What is a Vascular Malformation?

Vascular malformation is a general term for congenital vascular anomalies involving only veins, only lymph vessels, both arteries and veins or both veins and lymph vessels.

These can affect any body parts, more commonly seen affecting hands, legs, face, abdomen, brain, and spine.

• Only veins: Venous malformations (VM)
• Only lymph vessels: Lymphatic malformations (LM)
• Arteries directly connected to veins without any capillaries in between Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
• Both veins and lymphatic vessels: Venolymphatic malformations (VLM)

Causes of Vascular Malformations

Vascular malformations result from developmental errors in the forming of vascular channels and are present at birth, although some are not obvious for several years. They remain throughout life and slowly grow proportionately as the child grows; some may expand due to trauma or infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Vascular Malformations

The severity and combination of symptoms can vary depending on the specific type and location of the malformation.

• Disfigurement
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Growth abnormalities in the affected body part

Treatment Options for Vascular Malformations

While surgery can help, it's often challenging to completely remove vascular malformations, which may return if not fully excised. Interventional radiologists use image-guided, nonsurgical methods to treat these malformations through a process called embolization.

Embolization for AVMs and Hemangiomas

• Tiny plastic tubing is inserted into the feeding artery.
• No incisions or stitches are needed; mild sedation is used.
• The malformation is filled with medical glue, alcohol, or small beads to stop blood flow.
• Platinum coils may be used to block the artery, feeding the malformation.

Embolization for VMs and LMs

• Alcohol is injected into the venous blood or lymph sacs.
• The alcohol causes the sacs to collapse and prevents them from filling.

Recovery Process After Treatment

Arteriovenous malformations require a one-night hospital stay. Minor discomfort usually lasts one to three days. Venous and lymphatic malformations, depending on their size and vascularity, require multiple treatment sessions.

These malformations swell after treatment with alcohol. The swelling and pain may last for 3-5 days. During this time, we provide patients with pain and swelling medication. It may take four to six weeks for these malformations to shrink completely.

History and Effectiveness of Treatment Techniques

For the past 30 years, embolization techniques have been widely used all over the world. They have been in use for many years and have proven to be invaluable in the treatment of vascular malformations, either alone or as a preoperative procedure in the case of large ones for cosmetic purposes.

Best Age for Treatment

We can treat patients of any age, from newborn to adult. The best age for treatment is determined by the specific vascular malformation and its symptoms and is best tailored to each individual.

Conclusion

Vascular malformations are congenital issues affecting veins, lymph vessels, or both. Treatment often involves embolization, which may require multiple sessions and cause temporary discomfort. The best treatment timing depends on the specific case and individual needs. Advances in embolization have made effective management possible for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions