Duke's Cerebrovascular Center has the experience and expertise to treat vein of Galen abnormalities.

The vein of Galen drains blood from important regions of the brain into larger sinuses of the brain that then drain into the heart. Abnormalities with the vein, such as abnormal connections with arteries, can cause developmental delay, hydrocephalus, seizures, and even heart failure.

Diagnosis

Vein of Galen abnormalities are often diagnosed in infants and young children who have heart failure but no obvious problems with their hearts.

Our doctors use cranial ultrasound, MRI, and cerebral angiography to find the abnormality and diagnose the problem.

Treatment

At Duke, physicians from a wide variety of specialties, including pediatrics, neurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology, cardiology, and intensive care work together to treat vein of Galen abnormalities.

When a patient is diagnosed with a vein of Galen abnormality, the medical team works to stabilize the patient and prepare him or her for surgery.

Our neurosurgeons use the latest endovascular techniques to treat these abnormalities, including using a shunt to relieve hydrocephalus. We also offer embolization, a process where abnormal blood vessels are blocked using various substances like glue, onyx, and copper wire, to treat vein of Galen abnormalities.

Appointments

For information about scheduling an appointment with a specific doctor, visit the Contact Us page.

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Enterline, David S.
  • Radiology / Neuroradiology
• Smith, Tony P.
  • Radiology / Vasc/Intervention Radiology
• Zomorodi, Ali R.
  • Surgery / Neurosurgery

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke University Hospital
  2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710