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Pediatric vascular surgery

When blood vessels don’t work the way they should, kids feel it. Our pediatric vascular surgeons treat conditions affecting arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels, using options tailored to your child’s unique needs.

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Helping children with complex vascular surgery needs

Children with vascular conditions need care designed for growing bodies. Families from across the Western United States come to our pediatric vascular surgery team for specialized treatment, coordinated support, and long-term follow-up.

Pediatric-only expertise

Kids aren’t small adults. Our team specializes in caring for children and teens, from tiny airways to developing bodies.

One team, one clear plan

We partner with interventional radiology, CT surgery, hematology, nephrology, cardiology and others for coordinated care.

Less time in the hospital, more time being a kid

When possible, we use minimally invasive and same-day care, with follow-ups, imaging, and clinic visits close to home.

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Vascular conditions we treat

We treat a wide range of vascular conditions. These are some of the more common conditions our team sees.

Arterial conditions affect the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Arterial conditions may include narrowing of an artery, vascular injuries, or aneurysms that can disrupt normal blood flow.

Children with advanced kidney disease may need dialysis access to receive life-sustaining dialysis treatments. Pediatric vascular surgeons create and maintain dialysis access that supports long-term kidney care.

Midaortic syndrome is a rare condition that causes narrowing of the abdominal aorta and its major branches. Midaortic syndrome can reduce blood flow to organs and limbs and often leads to severe high blood pressure.

Popliteal entrapment syndrome occurs when muscles or tendons behind the knee compress the popliteal artery. Popliteal entrapment syndrome can reduce blood flow to the lower leg and cause pain, cramping, or fatigue during activity.

Renovascular hypertension is high blood pressure caused by the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. Renovascular hypertension can affect kidney function and may require specialized vascular treatment.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs when blood vessels or nerves are compressed between the collarbone and first rib. Thoracic outlet syndrome can cause arm pain, numbness, weakness, swelling, or changes in blood flow.

Venous conditions affect the veins that return blood to the heart. Common venous conditions include blood clots, venous insufficiency, and symptomatic varicose veins that can cause swelling, pain, heaviness, or circulation problems.

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Treatments and services

  • Surgical reconstruction for arterial and venous disease

  • Endovascular treatment options

  • Microvascular and reconstructive surgery for trauma/tumor

  • Venous ablation for adolescents

  • Venous phlebectomy for adolescents

  • Pediatric dialysis access creation and revision

  • Ongoing surveillance as your child grows

  • Long-term vascular follow-up and monitoring

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What care may look like

Every child's condition and treatment plan is different. While your experience may vary, these are some of the steps families can generally expect during vascular care.

  • Your first visit: We review your child's medical history, perform an exam, and may recommend imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI.
  • Personalized treatment plan: We discuss findings, answer questions, and create a care plan tailored to your child's needs.
  • Treatment and recovery: If a procedure is needed, pediatric-trained surgeons, anesthesiologists, and care teams focus on comfort, safety, and recovery.
  • Ongoing follow-up: We monitor healing, track changes as your child grows, and adjust treatment plans when needed.

Primary Children's Hospital

Find resources to help make your visit easier, including parking and campus information, family lodging, financial assistance, interpreter services, child life programs, healing activities, and other patient and family support services available through Primary Children’s Hospital.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to some common questions about treating children with vascular conditions.

Pediatric vascular surgeons diagnose and treat conditions affecting arteries, veins, and blood flow in children. This may include congenital vascular conditions, blood vessel injuries, dialysis access needs, and disorders that affect circulation.

Symptoms vary by condition but may include swelling, limb pain, cramping during activity, numbness, high blood pressure, blood clots, changes in skin color, or differences in growth or circulation between limbs.

Your child's vascular surgeon will review their medical history, perform an exam, and may recommend imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI studies to better understand the condition.