Our Services

Center for Reconstructive Pediatrics

Vascular Anomalies Team

Vascular anomalies in children are varied in nature and are divided into two types: vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Hemangiomas are the most common type of vascular tumor and can effect up to 10% of infants. They may be located on any part of the body and may have a broad spectrum of behavior that may lead to impairment functionally, cosmetically, or both. Vascular malformations are lesions made of veins, lymphatics, arteries, or combinations of the above. They may be painful and progressive with age leading to functional as well as cosmetic impairment. Unlike a decade ago, treatment options do exist for many patients and include observation, steroids, injections that promote shrinking of the lesion, laser therapy, and/or surgical removal to restore a more normal appearance and function. Not surprisingly, these children often need support in adjusting psychologically to the societal implications of their lesions.

Benefits of the team approach

The multidisciplinary team allows your child to benefit from the consolidated knowledge of many specialists from different fields in one place and in one visit.

Many vascular lesions are treatable. Proper care results in improved appearance and healthier, happier lives for most children. Equally as important is ongoing care for related problems that may affect function and integration into social groups. A group of specialists trained in the care of children with vascular lesion as well as clinicians trained to target social and emotional concerns are essential for close monitoring throughout childhood. Treatments recommended for your child will be organized at Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. Close communications with your primary pediatrician or family doctor is mandatory for continuity of care of your child and is our goal. The purpose of this team approach is to coordinate the best medical care for your child and to ensure that you are involved as an active partner in the treatment process.

The Vascular Anomalies Team

The Vascular Anomalies Team at the Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital Center for Reconstructive Pediatrics is a team of specialists focused on the care of families with children born with vascular lesions. The group includes surgical specialists, radiology specialists, medical specialists, geneticists, behavioral therapists, and social workers and meets every third Monday monthly. Primary care providers are included in all care planning via letter correspondence and are invited to participate.

Members of the Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital Vascular Anomalies Team are recognized experts in their fields. The following physicians and specialists who make up the team take pride in providing top-quality, sensitive care and in remaining accessible to patients and families.

Clinical Coordinator

Cynthia Miranda, MA

Cynthia Miranda is a clinical specialist with the vascular anomalies team, coordinating all of its activities. She manages the telephone, referrals, scheduling, and assists in the education of families concerning the care of their children with vascular lesions. She also coordinates patient care in the hospital.

Clinical Social Worker

Lydia Sanchez, LSW

Lydia Sanchez identifies services that can help enhance the growth and development of individual children and help them achieve improvements in the quality of their lives. She assesses the needs of families and patients and refers them to local and regional agencies that provide counseling, case management, developmental programs and other services. She also helps arrange local lodging for patients and families who travel long distances for treatment.

Counselor

Roger Tripp, MA, LPC

Roger Tripp is a mental health counselor who works with children with body differences helping them meet challenges that they face in school and society, promoting healthy self-identity and self-esteem.

Genetics

Elizabeth Roeder, MD
Robert Stratton, MD

Elizabeth Roeder and Robert Stratton evaluate patients looking for genetic reasons to explain certain anomalies identified in children. Using honed skills in history taking and physical examination, combined with laboratory or radiographic testing when indicated, they attempt to diagnose findings so that treatment plans can be shaped and risks for future pregnancies may be identified.

Hematologist

Shannon Carpenter, MD

Shannon Carpenter is a pediatric hematologist whose interests include hemangiomas and their treatment. Her perspective on the medical management of these lesions helps in deciding which lesions need surgical intervention and when. Ultimate improved cosmetic outcome is thereby improved by limiting scarring when medical therapies can achieve similar results.

Interventional Radiologists

Andrew Auber, MD
Jim Lutz, MD

Andrew Auber and Jim Lutz are interventional radiologists whose skills are pivotal to improved outcomes in children with vascular malformations. Using injections therapies to promote shrinkage of malformations and/or special catheters to block feeding blood vessels thereby treating lesions, they are able to effectively treat many children with either venous or lymphatic malformations.

Otolaryngologist

William Clark, MD

William Clark is specialist in pediatric otolaryngology. He cares for patients with vascular lesions that affect the airway and are at increased risk for breathing difficulties.

Plastic Surgeon

Aaron Mason, MD

Aaron Mason is a pediatric plastic surgeon and pediatrician specializing in the care of children with reconstructive needs. He treats vascular lesions medically when indicated and surgically intervenes when lesions either lead to functional impairment or cosmetic deformity. He directs the Vascular Anomalies Team making sure that children receive the many services needed for optimal outcomes.