Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for Knee Pain Relief

Dr. Faisal Siddiqi is the medical director at the OrthoVasc Specialist Centers and collaborates with Dr. Ankur Aggarwal and our orthopedic surgeons to provide consultation and treatment for genicular artery embolization (GAE). Formally trained in minimally-invasive procedures during his residency and fellowship, they form the foundation of his practice today. Dr. Siddiqi completed medical residency at the prestigious Yale New Haven Hospital with an interest in interventional therapy. This led to two fellowships during an additional five years of training in cardiovascular medicine and cardiac electrophysiology at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Campus. After fellowship, Dr. Siddiqi performed advanced cardiac procedures including atrial and ventricular catheter ablations at Virtua Hospital before leaving for private practice to become the medical director at the Vein Specialist Centers. An expert in catheter-based treatments, Dr. Siddiqi has developed a program in coordination with Dr. Aggarwal to provide minimally-invasive techniques, including GAE, for patients suffering from knee pain, stiffness or swelling due to osteoarthritis of the knee. Using a novel approach of pedal access, Dr. Siddiqi has been amazed with the positive outcomes of embolization treatment of arthritis. “The real beauty of GAE is how soon the patients can feel the difference. Arthritis can be so debilitating and so many patients are suffering….that this procedure has really given me excitement about what we can do for patients without needing surgery. It’s a game-changer in the management of knee arthritis.” Dr. Siddiqi provides evaluations for GAE treatment at the OrthoVasc Specialist Centers in Manalapan, Livingston, Woodbridge Township and Tinton Falls.

Dr. Ankur Aggarwal is a distinguished board-certified vascular surgeon specializing in catheter-based embolization treatments for immediate and long-term relief of knee osteoarthritis. In New Jersey, Dr. Aggarwal is the only physician directly working with orthopedic surgeons on optimal patient selection of minimally-invasive treatments, including genicular artery embolization (GAE), for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee suffering from knee pain, stiffness, or swelling. He currently serves as the principal investigator at the OrthoVasc Specialist Centers for an IRB approved trial on genicular artery embolization to enhance the field of vascular treatments for orthopedic conditions. Dr. Aggarwal’s extensive training provides the basis for his state-of-the-art work, including fellowships in vascular surgery and critical care medicine at the University of Virginia. Since completion of his formal training, he has become a prominent figure in New Jersey for his collaborative work with orthopedics and providing cutting-edge solutions for common orthopedic conditions. Dr. Aggarwal’s expertise includes micro-embolization therapies for osteoarthritis of the knee, and related conditions including plantar fasciitis, hip pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, golfer's elbow and tennis elbow. Dr. Aggarwal’s specialized endovascular training has also benefited our patients using the pedal (foot) artery for enhanced safety and recovery post procedure in less than an hour. Patients can benefit from Dr. Ankur Aggarwal's expertise at OrthoVasc Specialist Centers in Princeton, Paramus, Clark and Randolph New Jersey.

Dr. Faisal Mahmood, M.D. is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) and founder of One Oak Medical Group. He has added subspeciality qualification in spine surgery. Dr. Mahmood takes pride in treating orthopedic issues of the spine, knee, and hip including joint replacements. Dr. Mahmood prefers conservative management and has been pivotal in the development of our program for genicular artery embolization for knee osteoarthritis. He is committed to providing patients with comprehensive, modern solutions for traditionally surgical orthopedic conditions.

Dr. Timothy Henderson is a board certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon having completed his residency at the prestigious Emory University. He subsequently completed a fellowship at UCLA specializing in arthroscopy. Today, his practice features direct anterior minimally invasive hip replacement surgery – a technique that spares muscles and tendons and minimizes the risk of postoperative weakness or dislocations. Other areas of expertise include same-day/outpatient total hip and knee replacement, sports medicine, and general orthopedic care.

Quite possibly the most impressive resume in our orthopedic department, Dr. Kim Tucker is also a board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Tucker completed her residency training in orthopedic surgery at Rutgers University New Jersey Medical School in Newark. She then pursued post-graduate fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) combined program. Her background also includes three years of active duty in the U.S. military where she achieved the rank of captain. As a captain, Dr. Tucker served as an engineer for the United States Air Force. This engineering background provides her a unique insight on the mechanical aspects of orthopedic care. She is highly sought in the region by competitive adult and student athletes at the professional, collegiate and high-school level for management of orthopedic injuries.

Ahmad Badri, DO is an orthopedic surgeon trained at the world-renowned NYU Langone Health Hospital for Joint Diseases. Following training, he has developed a successful practice providing academic expertise in Clifton and Paramus with a focus on cartilage restoration, joint replacements, and complex ligament and tendon reconstruction of the hip, knee, and shoulder.

Dr. Abdul Arain, MD is a fellowship trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in the North Jersey area and completed training at New York University Hospital for Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Arain is a true academic with a masters in biomedical engineering and bachelors of science in biotechnology. In the spirit of academia, he has contributed to over 60 peer reviewed publications/abstracts and continues research in advanced endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery. He is an advisory member for optimal selection of patients for genicular artery embolization and provides consultative care for patients seeking vascular solutions for arthritis and tendinopathies. In addition to spine surgery, Dr. Arain also offers treatment for the majority of general orthopedic conditions including knee and hip arthritis.