Why choose Cook Children’s Vascular Anomalies Program
Our multidisciplinary team utilizes advanced radiologic and genetic testing as well as targeted therapeutics, to deliver the most innovative and individualized care for children and adolescents with vascular anomalies. Vascular anomalies can appear anywhere in the body - and though they're not cancerous, they can cause issues such as pain, bleeding or blood clots, and can also increase the risk of infection and interfere with movement or daily activities. That's why our team takes time to understand your child and what matters most to them and your family. We focus on reducing symptoms so your child can return to doing what they love.
What you can expect
At your appointment, you'll be able to meet with multiple specialists at the same time, including a hematologist/oncologist, interventional radiologist and a nurse practitioner. If needed, you may also meet with an otolaryngologist, genetic counselor or social worker. They'll discuss the diagnostic approach with you as a team and likely obtain ultrasound imaging during the visit. They'll then be able to present you with the appropriate treatment options.
- Interventional procedures: Our interventional radiologists are able to perform procedures such as sclerotherapy, embolization and cryoablation for certain conditions to address the problem at the source. These interventions can often significantly improve pain, the size of abnormalities and overall quality of life. We can also provide the opportunity for biopsy and comprehensive genetic testing to allow for a more specific individualized diagnosis. Our genetic counselor will also assist in guiding the use of precision targeted therapeutics.
- Surgery: Many patients with complex vascular anomalies can benefit from surgical intervention. Cook Children's has all the surgical specialists your child may need, including neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons.
- Medical therapy: There are multiple medical therapies available for patients with vascular anomalies. Many of these focus on symptom control, however, newer precision treatments can address these disorders at the molecular level and often significantly improve the patient's overall wellbeing.
We actively participate in national vascular anomalies research groups and committees shaping new care practices. Our providers are members of research networks, such as the American Society of Pediatric Hematology and the Oncology’s Vascular Anomalies Special Interest Group. We've published articles on vascular anomalies in peer-reviewed medical journals and have presented at national conferences to vascular and hematology/oncology specialists.
Our specialists will continue to see your child even after they turn 18, allowing them to continue care with a team they trust and minimize the stress of finding a new provider when they become an adult. Some conditions need to be watched over time, and staying with a trusted team like ours can make all the difference. We also welcome adult patients who are new to Cook Children's.
Your specialized care team
Our team includes specialists, researchers, case workers and more.
- Leah Hiett APRN, FNP-C, Vascular Anomalies nurse practitioner
- Courtney Schaefer, RN, Vascular Anomalies coordinator
- Maya Derhake, M.D., CGC, genetic counselor
- Jordan Carey, LMSW, Social Services
Advancing vascular anomalies care
Our providers have been active in prestigious research networks, such as the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology's Vascular Anomalies Special Interest Group, for many years. We work alongside other top experts from all over the world to develop new care methods. This collaboration allows your child access to leading therapies. It's also one of the reasons families - even ones from far away - consistently choose our program.
Each vascular anomaly is unique, which is why we tailor treatment to your child's needs. Their comprehensive care plan includes proven treatments to help them feel better and live more comfortably.
Services we offer
Examining a tissue sample helps us identify gene changes in a vascular anomaly. Doing so can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and precise medical treatments.
Drugs play a major role in vascular anomaly treatment. In addition to standard medications, we also offer targeted therapies to address the underlying genetic causes of these conditions. As leaders in this field, we often have new options that might be right for your child.