A vascular malformation develops before birth when something causes abnormal blood vessel development. Dr. Golowa has recieved subspecialized training in treating vascular malformations and has helped hundreds of patients with pain or disfiguration from them without surgery.  If you have a vascular malformation, visit double board-certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologist,  Yosef Golowa, MD, FSIR. At his practice in Midtown Manhattan, New York City,

Dr. Golowa specializes in minimally invasive procedures that resolve pain and other symptoms of vascular malformations. Call Dr. Golowa’s office today or book an appointment online to learn more about advanced vascular malformation treatments.

What is a vascular malformation?

Vascular malformation includes various abnormalities affecting the veins, arteries, and/or lymph vessels. Vascular malformation classifications include:

Venous malformations

Venous malformations affect only the veins (blood vessels that transport blood back to your heart).

Lymphatic malformations

Lymphatic malformations affect only the lymph vessels, which are like blood vessels but carry lymph fluid.

Venolymphatic malformations

Venolymphatic malformations affect both veins and lymph vessels.

Arteriovenous malformations

Arteriovenous malformations affect arteries that connect directly to your veins.

Vascular malformations are congenital (present at birth) but might not be discovered until years later.

Some vascular malformations are inherited genetic disorders. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, which affects people with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (abnormal connections between arteries and veins), is one of them. But the root cause of most vascular malformations is unknown.

What symptoms do vascular malformations cause?

Vascular malformations cause varying symptoms depending on which kind you have and where they are. Some can be painful. You might have a birthmark where lumps develop under the skin. Blood or lymph fluid can leak from damaged skin, and internal bleeding can happen in areas like the uterus, bladder, or bowels.

Some vascular malformations tend to become infected and require antibiotic treatments. Arteriovenous malformations stress the heart because blood rushes from the arteries to the veins.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in the lungs cause shortness of breath and fatigue because of a lack of oxygen. They can bleed, making you cough up blood. Blood clots pass through the lungs more easily when you have pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, traveling to the arteries and increasing your risk of a stroke or brain abscess.

How are vascular malformations treated?

Dr. Golowa specializes in treating vascular malformations. His approach depends on your condition and how badly it affects you. Compression garments can help with some venous malformations by easing pain and reducing swelling. They also lower your risk of injuries and bleeding. Medications might also be helpful.

Endovascular laser treatment is another treatment. Dr. Golowa puts a tiny laser fiber into the malformed blood vessels that heats the tissue. The vessel collapses and breaks down. It’s eventually absorbed by the body, and its work is taken over by nearby healthy vessels.

Sclerotherapy works similarly. Dr. Golowa injects a liquid or foam (sclerosant) containing an irritant chemical into the vascular malformation. The sclerosant collapses the blood vessel walls, and your body absorbs the treated tissue.

Call Yosef Golowa, MD, FSIR, today or book an appointment online to learn how you can benefit from his expertise in treating vascular malformations.