Treatment

Surgery is usually needed to treat vascular rings that are pressing against the trachea or esophagus and to avoid complications. Surgeons divide the vascular rings to release the vessels pressing against the trachea and esophagus. The procedure is often conducted during open surgery, but in some cases a minimally invasive approach may be used.

Different surgical approaches may be used, depending on the specific malformation.

Children and adults with vascular rings may need lifelong care and regular follow-up appointments with specialists to monitor their conditions. Multiple specialists, including congenital cardiologists, doctors trained in lung conditions (pulmonologists), doctors trained in digestive conditions (gastroenterologists), and doctors trained in ear, nose and throat conditions may be involved in their care.