Vascular malformation management

Vascular malformations are a group of non-tumorous vascular anomalies that are characterised by abnormal organisation of blood vessels without endothelial proliferation. There are several classification systems, but are generally divided into “high flow” or “low flow” categories. Classification systems help determine the type of treatment best suited to the malformation.

This procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic in an operating room with specialised medical imaging equipment. Depending on the type of malformation and the anatomical location, the treatment may include a combination of direct puncture into the malformation or access into the arteries supplying the malformation. The agent used to treat the malformation may include mechanical devices such as metallic coils and plugs, sclerosing agent such as alcohol or sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS – fibrovein), or other adhesive or non-adhesive liquids. While some vascular malformations can be treated in one session, they often take multiple sessions to treat.