Direct stick sclerotherapy is the primary technique used in treating vascular malformations. The type of low flow vascular malformation and its morphology will help guide which sclerosant drug is used.
Procedure
Sclerotherapy of a low flow vascular malformation is performed in hospital requiring an overnight stay. Under ultrasound and low dose x-ray guidance, a needle is inserted directly into the vascular malformation. A solution (sclerosant foam) is injected, which irritates the lining of the vascular channels causing them to turn into scar tissue.