ABOUT AVAN

The Australasian Vascular Anomalies Network (AVAN) is a group of clinicians from around Australia and New Zealand who have come together to improve the care of children and adults with vascular anomalies.  Members of the network come from many different specialties, all of whom are involved in the treatment of haemangiomas, vascular malformations and related conditions.  The network exchanges information between members about the latest developments in treatment.  AVAN also disseminates through this website, information for both the public and other healthcare providers to increase understanding and awareness of vascular anomalies.  The network also aims to actively improve clinical care by: developing evidence based treatment guidelines; helping people to find the most appropriate care available for their condition; and by undertaking clinical research into the causes, treatment and health and personal impact of vascular anomalies.

Who can be a member of the Australasian Vascular Anomalies network?

Membership is currently restricted to healthcare professionals from any discipline with a demonstrated interest in the treatment of vascular anomalies.  AVAN is unable to function as a patient support group at the moment, but is working to help set up support groups for families and patients with vascular anomalies in Australia and New Zealand.  If you are interested in being part of a support group, and particularly if you would like to help establish such a group, please send us an email.

Keeping up to date with the latest research.

Many areas of vascular anomalies treatment have changed significantly in the last ten years and will continue to change with new discoveries, particularly in genetics. Many members of AVAN are also members of the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) which meets every second year in a different country to exchange knowledge of the latest developments.  AVAN members also stay up to date through local meetings and through the scientific literature.

There is active research into vascular anomalies taking place at many centres in Australia and New Zealand, and basic science research in particular is underway at the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute in Wellington, New Zealand, the Vascular Biology laboratory at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne and the Institute of Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland.

Covid19 and Vascular Anomalies

Covid 19 vaccination is recommended for all eligible children and adults with vascular anomalies.  The risk of developing a Covid 19 infection when unvaccinated greatly outweighs the known risks of vaccination.

Further information on Covid19 and vascular anomalies may be found here.