About
Dr. Audra Arax Duncan is a highly skilled Vascular Surgeon, dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the vascular system (arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation). Her practice is based at a specialized vascular clinic in London, located in London's Downtown London and North London East neighborhoods. She performs complex surgical procedures primarily at London Health Sciences Centre, ensuring access to advanced surgical facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. Dr. Duncan's environment is professional, patient-oriented, and focused on providing comprehensive vascular care.
Dr. Duncan provides comprehensive management for a wide array of conditions including peripheral artery disease (PAD), aortic aneurysms, carotid artery stenosis (to prevent stroke), and venous disorders such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She utilizes a range of advanced medical therapies, minimally invasive endovascular procedures (like angioplasty and stenting), and traditional open surgical techniques to restore blood flow and improve patient outcomes. Her approach emphasizes personalized care and the latest evidence-based practices to ensure optimal results.
She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Duncan graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (United States). With over 7 years of experience as a Vascular Surgeon since 2017, she is committed to ongoing professional development. Her professional philosophy centers on providing state-of-the-art vascular care with a focus on patient safety, minimally invasive techniques, and collaborative management with referring physicians and specialists. She is dedicated to improving vascular health for patients in London and provides surgical consultations and care in English.
Dr. Audra Duncan provides expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide spectrum of vascular conditions, including:
Arterial Occlusive and Stenotic Diseases
Dr. Duncan treats atherosclerotic and other diseases leading to insufficient arterial supply, often requiring intervention to prevent ischemia.
- Mesenteric Ischemia (Acute or Chronic): Acute mesenteric ischemia is a surgical emergency requiring rapid revascularization.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) / Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD): Often caused by atherosclerosis, significantly impacting mobility and limb viability if untreated.
- Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI): Multifactorial management including wound care, revascularization, and risk factor modification.
Aortic and Other Arterial Aneurysmal Diseases
Dr. Duncan’s management focuses on monitoring smaller aneurysms and intervening to repair larger or symptomatic ones to prevent catastrophic bleeding.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): A localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta, which can rupture if it grows too large, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Aortic Dissection: A serious condition in which the inner layer of the aorta tears, causing blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, forcing the layers apart.
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): May be associated with genetic conditions (e.g., Marfan syndrome) or atherosclerosis.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your vascular health, a consultation with Dr. Audra Duncan is necessary.
- Comprehensive Vascular Disease Consultation: Consultation to determine the optimal medical, endovascular, or surgical management plan for vascular conditions.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Management - Select Interventions: Placement of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in select high-risk patients.
- Spider Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy): Cosmetic treatment of small, superficial spider veins (telangiectasias) using injection sclerotherapy.
- Post-operative Vascular Care and Surveillance: Long-term surveillance of bypass grafts, stents, or aneurysm repairs using clinical assessment and imaging.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Venous Ulcer Care: Compression therapy, wound care, and interventions to improve venous outflow.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Management - Surgical & Endovascular: Surgical bypass grafting to reroute blood flow around arterial occlusions.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific procedures are determined after thorough consultation with Dr. Duncan.
All vascular surgical and endovascular services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery (CSVS) guidelines and best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Duncan practices at a specialized vascular clinic located in London’s Downtown London neighborhood, easily accessible from North London East. The clinic is situated near Labatt Memorial Park, with convenient access via the London Transit Commission (LTC). The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The practice offers a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to providing advanced vascular care to the community.
- What does a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Duncan specialize in?
- A Vascular Surgeon, such as Dr. Duncan, is a highly trained specialist who diagnoses, treats, and manages conditions affecting the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system – collectively known as the vascular system. This excludes vessels of the heart and brain, which are typically managed by cardiologists/cardiac surgeons and neurologists/neurosurgeons respectively. Dr. Duncan is skilled in a range of treatments including medical management, minimally invasive endovascular procedures, and open surgical reconstructions. A Vascular Surgeon, specializing in the diagnosis and comprehensive management of diseases affecting the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system, utilizing medical, endovascular, and open surgical techniques.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Duncan?
- Dr. Duncan treats a wide range of vascular disorders. Common conditions include Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which causes blockages in leg arteries; Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA); Carotid Artery Disease, which can lead to stroke; Varicose Veins and chronic venous insufficiency; and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Dr. Duncan also specializes in creating and maintaining access for hemodialysis.
- Does Dr. Duncan create or manage access for kidney dialysis?
- Indeed. Vascular surgeons like Dr. Duncan are specialists in establishing and preserving hemodialysis access. This involves surgically creating AV fistulas (connecting an artery to a vein) or implanting AV grafts. Dr. Duncan also treats problems that can arise with these access sites to ensure they remain functional for dialysis patients.
- What is the typical recovery after vascular surgery or an endovascular procedure by Dr. Duncan?
- Recovery time varies significantly depending on the type of vascular procedure performed by Dr. Duncan and your individual health. Minimally invasive endovascular procedures generally have shorter hospital stays (sometimes even outpatient) and quicker recovery times, often a few days to a couple of weeks. Open surgical procedures, especially for major aortic surgery, involve a longer hospital stay and a recovery period of several weeks to months. Dr. Duncan will provide detailed post-procedure instructions and a personalized recovery plan.
- When should I be referred to a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Duncan?
- You might be referred to Dr. Duncan if you experience issues like leg pain or cramping with exercise that resolves with rest (claudication), coldness or numbness in your limbs, visible varicose veins causing discomfort or skin changes, or if an imaging study reveals an aneurysm or significant blockage in your arteries. Any concerns about circulation in your arteries or veins, or problems with a dialysis fistula or graft, warrant consultation with a vascular specialist.
- What is the difference between endovascular and open surgery, and does Dr. Duncan perform both?
- Open vascular surgery requires a larger incision to expose the blood vessel for repair. Endovascular procedures are less invasive, using catheters and wires inserted through small access points to treat the problem from inside the vessel with balloons or stents. Dr. Duncan is likely proficient in both techniques and will determine the most appropriate method for your situation, considering factors like the location and severity of the disease, and your fitness for surgery.
a specialized vascular clinic in London
800 Commissioners Road East
London, ON N6A 5W9
Clinic Phone: (519) 667-6794
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Duncan is a licensed Vascular Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Duncan for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Duncan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Duncan-Audra-Arax/0304413-108315