Vascular Malformations of the Brain
Definition
Vascular malformations of the brain are a group of abnormal blood vessel formations within the brain tissue or on its surface. These malformations can disrupt normal blood flow and increase the risk of hemorrhage, seizures, or other neurological complications.
Related Specialists
Showing 3 of 10
Related Fact Sheets
Related News
Related Departments
Showing 3 of 21
Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy
At Yale Medicine, our team of highly trained vascular surgeons are here to help with a variety of circulation issues. This includes anything from blocked blood vessels and stubborn wounds to conditions that could lead to losing a limb. Our goal is to give complete care that's as easy on you as possible, which is why we focus on techniques that don't require major surgery, like treatments done inside the blood vessels themselves. Our doctors give personalized and complete care to adults with vascular problems. We rely on the newest and most advanced equipment and methods to diagnose and treat these conditions. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm: Bulges in the main artery that can occur in the belly or chest area. Aortoiliac occlusive disease: Blocked arteries that supply blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs. Carotid artery stenosis: Narrowed arteries in the neck that can reduce blood flow to the brain. Claudication: Treatments to help relieve cramping in the legs while walking or exercising Diabetic ulcers: Sores that are slow to heal in people with diabetes. Dialysis access: For patients who need dialysis (a treatment for kidney failure), we create an entry point into the bloodstream that the dialysis machine can use. Foot ulcers: Sores on the feet that can develop due to poor circulation or other health issue. Lower extremity artery conditions Lower extremity vein conditions Renal vascular disease: Conditions that affect blood flow to the kidneys. Thoracic aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection: Bulges and tears in the part of the main artery that runs through the chest. Thoracic outlet syndrome: Discomfort or circulation problems caused when blood vessels or nerves just below the neck are compressed. Varicose veins: Treatments to remove or reduce enlarged veins that appear most often on the legs. Visceral artery disease: Blood vessels that supply the internal organs, ensuring they're not narrowed or blocked.Interventional Radiology
The Yale Medicine Interventional Radiology (IR) program is one of the leading programs in the nation. Our interventional radiologists, recognized as pioneers in the field of minimally invasive medicine, work with nursing and technologist staff to offer image-guided, non-surgical treatments for vascular and non-vascular disease with excellent outcomes for pediatric and adult patients. Our interventional radiology procedures are performed for a broad range of conditions spanning gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary, gynecology, infectious disease, oncology , pediatrics, pain management, urology, and venous and arterial disease. Interventional radiologists use advanced imaging modalities including ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to perform procedures through tiny pinholes, thereby avoiding surgery and long recovery times. IR advances enable minimally invasive treatment of many conditions on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own home. We also offer comprehensive care dedicated to the treatment of pediatric patients, including vascular malformations, biopsy service with sedation, feeding tube maintenance, and expert care in hepatobiliary, urological, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders. Our team at Yale New Haven Hospital was the first in Connecticut and among the first in the nation to perform transcatheter pulmonary embolectomy, a procedure for the removal of a blood clot from the pulmonary arteries. Such patients are initially evaluated by a multidisciplinary Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) , and a comprehensive treatment plan is then developed. We also have one of the world’s leading hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and vascular malformation programs. Founded in 1994, both serve as role models for other programs around the world. We offer a wide range of minimally invasive Interventional Radiology treatments, all available at Yale New Haven Hospital. Heart and vascular Angiography, angioplasty, and stenting for arterial disease Embolization for acute, traumatic gastrointestinal and genitourinary bleeding Endovascular treatment of aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms Inferior vena cava filter placement and removal Non-surgical dialysis fistula creation and repair Pulmonary embolectomy to remove pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) Treatment of arteriovenous malformations Venography, venous stenting, and related procedures for venous occlusion and clot Venous ablation for varicose veins Gastrointestinal/Hepatobiliary Gastrojejunostomy placement and gastrostomy for nutrition Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement for upper GI bleeding and refractory ascites Treatment of benign and malignant bile duct obstructions Treatment of fluid collections in the abdomen, chest, and pelvis Gynecology Fallopian tube recanalization for infertility Uterine fibroid embolization for fibroids and uterine artery embolization foHereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Program
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder that causes some blood vessels to develop improperly. Yale radiologists are developing guidelines for the evaluation of blood vessel malformations in the lungs (pulmonary arteriovenous malformations) in children with HHT. This innovative approach will replace CT scans, avoiding the successive and often unnecessary radiation exposure for children who have no symptoms. We are also developing guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of malformed blood vessels in the brain (cerebral arteriovenous malformations), and aim to have these guidelines become part of the standard of care. Our physicians are also examining potential liver transplant guidelines for patients with HHT in heart failure. We are continuously analyzing existing data and conducting evidence-based research to develop new treatment methods that can impact the lives of patients in our care.