Vascular Anomalies Clinic
The Vascular Anomalies Clinic sees children of all ages with vascular malformations. The clinic also sees patients with selected vascular tumours, such as hemangiomas that require surgical or radiological treatment. Most children with vascular tumours are cared for by the Vascular Tumour Service at the Dermatology Clinic.
To be seen at the Vascular Anomalies Clinic you will need a referral from your family physician, paediatrician or a medical specialist. Visit the Ambulatory Clinics page for a referral form and more information.
Although the age limit for patients is from birth to 18 years of age, this clinic also assesses fetal vascular anomalies. If you wish to have an interpreter present please inform the Vascular Anomalies Clinic when making your appointment.
Please see the Vascular Anomalies Clinic contact page for more information.
The purpose of the clinic is to:
1. make a diagnosis
2. decide if treatment is needed
3. discuss treatment options
4. undertake treatment
5. provide follow up until 18 years of age
The Vascular Anomalies Clinic is part of the Division of Plastic Surgery and the Division of Diagnostic Imaging at SickKids. As part of the investigations you may visit other clinics at SickKids such as Dermatology, Clinical Genetics, Paediatric Medicine, Gynaecology, Orthopedic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Haematology and Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. This will enable the team at the Vascular Anomalies Clinic to fully assess the condition. Investigations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound scans may be required. If needed, treatment by interventional radiology (done in Image Guided Therapy), surgery (such as plastic surgery) or a combination of these may be undertaken.
In addition to the Vascular Anomalies Clinic there are two other multi-professional specialist clinics dealing with specific vascular malformations. These are the Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome Clinic and the Bone Vascular Clinic. The Bone Vascular Clinic is dedicated to caring for children with joint involvement from their vascular malformation.
In some cases, patients may be seen through the hospital Telemedicine service.
Care of patients above 18 years of age
For patients above 18 years of age with vascular malformations requiring further care, a dedicated Vascular Malformations clinic was started in 2010 at Toronto General Hospital, located within the Vascular Clinic. This is a joint program between our hospital and adult vascular surgery providing a seamless transition for selected patients from our clinic requiring on-going care into adulthood. It is the only dedicated clinic for adults with vascular malformations in Canada.
Those patients with vascular malformations affecting their “head and neck” who require care into adulthood are referred to the Interventional Neuroradiological Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital.
Learn more about the multi-professional Vascular Anomalies Clinic team.
See an overview of vascular anomalies and list of frequently asked questions about vascular malformations.
See a list of additional resources pertaining to vascular anomalies.
Vascular Anomalies Family Day
The Hospital for Sick Children, Division of Plastic Surgery is pleased to host Vascular Anomalies Family Day 2012 on Saturday September 29, 2012. The purpose of this event is to bring families together to help them deal with the daily issues that arise when living with vascular anomalies. The day will be filled with time to share information, learn new ideas, discuss challenges and have fun. A pamphlet outlining the activities planned for the day and registration forms for the event will be posted shortly.
Our Vascular Anomalies Family Day in 2011 was enjoyed by 35 families with comments of success from many. The medical and parent/teen panels provided opportunities for education and questions. The day was enriched by teens, young adults and children as they shared stories and experiences and made new friends. Below are some pictures from the event.