Dr. Daniel Slawomir Kopac – Vascular Surgeon / Phlebologist | Richmond, BC

Dr. Daniel Slawomir Kopac is a highly skilled Vascular Surgeon, dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the vascular system (arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation). His practice is based at a specialized vascular clinic in Richmond, BC, where he provides comprehensive vascular care in a professional and patient-centered environment. Dr. Kopac performs complex surgical procedures at affiliated major hospitals in Richmond, ensuring access to advanced facilities for his patients. His clinic's location in Richmond's West Richmond (Terra Nova, Thompson) neighborhood offers convenience and accessibility, being close to Richmond City Hall and well-served by TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus). The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. Dr. Kopac's practice emphasizes a dedicated and skilled approach to vascular health, utilizing both minimally invasive endovascular techniques and traditional open surgery to achieve optimal outcomes for his patients.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Alberta in 2006 and holds specialty certification as a Vascular Surgeon. Dr. Kopac is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his advanced training and expertise in vascular surgery. His professional development is focused on providing state-of-the-art vascular care, continuously updating his skills with the latest techniques and guidelines in the field.

Dr. Kopac's professional philosophy centers on delivering high-quality, individualized care with a focus on patient safety and outcomes. He is committed to involving patients in understanding their vascular conditions and treatment options, employing the least invasive effective techniques tailored to each case. His approach includes collaborative care with referring physicians and other specialists, aiming for comprehensive management of vascular diseases. Dedicated to ongoing learning and the application of advancements in vascular and endovascular surgery, Dr. Kopac strives to maintain the highest standards in his practice. He provides surgical consultations and vascular care services primarily in English, ensuring clear communication and personalized attention for each patient.

Dr. Daniel Kopac provides expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide spectrum of vascular conditions, including:

Arterial Occlusive and Stenotic Diseases

Dr. Kopac treats disorders of the arteries causing reduced blood circulation due to plaque buildup or other forms of obstruction.

• Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI): Multifactorial management including wound care, revascularization, and risk factor modification.
• Carotid Artery Stenosis / Carotid Artery Disease: Often asymptomatic until it causes a TIA or stroke, detected through screening or after a neurological event.

Aortic and Other Arterial Aneurysmal Diseases

Dr. Kopac treats conditions involving abnormal dilation or bulging of arterial walls, primarily the aorta, posing a risk of rupture.

• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): Dilation of the aorta in the chest cavity, which can also lead to dissection or rupture.
• Peripheral Artery Aneurysms (e.g., Popliteal, Femoral): Repair is often recommended to prevent limb-threatening complications.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Repair (open surgery or endovascular EVAR) is indicated based on size, growth rate, and symptoms.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your vascular health, a consultation with Dr. Daniel Kopac is necessary.

• Renal Artery Stenosis Treatment: Interventions to treat narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys, which can cause hypertension or kidney dysfunction.
• Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Open and Endovascular - EVAR/TEVAR/FEVAR): Minimally invasive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR for abdominal, TEVAR for thoracic) using stent-grafts.
• Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory Interpretation (e.g., Duplex Ultrasound): Expert interpretation of ultrasound and other non-invasive tests to diagnose blockages, aneurysms, or venous insufficiency.
• Upper Extremity Arterial Disease Management: Surgical bypass or endovascular therapy for conditions like subclavian steal syndrome or upper extremity claudication.
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Venous Ulcer Care: Management of long-term venous disease leading to leg swelling, skin changes, and venous stasis ulcers.
• Varicose Vein Treatment (Minimally Invasive and Surgical): Treatment to alleviate symptoms such as pain, swelling, and improve cosmetic appearance.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific procedures are determined after thorough consultation with Dr. Kopac.

All vascular surgical and endovascular services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery (CSVS) guidelines and best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Kopac's primary clinic is located at a specialized vascular clinic in Richmond, BC, situated in the West Richmond (Terra Nova, Thompson) neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional environment dedicated to providing advanced vascular care. Complex surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated major hospitals in Richmond, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The clinic is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line and bus routes), with parking available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a welcoming setting for those seeking vascular consultation and treatment.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Kopac?

Dr. Kopac 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. Kopac also specializes in creating and maintaining access for hemodialysis.

Does Dr. Kopac create or manage access for kidney dialysis?

Yes, creating and maintaining vascular access for hemodialysis is a key component of Vascular Surgery. Dr. Kopac is skilled in performing procedures such as creating arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and placing AV grafts, which are essential for patients with kidney failure who require long-term dialysis. He also manages complications related to dialysis access, such as blockages or infections.

What is the typical recovery after vascular surgery or an endovascular procedure by Dr. Kopac?

Recovery time varies significantly depending on the type of vascular procedure performed by Dr. Kopac 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. Kopac will provide detailed post-procedure instructions and a personalized recovery plan.

When should I be referred to a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Kopac?

You might be referred to Dr. Kopac 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 does a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Kopac specialize in?

Dr. Kopac is a Vascular Surgeon, a physician with expertise in diseases of the circulatory system outside of the heart. This includes managing blockages in arteries (like peripheral artery disease or carotid artery disease), aneurysms (abnormal bulges in arteries like the aorta), varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and issues with dialysis access. They use medical therapy, catheter-based interventions, and traditional surgery to improve blood flow and prevent serious complications. 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 is the difference between endovascular and open surgery, and does Dr. Kopac perform both?

Open surgery involves making a traditional incision to directly access and repair the affected blood vessel (e.g., bypass grafting, aneurysm repair with a sewn-in graft). Endovascular surgery is minimally invasive, performed through small punctures in an artery (usually in the groin) using catheters, wires, balloons, and stents guided by imaging. Many Vascular Surgeons like Dr. Kopac are skilled in both approaches and will recommend the best option based on your specific condition, anatomy, and overall health. You should discuss this with Dr. Kopac.

a specialized vascular clinic in Richmond
311-6051 Gilbert Rd, Danie S. Kopac Inc.
Richmond, BC V7C 3V3

Clinic Phone: (604) 370-6366 | Clinic Fax: (604) 370-6367

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Kopac is a licensed Vascular Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Kopac for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Kopac's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333706/Kopac%2CDaniel