Medical Treatments for Vascular Anomalies
Children's Hospital Los Angeles successfully treats many vascular anomalies without surgery. We use therapies and medications to relieve discomfort and give your child the best possible quality of life. We also deliver preventive treatments that lower the risk of complications.
Our experience treating all types of vascular anomalies leads to an exceptional level of care. We also have specialized expertise managing rare and syndromic conditions. More of our patients get relief, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and return to daily activities.
Medical Treatments for Vascular Anomalies: Why Choose Us
We are one of the few multidisciplinary vascular anomalies programs in the Western U.S. Our team includes every medical specialty your child may need. Your child benefits from the expertise of dermatologists, hematologist-oncologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists and more. We work together to plan treatments so that your child receives the best possible care. Meet our team.
Highlights of our program include:
- Innovative therapies: When new medical treatments are available, you’ll often find them at Children’s Hospital. Our participation in vascular anomalies research gives your child access to clinical trials. You can breathe a little easier knowing we have extensive experience safely delivering new therapies.
- Genetic testing: Complex vascular anomalies, including ones associated with syndromes, are often due to gene mutations. We are meticulous in taking the right type of tissue sample (biopsy) and testing it for specific mutations. These details help us determine whether advanced medical therapies can help. Explore genetic testing for vascular anomalies.
- Ongoing partners in care: Our team builds lasting relationships with families whose children have syndromic malformations. We are available between appointments by phone. You can also reach us through our secure patient portal, myChildren'sLA. Care also includes monitoring long-term progress to lower the risk of complications.
- Surgery when appropriate: If surgery or other procedures are right for your child, we don’t hesitate to recommend them. We offer leading options, including minimally invasive procedures that do not require incisions and will not leave scars. Find out more about interventional radiology and surgery for vascular anomalies.
Advanced Medical Therapies for Vascular Anomalies
Children’s Hospital offers advanced therapies that are not widely available. Advanced medical treatments include:
- Immunosuppressants and chemotherapy: Immunosuppressants are drugs that quiet the body's immune system response. They slow abnormal cell growth. Chemotherapy is a type of medication that can treat cancer, but is also used to turn off genetic mutations. Explore hematology-oncology services for vascular anomalies. Explore hematology-oncology services for vascular anomalies.
- Complete decongestive therapy: This treatment is for lymphedema with painful fluid buildups. These malformations also cause skin breakdowns and infections. Treatment focuses on lymphatic drainage to move fluid away from the malformation. Therapies include gentle stretches, lymphatic massage and exercises.
- Occupational therapy: When vascular anomalies affect strength, movement or coordination, occupational therapy can help. We enable your child to develop age-appropriate skills that support participation in school, play and social settings. Find out more about Occupational Therapy.
Second Opinions and Adult Consultations for Medical Vascular Anomalies Therapies
Vascular anomalies can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Many families seek second opinions, especially for anomalies with many treatment options. Hearing from multiple specialists is particularly helpful for fast-growing or syndromic vascular anomalies. Learn more about online second opinions.
We also offer adult consultations for patients 21 and older. These visits are for people whose symptoms do not appear until later in life or who have ongoing care needs. We provide personalized care recommendations and may refer you to an adult specialist.
Additional Medical Treatments for Vascular Anomalies
Additional medical treatments may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications: In select patients, low dose aspirin combined with over the counter pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Beta-blockers: This blood pressure medication slows the growth of certain vascular tumors, like hemangiomas. Find out more about dermatology treatments for vascular anomalies.
- Blood disorder and clotting treatments: Some vascular anomalies cause bleeding and clotting disorders. We help children avoid complications with medications and blood transfusions when necessary.
- Custom compression garments: Snug-fitting garments, including special sleeves, apply gentle pressure to vascular anomalies. The pressure relieves pain and swelling.
- Pain medications: Some vascular anomalies are painful. Over-the-counter pain medication can help your child stay comfortable. We recommend the appropriate dose and timing for your child’s needs.
Comprehensive Vascular Anomalies Care for Children
Our pediatric experts provide comprehensive care at one convenient location in Los Angeles. Find out more about our Vascular Anomalies Center.
