Interventional Radiology for Vascular Malformations
Also known as: sclerotherapy
What are vascular malformations?
Vascular malformations are congenital lesions from the abnormal development of arteries, veins, or lymphatic system vessels. They are often present at birth, growing with the child and sometimes causing pain, swelling, or body deformities.
Treatment and diagnosis of vascular malformations in children
When initially evaluating your child, our physicians will use an ultrasound to detect unusual masses. They will then use an MRI to evaluate large and deep lesions that may be near critical body structures.
Vascular malformations can be treated with sclerotherapy. During this procedure, the interventional radiologist injects the lesion with a medication that shrinks it.

What to expect on the day of a sclerotherapy procedure
- The physician will perform an ultrasound prior to the procedure
- The treatment will take approximately 1 hour, but can be longer for complicated cases
- Most children are able to go home the same day
- Post-procedure pain is usually minimal and can be controlled with over the counter pain medication
Vascular malformation treatment at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Interventional radiology is an integral part of our multidisciplinary team of technicians, dermatologists, and pediatric surgeons. The doctors at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital are experts in addressing the needs of children and specialize in pain control and anxiety relief.
This page was last updated on: April 06, 2021 10:20 AM
Learn more about
Vascular Malformations
A vascular malformation is an abnormality where clusters of blood vessels develop during fetal development.
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Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a medical imaging technology that produces a picture of the inside of the body using sound waves. It may be used to produce a picture of an unborn fetus or to look for medical problems.
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Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a medical treatment for varicose veins or spider veins, which are visible, bulging and often aching veins frequently found in the legs.
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Magnetic resonance imaging is a common imaging test used to give medical professionals a closer look at organs or structures inside the body. The images are created using magnetic and radio waves.
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