If you’re living with a vascular malformation—whether it’s causing pain, swelling, or affecting your daily life—Dr. Jonathan Steinberger and Dr. Gabriel Lipshutz offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments to help. Using cutting-edge techniques, they target abnormal blood vessels to relieve symptoms, improve function, and help you find relief and regain control of your health.
Reduce/block abnormal vessels and restore comfort
Vascular malformation treatment targets abnormal blood vessels that can cause pain, swelling, bleeding, or functional issues. These malformations can occur anywhere in the body and may involve arteries, veins, or lymphatic vessels. At DOCS Interventional Medicine, Dr. Lipshutz and Dr. Steinberger use image-guided techniques—such as embolization or sclerotherapy—to safely reduce or block abnormal vessels and relieve symptoms without surgery.
What does vascular malformation treatment help with?
Vascular malformations are abnormal clusters of blood vessels that form due to developmental issues before birth. They can involve arteries, veins, capillaries, or lymphatic vessels and may grow over time. While some remain stable, others can cause pain, swelling, bleeding, or organ dysfunction. If left untreated, vascular malformations can lead to complications like chronic pain, infection, blood clots, or even life-threatening hemorrhages. Common symptoms vascular malformation treatment can help with include:
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the affected area
- Swelling or enlargement of soft tissues
- Skin discoloration, including red, blue, or purple patches
- Bleeding from affected blood vessels
- Ulceration or skin breakdown in severe cases
- Limited mobility or function due to vascular pressure
- Warmth or pulsation over the malformation site
- Frequent infections or inflammation in the area
- Blood clot formation in affected veins
- Headaches or neurological issues (if located in the brain)
How does vascular malformation treatment work?
Vascular malformation treatment works by targeting abnormal blood vessels to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Depending on the type and severity of the malformation, interventional radiologists use embolization or sclerotherapy. These treatments block or shrink abnormal vessels and restore normal blood flow. Here’s how each method works:
Embolization
Embolization is used to block blood flow to an abnormal cluster of vessels. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a small incision—usually in the groin or wrist—and guided through the vessels using real-time imaging. Once it reaches the malformation, tiny particles, medical glue, coils, or plugs are injected to seal off the abnormal vessels. This stops excessive blood flow. Over time, the treated vessels shrink and may be absorbed by the body.
Embolization is effective for high-flow malformations, such as arteriovenous malformations, where abnormal connections between arteries and veins create dangerously fast blood flow.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy works by shrinking abnormal blood vessels from within. Instead of blocking blood flow, this treatment uses a sclerosant, a special liquid or foam injected into the malformation. The sclerosant irritates the inner lining of the vessels, causing them to collapse. Over time, the treated vessels shrivel and are absorbed by the body, reducing swelling and discomfort. Sclerotherapy is often performed in multiple sessions to achieve the best results.
Sclerotherapy is most effective for low-flow malformations, such as venous and lymphatic malformations, where blood moves slowly, making it easier for the sclerosant to work.
Advantages of vascular malformation treatment:
- Minimally invasive with no large incisions
- Faster recovery compared to traditional surgery
- Lower risk of complications such as infection or excessive bleeding
- Targeted treatment that preserves surrounding healthy tissue
- Effective relief from pain, swelling, and discomfort
- Improves blood flow and reduces pressure on nearby structures
- Performed under image guidance for precision and safety
What is recovery like after vascular malformation treatment?
Most procedures are outpatient, meaning you can go home the same day. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort at the treatment site, but these symptoms typically improve within a few days. Depending on the type of procedure, you may need to avoid strenuous activity for a short period. Dr. Lipshutz and Dr. Steinberger will provide personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a safe, comfortable, and effective recovery.
Schedule your consultation
DOCS Interventional Medicine is a leader in advanced, minimally invasive treatments, providing expert care with cutting-edge technology. Dr. Steinberger and Dr. Lipshutz specialize in vascular malformation treatments, helping patients find relief from pain, swelling, and other symptoms without surgery. With over a decade of experience at Cedars-Sinai, they offer precise, effective solutions in a supportive and sophisticated environment. If you’re ready to take the next step toward relief, schedule a consultation today.
