Vascular Malformations (Vascular Anomalies) Clinic
Patient information
What we do
A specialist interventional radiologist will see you in clinic, review your history and scans, examine you and discuss whether treatment is right for you. If your condition is better managed by another specialist team (for example with medication or surgery), we will talk this through with you and help arrange the right referral.
Who we care for
We care for people with suspected or diagnosed vascular malformations, including:
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) - “high-flow”
- Venous malformations - “low-flow”
- Lymphatic malformations - “low-flow”
- Venolymphatic malformations - “low-flow”
You may be referred if your vascular malformation is causing pain, swelling, bleeding, reduced function or cosmetic concerns.
Treatments we offer
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is an image-guided injection of medicine directly into the malformation. This helps the abnormal vessels close off and shrink over time.
Embolisation
Embolisation is a minimally invasive (“keyhole”) procedure that blocks selected blood vessels to reduce blood flow to the malformation. It is performed using a very small tube (catheter) guided through the blood vessels using X-ray imaging.
What to expect
Sclerotherapy and embolisation are usually performed under general anaesthetic or deep sedation with a specialist anaesthetist. The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
Most patients go home the same day after 4 to 6 hours of recovery. Swelling and temporary discomfort around the treated area is common and usually settles over 2 to 3 weeks. Recovery is usually around 2 weeks.
Vascular malformations often require more than one treatment session. Your interventional radiologist will explain what is likely for you.
Commonly asked questions
Most patients are discharged the same day, after 4 to 6 hours of observation and recovery.
Yes. A friend or family member will need to collect you from the hospital.
These procedures are usually performed under general anaesthetic or deep sedation with a specialist anaesthetist.
Yes. You need to be referred to us by your GP or specialist.
There is normally no out-of-pocket cost to public eligible patients.
How to access this clinic
Referral from your GP
You need an online eReferral from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service. Your doctor will need to send your referral to us using our online system - Consultmed eReferral. We will contact you to arrange an appointment time.
What to bring
For a clinic appointment
- Previous ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI results (reports and images if available)
- Records of consultations with other specialists (if you have them)
- A list of your current medications
- Medicare card and any other healthcare cards
Clinic times
| Day | Campus | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | The Alfred | 1:30pm - 4:00pm |
| Wednesday | The Alfred | 1:30pm - 4.00pm |
Clinic consultants
- Dr Tuan Phan: Interventional Radiology
- Dr Matthew Lukies: Interventional Radiology
- Dr Georgina Venn: Interventional Radiology