Sclerotherapy for Vascular Malformation

A vascular malformation is an abnormal cluster of blood or lymphatic vessels that can cause visible swelling, discolouration, pain, or functional limitation depending on its location. Image-guided sclerotherapy offers a scar-free, non-surgical pathway to shrink these malformations and relieve symptoms — without open surgery or removal of surrounding healthy tissue.

What is Vascular Malformation Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy uses image-guided injection of a sclerosing agent to shrink venous, lymphatic, or low-flow vascular malformations from within, without cutting the skin or excising tissue surgically. A fine needle or catheter is advanced under real-time ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance directly into the malformation, delivering the sclerosant that damages the abnormal vessel lining and triggers gradual fibrosis and shrinkage over the following weeks to months — relieving symptoms while preserving surrounding healthy structures.

Scarless Treatment

Tissue-Preserving

Symptom Relief

Outpatient Procedure

Symptoms & Indications

Visible swelling, bluish discolouration, or cosmetic concern.
Sensation of heaviness, pressure, or a palpable mass.
Pain that worsens with activity, standing, or menstruation.
Swelling that increases through the day or with dependency.
Confirmed venous or lymphatic malformations unsuitable for observation alone.
Functional limitation or recurrent bleeding/infection in select cases.

Treatment Approaches for Vascular Malformation

F

Foam Sclerotherapy

Uses a detergent sclerosant (e.g. STS or polidocanol) whipped into foam to treat venous malformations, maximising vessel wall contact for effective closure.

B

Bleomycin Sclerotherapy

Delivers a chemotherapeutic sclerosing agent directly into lymphatic malformations, offering effective shrinkage with a favourable safety profile in soft-tissue spaces.

O

OK-432 (Picibanil) Sclerotherapy

An immunostimulant agent injected into macrocystic lymphatic malformations, triggering an inflammatory response that collapses and shrinks the cystic spaces.

E

Ethanol Sclerotherapy

A potent sclerosing agent used for select venous and arteriovenous malformations, delivered under careful image guidance to destroy the abnormal vessel lining.

Vascular Malformation Sclerotherapy Treatment Journey

A structured pathway combining precise imaging diagnosis, careful malformation characterisation, and image-guided sclerosant injection — followed by monitored recovery and surveillance.

Consultation

Clinical evaluation of the malformation and its symptoms.

Ultrasound / MRI Mapping

High-resolution imaging to confirm malformation type, flow characteristics, and extent.

Procedure Planning

Determining sclerosant choice and approach based on size, location, and proximity to critical struct...

Image-Guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided injection performed under local anaesthesia or sedation.

Recovery Monitoring

Short observation period before same-day discharge.

Follow-Up Imaging

Scheduled ultrasound to track shrinkage and plan further sessions if needed.

Scarless Procedure

Local/Sedation Only

Same-Day Discharge

Tissue Function Preserved

Post-Procedure Care & Recovery

Following sclerotherapy for vascular malformation, care focuses on short-term monitoring and gradual symptom resolution as the treated area shrinks over time.

Immediate Recovery

A brief period of observation to monitor for swelling, discomfort, or skin changes before discharge.

Home Care Plan

Guidance on activity, compression garment use, and mild pain management for the first few days, with most patients resuming normal routines within 24–48 hours.

Follow-Up Consultation

Scheduled imaging at intervals over the following months to track volume reduction, confirm symptom improvement, and determine whether additional sessions are required.

Why Choose Dr. Deepmala Karmakar?

Our interventional radiology practice brings specialised expertise across the full spectrum of vascular and non-vascular care. Every case begins with a thorough clinical evaluation ensuring the most appropriate, evidence-based intervention is selected for each patient’s specific condition.

Every procedure is performed under real-time advanced imaging whether ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or CT enabling precise access and targeted treatment with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue and faster recovery outcomes.

Experienced Specialists

Each procedure is led by a trained interventional radiologist with deep expertise across vascular and non-vascular domains.

Advanced Technology

Procedures are guided by state-of-the-art imaging infrastructure, ensuring accuracy at every step of the intervention.

24×7 Response

Time-critical conditions including acute stroke and vascular emergencies are managed with round-the-clock readiness and a dedicated response protocol.

Image-Guided Precision

Targeted access under real-time imaging minimises tissue disruption, reduces procedure time, and supports faster, more predictable recovery.

Why Choose
Dr. Deepmala Karmakar?

Sclerotherapy for vascular malformations demands precise image guidance and a thorough understanding of regional anatomy to protect adjacent nerves, vessels, and organs. Our practice combines detailed pre-procedure mapping with meticulous, real-time image-guided technique, ensuring the malformation is treated effectively while surrounding healthy tissue and function are fully preserved — delivering lasting symptom relief without the scars, hospital stay, or extensive recovery associated with open surgical excision.

Close coordination with hepatology, oncology, and surgical teams ensures that every patient receives a treatment plan that is not only technically appropriate but aligned with their broader clinical management. Interventional radiology in this space is not a standalone service — it is a core component of comprehensive hepatobiliary care.

Experienced Specialists

Procedures performed by an interventional radiologist trained in image-guided sclerotherapy techniques.

Advanced Imaging Technology

High-resolution ultrasound and fluoroscopy enable precise targeting and real-time monitoring during injection.

Tissue-Preserving Approach

Treatment is confined to the malformation, safeguarding surrounding healthy structures and function.

Minimally Invasive Precision

Needle-based access avoids incisions, general anaesthesia, and prolonged hospital stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is sclerotherapy different from surgical excision of a vascular malformation?

Sclerotherapy treats the malformation directly through a needle or catheter under image guidance, without any incision or removal of tissue — preserving surrounding structures and function while avoiding a visible scar, unlike surgical excision.

Is the procedure suitable for all vascular malformations?

Sclerotherapy is generally best suited to venous and lymphatic (low-flow) malformations confirmed through imaging. Suitability depends on malformation type, size, location, and proximity to critical structures, assessed individually through ultrasound or MRI evaluation.

How many sclerotherapy sessions will I need?

Most sclerotherapy procedures are performed as day-care treatments with same-day discharge. The exact number of sessions and recovery timeline depends on malformation size, type, location, and the patient's overall response to treatment.

Get in Touch

A Scarless Solution for Vascular Malformations

If a vascular malformation is causing visible swelling, discomfort, or functional symptoms, sclerotherapy offers an effective, tissue-preserving alternative to surgery. Book a consultation to find out if you’re a candidate.

95%

Symptom Improvement Success

Same-Day

Discharge

0

Visible Scars

10+

Years of Experience