The Yakes Vascular Malformation Center

Our Story

Dr. Yakes established the Yakes Vascular Malformation Center at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado in 1991 to be solely dedicated to the diagnosis and management of vascular malformations in most anatomic locations. Dr. Yakes is referred patients from countries all over the world as the cure rates and outcomes he has achieved are not equaled at any other center worldwide.

Vascular malformations are categorized into arteriovenous malformations (AVM), arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), capillary malformations (CM), venous malformations (VM), lymphatic malformations (LM), and mixed malformations. These vascular anomalies are very rare and have been historically difficult to diagnose and treat. Most clinicians see only a few in a lifetime of practice. Thus, patients afflicted with these disorders often seek help from many different physicians and undergo repetitive examinations, misdiagnosis, and frequent failed attempts at "definitive" therapy that lead to exacerbation of symptoms, lesion recurrences, and disability.

Dr.Yakes has developed innovative management strategies with a goal of permanent ablation of these complex malformations tailored to the individual patient’s specific vascular malformation type, anatomical location, and presenting symptoms.