Congenital vascular malformations are disorders of the blood vessels that a person is born with. They may be merely cosmetic abnormalities of the skin which cause no harm to the patient. But more serious types of vascular malformations can occur internally and require treatment. These abnormal tangles of arteries and veins can cause pain and bleeding, and may deprive normal tissues of their blood supply.

Interventional radiologists employ a minimally invasive method called "embolization," which effectively shuts down the flow of blood to vascular malformations. Guided by x-ray, the doctor inserts a catheter into the artery feeding the malformation. Special medical adhesives, microspheres, or alcohol then flow through the catheter into the artery, filling the vessels and blocking the flow of blood. The malformation then shrinks and no longer becomes a threat to the patient. The patient can usually go home after staying in the hospital overnight.

Other Resources at NYU

NYU Medical Center is renowned worldwide as a center of excellence for treating all types of hemangiomas and congenital vascular malformations. For additional information, visit this site:

Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

Interventional Radiology

NYU Langone Medical Center
550 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016

To contact us, please call 212-263-5898, or fax us at 212-263-7914

Timothy Clark, M.D.
Section Chief & Fellowship Program Director / Associate Professor, Department of Radiology

Hearns Charles, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Departments of Radiology and House Staff

Richard Lefleur, M.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Radiology

Hillel Bryk, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology

Theresa Aquino, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology

Sandor Kovacs, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology