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Symptoms

Symptoms usually derive from malformation growth or progression. Once symptoms occur, they rarely abate without intervention.

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Pain

  • Swelling

  • Bleeding

  • Ulcerations

  • Neuropathy

  • Disfigurement

  • Skin Discoloration 

  • Decreased Range of Motion

Treatment Course

  • Evaluation and treatment of the capillary venous  malformation every 4-6 weeks or sooner if indicated by Dr. Yakes.

  • Patient may qualify for multiple procedures a week if requested by Dr. Yakes.

  • MRI every 6-12 months based on the extent of the lymphatic malformation for evaluation and treatment progress. 

  • Referral to plastic/vascular surgeon following "cure" of malformation. An MRI 3-6 months post embolization will be needed for clearance by Dr. Yakes for debulking surgery. 

How to Diagnose

Diagnosis is commonly made with a form of radiology imaging combined with a clinical assessment. 

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Radiology imaging can include:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

    • This is the gold standard

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  • On initial treatment only:

    • Venogram  (Mapping of the Veins)

      • Rules out venous involvement

    • Arteriogram (Mapping of the Arteries)

      • Rules out arterial involvement

Possible Complications of Treatment

  • Tissue Injury

    • Blisters

    • Open Wounds

  • Infection

  • Nerve Injury Due to Swelling

    • 99% improves when swelling resolves

    •  1%  nerve damage will be permanent

  • Blood Clot

  • DVT

  • Stroke

  • Hemorrhage/Bleeding

    • Very Rare​

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Complications will be thoroughly discussed during formal consultation with medical staff as they may differ based on anatomical location. 

How We Treat

  • Ethanol Embolization

    • Dr. Yakes will inject ethanol using direct puncture techniques into the lymphatic malformation.

      • Ethanol is a powerful sclerosing agent that denatures blood proteins and destroys the endothelial cells in the vessel wall effectively destroying the abnormal vascular mass and preventing its ability to regenerate.

  • Ethanol is the only curative method for treating lymphatic malformations

  • All embolizations, venograms, and arteriograms are done under general anesthesia. 

Before & After Gallery

Coming Soon!

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