What is Surgical Associates?

Surgical Associates, is a multi-location surgical practice established in 1984, specializing in minimally invasive, in-office vascular, thoracic, and surgical care. Their board-certified surgeons treat conditions like uterine fibroids, osteoarthritic knee pain, peripheral artery disease, and vein disorders across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Where are Surgical Associates' office locations?

Surgical Associates has five locations: Camp Springs, MD (5801 Allentown Road, Ste 502); Silver Spring, MD (10750 Columbia Pike #220); Waldorf, MD (11370 Pembrooke Square); Reston, VA (1860 Town Center Drive, Ste 180); and Washington, D.C. (1160 Varnum Street NE, Ste 318). All locations can be reached at (240) 427-1630.

How do I book a consultation at Surgical Associates?

You can book a consultation by calling (240) 427-1630 or by visiting the online booking page at sacmd.com/contact. The team will guide you through the scheduling process and answer any questions before your visit.

What treatments does Surgical Associates offer?

Surgical Associates offers a range of minimally invasive procedures including: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for knee pain, Laser Ablation and Vein Treatments, Angioplasty, Atherectomy and Stenting, Radiofrequency Ablation, General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Wound Care.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats noncancerous uterine fibroids without surgery or general anesthesia. Tiny particles are injected through a small catheter to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. Most patients experience symptom relief within a few weeks to a few months. The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, is performed under sedation, and most women return home the same day.

Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) painful?

Most patients experience mild to moderate cramping after UFE, which is well managed with medication provided by the care team. The procedure itself is performed under sedation to ensure comfort throughout.

How soon will I see results after UFE?

Many women notice symptom relief within a few weeks after UFE, with continued improvement over several months as the fibroids gradually shrink. Symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure typically reduce significantly during this period.

Will I need to stay overnight after UFE?

UFE is typically an outpatient procedure, and most patients go home the same day or after a short observation period. Recovery is faster than traditional fibroid surgery, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week or two.

Does UFE preserve fertility?

Yes. UFE is a uterus-sparing procedure, making it a safe option for women who wish to maintain fertility. The treatment targets fibroids while leaving healthy uterine tissue intact. Patients are encouraged to discuss their fertility goals with their provider during the consultation.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic osteoarthritic knee pain. It works by reducing blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee joint, which helps decrease pain and improve mobility. GAE is designed for patients who have not found sufficient relief from other treatments and want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.

What vascular conditions does Surgical Associates treat?

Surgical Associates treats a wide range of vascular conditions including peripheral artery disease (PAD), varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and arterial blockages. Treatment options include angioplasty, atherectomy, stenting, laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and wound care for vascular-related wounds.

Are Surgical Associates' procedures performed in-office or in a hospital?

Most procedures at Surgical Associates are performed in-office as outpatient treatments, allowing for faster recovery and convenience. Some cases may be performed at select partner hospitals depending on the complexity of the procedure. The team will advise you on the appropriate setting during your consultation.

How experienced are the surgeons at Surgical Associates?

Surgical Associates' surgeons are board-certified with decades of experience. Dr. Rodeen Rahbar is a board-certified vascular surgeon with over 20 years of experience, has performed more than 1,500 interventions, and is recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. He trained at the University of Michigan, Marshall University, and Allegheny General Hospital, and previously served as an Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery at George Washington University.

How long has Surgical Associates been in practice?

Surgical Associates has been serving patients since 1984, bringing over 40 years of experience in surgical and vascular care. The practice has evolved over the decades to focus on minimally invasive treatments for knee pain, uterine fibroids, and vascular conditions while maintaining its strong surgical heritage.

What to Expect During GAE | SACMD Virginia & Maryland

Before the procedure

GAE starts with an evaluation, not a procedure. A specialist confirms that your knee pain is due to osteoarthritis, reviews your imaging, and checks that you’ve tried conservative measures, like medications, physical therapy, or injections, for a reasonable period (generally at least a few months) without enough relief. This is also when you’ll discuss your goals and realistic expectations.

Once you’re a candidate, your team will give you preparation instructions, which may include guidance on eating and drinking beforehand, which medications to pause or continue (for example, blood thinners), and arranging a ride home since you’ll have light sedation. Come with comfortable clothing and your questions written down.

