the team immediately.

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Can I drive myself home?

No. You’ll need a driver because of the sedation. Plan for someone to stay with you for the first day as a precaution.

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What is the Vascular Center of Naples surgery suite like?

It’s a full, accredited surgical suite located directly in Dr. Becker’s office — which means you avoid the hospital entirely. Patients consistently note that this makes the whole experience feel more personal, efficient, and less stressful.

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Questions about your procedure day? Call the Vascular Center of Naples at (239) 431-5884.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified physician for diagnosis and individualized treatment recommendations.

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