VEIN OF GALEN MALFORMATION

What is Vein of Galen Malformation?

Vein of Galen is a very rare condition that affects the blood vessels of the brain. This abnormality occurs during the embryonic development and results in abnormal communications between the arteries and the veinw in the blood vessels of the developing brain.  In malformations such as Vein of Galen, there are no capillaries.  Capillaries are the very small blood vessels that normally connect arteries to veins, there function is to slow blood flow so that normal transfer of oxygen between blood and body tissue can take place.  The major concerns from this are that the high blood flow will increase the hearts workload causing cardiac failure and also it can affect blood drainage from the brain result in hydrocephalus (Water on the brain).

It is vital that this sort of malformation is evaluated properly and the appropriate treatment is delivered.  Although difficult to treat with traditional surgery, it can be treated by endovascular embolization and this can significantly improve the condition