Vascular Anomalies & Malformations Program
We are a prominent national and international referral center focused on the management of all types of vascular anomalies, including hemangiomas and vascular malformations. Our world-class doctors represent a diverse range of specialties, from dermatology to vascular surgery to genetics. They work together to provide the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art, integrated diagnostic and therapeutic services, and individualized care plans for each patient.
Vascular anomaly refers to blood vessel abnormalities that can be found throughout the body, in the large arteries, veins, and the smallest capillaries, as well as in the lymphatic channels that carry fluid outside of the blood vessels. We treat not only simple problems (involving only one type of vessel), but also the most complex cases (involving combinations of different types of blood vessels).
Our Approach
Many of our patients come to us after receiving confusing or conflicting information regarding their particular vascular condition. We aim to educate our patients and their families and to provide a realistic expectation of the course of their disease and treatment. Our specialists will determine the safest, most appropriate treatment plan with the best balance of risks and benefits for them.
We see new patients within a week whenever possible. From the first visit, we take communication seriously. It is important to us that everyone involved—the physician, patient, and family—understands what treatment options are available and has a firm grasp of the risks and benefits.
Our Team
Patients in our program will be cared for by a variety of highly specialized physicians, each one offering a unique combination of skills and experience.
Depending on the condition and treatment, the care team may include anesthesiologists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, genetics specialists, hematologists, and diagnostic and interventional radiologists, among other caregivers. The team will have the ability to offer high-level traditional open surgery, minimally invasive endovascular therapy, medical therapy, or combinations thereof (hybrid techniques) allows us to tailor treatment to the needs of each individual patient.
Our Services
One of the most important things the physician will do is determine whether the patient has a hemangioma or a vascular malformation. Hemangiomas are mostly benign tumors of infancy that affect the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. Vascular malformations, on the other hand, represent an abnormal development of a blood vessel or combination of vessels. They are present at birth, but may not become problematic until later in life when they are triggered by such factors as adolescence, puberty, pregnancy, and injury.
Once we determine the correct diagnosis, our specialists will work together to come up with the most appropriate plan of care, which may include the following options:
- Surgery and surgical reconstruction
- Catheter-based techniques such as embolization and sclerotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Medical therapy
- Simple observation with regular follow-up
Often, our doctors will use a combination of these methods to achieve optimal results.
After treatment, and depending on the condition, patients may need to return for regular follow-up visits so that we can quickly diagnose and treat any recurring problems and associated complications.
