Vascular Surgery

Vascular malformations are abnormal clusters of blood vessels that occur during fetal development. These malformations are thought to result from developmental errors during embryogenesis such as abnormal signaling processes that control apoptosis, maturation and growth of vascular cells. Although these kinds of lesions are present at birth, they may not be visible until weeks or several years but typically grow in proportion to the growth of the child. Vascular malformations are characterized under four types based on their flow characteristics: slow flow (capillary malformations, venous malformation, lymphatic malformation) and fast-flow (arteriovenous malformation). Proper identification and multidisciplinary approach is paramount for proper treatment.