The evaluation is the most important step, and the easiest one to take. The specialists at Surgical Associates determine GAE candidacy for knee arthritis patients across Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. If you’re curious whether GAE could help your knee, that conversation is the place to begin.

During the procedure

GAE is performed by an interventional specialist using live X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance. Here’s the typical sequence:

Comfort first. You’ll receive mild sedation so you’re relaxed and comfortable, but you generally remain awake. You won’t need general anesthesia.
Access. A small area, usually near the groin (sometimes the wrist), is numbed, and a thin catheter is introduced into the artery through a tiny puncture, no surgical incision.
Navigation. Using X-ray guidance, the specialist steers the catheter to the small genicular arteries that supply the inflamed lining of your knee.
Embolization. Tiny particles are released to reduce the abnormal blood flow feeding the inflamed tissue. This calms the inflammation that drives your pain.
Finish. The catheter is removed and the small puncture site is closed with gentle pressure; no stitches needed.

The procedure itself typically takes about an hour.

After the procedure: the recovery timeline

Recovery is one of GAE’s biggest advantages. Here’s a realistic timeline:

First few hours: You’ll be monitored in a recovery area, often for a few hours before discharge. Many patients are able to walk comfortably within two to three hours.
Going home: GAE is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll head home the same day. You’ll need someone to drive you.
First 24–48 hours: Rest, apply ice packs to reduce swelling, and manage any soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Some patients notice mild knee or skin tenderness that settles quickly.
First few days to two weeks: Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days, and resume normal activities within one to two weeks.
Two to four weeks and beyond: Pain relief tends to build gradually rather than appear instantly; many patients report meaningful improvement within two to four weeks as inflammation subsides.

How long does relief last? Studies show most patients experience pain relief for about a year, and many continue to benefit for up to two years.

The numbers patients appreciate most: an outpatient procedure of about an hour, walking within hours, normal activities within one to two weeks, and pain relief that often lasts a year or longer. To find out whether GAE fits your knee and your goals, schedule a consultation — we’ll review your imaging and answer every question, with no obligation.

When to call your care team

Your team will give you specific aftercare instructions. In general, contact them if you develop increasing pain, redness, swelling, or drainage at the access site, a fever, or any symptom that concerns you. Serious complications are uncommon, but knowing who to call gives peace of mind.

The bottom line

GAE is designed to be low-impact from start to finish: a short outpatient procedure under mild sedation, same-day discharge, walking within hours, and a return to normal life within a couple of weeks — with pain relief that develops over the following weeks. Knowing the roadmap makes the decision easier.

Frequently asked questions

Is GAE painful? The procedure is performed under mild sedation with the access site numbed, so most patients are comfortable during it. Afterward, some experience mild soreness or tenderness for a day or two, usually managed with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does the GAE procedure take? The procedure itself typically takes about an hour, plus time for preparation and a few hours of monitoring in recovery before you go home the same day.

When can I walk and return to normal activities? Many patients walk comfortably within two to three hours of the procedure and return to light activities within a few days. Most resume normal activities within one to two weeks.

When will I feel pain relief? Relief usually builds gradually. Many patients report meaningful improvement within two to four weeks, with benefits often lasting about a year and sometimes up to two years.

Do I need general anesthesia or a hospital stay? No. GAE uses mild sedation, not general anesthesia, and is an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day. Surgical Associates performs evaluations across Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia.

Ready to learn if GAE is right for you?

If knee arthritis pain is limiting your life and you’d like a minimally invasive option, we can help you understand whether GAE fits. Contact Surgical Associates to schedule a consultation. Call 240-427-1630 or book online at sacmd.com. We serve patients across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia, with locations in Camp Springs, Silver Spring, Reston, and Waldorf. Most insurance plans accepted.

Related reading on sacmd.com:

Medically reviewed by Rodeen Rahbar, MD, Surgical Associates, LLC. This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Your individual experience may vary; follow your care team’s specific instructions.

Sources: UCLA Health — Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE); UChicago Medicine — Genicular Artery Embolization Procedure; Brigham & Women’s Hospital — Genicular Artery Embolization.

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What to Expect Before, During, and After Your GAE Procedure