Publications

Advancing Endovascular Science Through Evidence and Innovation

Rao Clinic is dedicated to advancing the science of endovascular medicine through rigorous clinical investigation, technical innovation, and peer-reviewed scholarship.


As a high-volume center specializing in embolization therapies and complex peripheral interventions, our team contributes to the growing body of evidence shaping minimally invasive treatment paradigms for osteoarthritis, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and complex arterial disease.


Our published work reflects a commitment not only to procedural excellence, but to measurable clinical outcomes, safety, and reproducibility. Through prospective studies, pilot series, and detailed technical reports, we aim to refine therapeutic strategies, expand access for high-risk patients, and elevate standards of care within interventional practice.


The research presented below represents our ongoing mission to bridge clinical innovation with academic rigor — ensuring that advances in technique are supported by data, transparency, and peer-reviewed validation.

Genicular Artery Embolization as a Treatment Option for Refractory Knee Pain Post Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Series

Konduru N, Hnatov A, Joshua SP, Metry M, Singh H, Rao S
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology (CVIR), 2026
DOI: 10.1007/s00270-025-04318-x


Study Design

Single-center prospective study

Patients

37 post-TKA patients with persistent pain ≥1 year

Key Outcomes

  • WOMAC improved from 64% → 36% at 3 months
  • VAS improved from 8.1 → 3.1
  • 64.9% achieved ≥50% pain reduction
  • Statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05)

Summary

This prospective analysis demonstrates that genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an effective adjunct treatment for patients with persistent pain following total knee arthroplasty.

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Case Series Analysis of Trans-Arterial Embolization for Osteoarthritis-Related Hand Pain

Konduru N, Juneja S, Joshua S, Hnatov A, Iqbal A, Thomas M, Rao S
Swiss Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, 2024
DOI: 10.59667/sjoranm.v16i1.14


Study Design

Case series (4 patients)

Clinical Success Definition

≥50% reduction in VAS

Results

  • Average VAS reduction exceeded 50%
  • Reduction in pain medication use
  • Improved daily function
  • No distal embolic complications

Summary

Trans-arterial embolization (TAE) demonstrated promising short-term clinical success for chronic hand osteoarthritis pain, with meaningful pain reduction and improved quality of life.

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Multivessel Transcatheter Arterial Embolization to Treat Hip Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Case Series

Krishnamurthy P, Konduru N, Rao S
Swiss Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, 2026
DOI: 10.59667/sjoranm.v27i1.28


Study Design

Prospective pilot case series (4 patients)

Technical Success

100%

Pain Outcomes

  • Average VAS: 9.75 → 1.75
  • ≥50% pain reduction in all patients
  • No ischemic complications

Summary

Multivessel hip embolization demonstrated sustained pain relief in patients with osteoarthritis who were not surgical candidates.

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Retrograde Tibiopedal Access as an Alternative Procedural Technique for Genicular Artery Embolization

Konduru N, Hnatov A, Rao S
JVS – Vascular Insights, 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsvi.2025.100339


Study Design

Prospective observational study (357 patients)

Technical Success

96.6%

Complication Rate

4.5% (minor, transient)

Procedure Time

51.3 ± 13 minutes

Learning Curve

25% improvement after 50 cases

Summary

Retrograde tibiopedal access offers a safe and efficient alternative to femoral access for GAE, with high technical success and low complication rates.

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Crossing Complex Infrapopliteal Lesions Utilizing a Front-End Cutting Technique: A Report of Two Cases with a Novel Rotational Atherectomy Device

Rao S, Hnatov A, Tarra T, Amparo A, Bhargava M
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports, 2023
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X231198370


Clinical Context

Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI)

Device

Phoenix 1.5mm Atherectomy System

Outcome

  • TIMI-3 flow restored
  • No procedural complications

Summary

Demonstrates successful debulking of complex, calcified infrapopliteal CTO lesions using a front-cutting atherectomy system.

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Wingman™ Used to Cross Long SFA CTO

Rao S
Reflow Medical Case Report, 2024


Patient

74-year-old male with CLI

Lesion

300mm SFA CTO

Outcome

  • Successful revascularization
  • TIMI-3 flow restored
  • Sustained wound healing at 2 months

Summary

Demonstrates successful pedal-first CTO crossing using the Wingman™ catheter.

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Crossing CTO Cap in Right Popliteal Artery with Wingman™

Rao S
Reflow Medical Case Report, 2024


Patient

42-year-old female with Rutherford Class 3 disease

Lesion

Popliteal artery CTO

Outcome

  • <20% residual stenosis
  • TIMI-3 flow
  • Stent placement required after recoil

Summary

Highlights the use of specialized CTO crossing tools for complex popliteal occlusions.

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