Study Examines Surgery vs. Surveillance for Vascular Rings
A recent study from Phoenix Children’s cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons examines how best to manage children with vascular rings, comparing surgical treatment with observation over time.
The study reviewed 228 patients aged 14 and older and found that, while surgery is effective for children with symptoms, not all patients require immediate intervention. In fact, 40% of patients never developed symptoms and were safely managed without surgery. Among symptomatic patients, most improved after surgery, though some continued to have mild symptoms.
Importantly, the findings show that select patients, even some with symptoms, may improve with conservative care and multidisciplinary evaluation.
This research supports a more individualized approach, helping providers determine when surgery is needed and when careful monitoring may be appropriate.
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About Phoenix Children’s: About Phoenix Children's is one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems. It comprises Phoenix Children's Hospital – Thomas Campus, Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Arrowhead Campus, Phoenix Children's Hospital – East Valley, Phoenix Children’s – Avondale Campus, four pediatric specialty and urgent care centers, 11 community pediatric practices, 20 outpatient clinics, two ambulatory surgery centers and seven community-service outpatient clinics throughout the state of Arizona.
The system provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care and has been serving children and families for 40 years. Phoenix Children's Care Network includes more than 1,405 pediatric primary care providers and specialists who deliver care across more than 75 subspecialties. Alongside our colleagues, collaborators and communities, we’re elevating pediatric care, education and innovation, so we can all grow healthier together.
Physicians can refer patients through streamlined online referral tools, with urgent transfers and provider-to-provider consultations supported by the Connected Care Center.
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