Aneurin Bevan University Health Board radiology team win prestigious MediWales innovation award

Dr Nimit Goyal and his Gwent Interventional Radiology (IR) team at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board have won the Health and Care Research Partnership with Industry Award, sponsored by Health and Care Research Wales, at this year’s MediWales Innovation Awards.

MediWales and Health and Care Research Wales presented the award to those who have partnered with industry to deliver a project that demonstrates significant positive impact on the health, wellbeing and/or prosperity of the people in Wales.

Dr Goyal and his team explored the use of Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) to manage pain in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

GAE is a minimally invasive procedure targeting pathological vessels while preserving the normal vascular supply to the bone.  Using local anaesthesia, a catheter is inserted via the femoral artery to identify abnormal vessels.  Once located, tiny embolization particles are delivered to stop blood flow to the pathological neovessels, relieving pain.

This innovative service was developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure access to the latest technology and expertise, further enhancing the quality of care, providing an alternative means of pain relief for Welsh patients suffering from OA.

Dr Goyal said: “As a team we are delighted to be presented with this award, and to be recognised by MediWales for our work in this field.

“This project is the first in Wales to assess the safety and efficacy of the GAE procedure for a specific patient cohort, addressing a critical gap for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

“We are grateful to the Bevan Commission for funding this project and thankful to the Aneurin Bevan Research and Development department for the support.”

Lydia Vitolo, Senior Industry Manager at Health and Care Research Wales said:  

"Health and Care Research Wales is once again proud to be an award partner for the 'Health and Social Care Research Partnership Award with Industry' at the 2024 MediWales Innovation Awards.

“We would like to thank all those who submitted an entry and there were many examples of high-quality research happening across Wales.

"We commend Dr Goyal and his team for achieving significant outcomes with this project and we look forward to continuing to celebrate the incredible health and social care research positively impacting the lives of Welsh people."

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