The Vascular Anomalies Center at Texas Children's Named Among Best in The Nation by Cure HHT

Also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, HHT is an inherited disorder involving the development of abnormal artery and vein connections, or arteriovenous malformations (AVM), that can affect any part of the body. Symptoms may not manifest until adolescence or later in some patients. If left undiagnosed, the disorder can lead to anemia, heart failure, stroke, or serious bleeding, often from the nose.

“It is a huge honor that our program has been acknowledged as a Center of Excellence by Cure HHT,” said Dr. Ionela Iacobas, Medical Director of the Vascular Anomalies Center and Associate Director of the HHT Center of Excellence at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center . 

“It is so important that we continue to focus on increasing access for patients with HHT to high-quality multidisciplinary care and research to further boost their quality of life,” said Iacobas, who is also an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine.

This recognition comes after an 18-month application process, which includes emphasis on training, mentorship and several site visits from the Cure HHT team. To receive this designation, a hospital must be equipped with the appropriate personnel, expertise, commitment and resources to provide comprehensive evaluation, treatment and education to individuals with HHT and their families.

 “This designation as a Center of Excellence for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a significant milestone for us, as it provides us with the official capacity to care for our HHT patients and their families,” said Dr. Amir Pezeshkmehr, Director of the HHT Center of Excellence, Division Chief of Interventional Radiology at Texas Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor of Radiology at Baylor College of Medicine. “We are deeply grateful to Cure HHT for entrusting us with the opportunity to serve not only our local community but also individuals from neighboring states. This designation reaffirms our commitment to excellence in healthcare and the advancement of HHT patient care.” 

The Vascular Anomalies Center at Texas Children’s Hospital is a multidisciplinary group of experts in the field of vascular malformations and vascular tumors, from various medical and surgical specialties, who work together to evaluate and provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment to patients with these disorders.

“The absolute strength of Texas Children’s is our extreme collaborative nature across all disciplines and specialties. Our Vascular Anomalies Center combines experts from multiple specialties with the newest, high-end diagnostic and interventional equipment to provide our patients with the highest quality of care,” said Dr. Thierry Huisman, Radiologist-in-Chief and Chair of the Texas Children’s Hospital Department of Radiology. 

To schedule an appointment with the Vascular Anomalies Center, please call 832-822-3800.

About Texas Children’s

Texas Children’s, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The system includes the Texas Children’s Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children’s care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first HMO for children; Texas Children’s Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children’s Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that is channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.