About
Dr. David Kirk Lawlor 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 primarily based at a specialized vascular clinic in Vancouver, located in the vibrant and accessible neighborhood of Fairview. From this convenient location, Dr. Lawlor provides expert vascular care in a professional and patient-oriented environment, emphasizing comfort, privacy, and comprehensive treatment options. For complex surgical procedures, he collaborates with major affiliated hospitals in Vancouver, BC, ensuring patients receive the highest standards of surgical care. The clinic and 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. Lawlor’s practice is committed to providing advanced vascular care, utilizing both minimally invasive endovascular techniques and traditional open surgery to achieve optimal outcomes.
He holds a medical degree from the University of Western Ontario, graduating in 1996, and has attained specialty certification as a Vascular Surgeon. His credentials include certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in vascular surgery. Dr. Lawlor continually updates his skills through ongoing education and adherence to the best practice guidelines set by professional organizations, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advancements in vascular diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Lawlor’s professional philosophy centers on providing state-of-the-art vascular care with a focus on patient safety and optimal outcomes. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, involving patients in understanding their condition and treatment options. Utilizing the least invasive effective techniques tailored to each patient's specific vascular problem, he aims to minimize discomfort and recovery time. Dr. Lawlor collaborates closely with referring physicians and other specialists for comprehensive management of vascular conditions. His dedication to ongoing learning and application of advancements in vascular and endovascular surgery underscores his commitment to improving vascular health for patients in Vancouver. He provides surgical consultations and care in English.
Dr. David Lawlor provides expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide spectrum of vascular conditions, including:
Arterial Occlusive and Stenotic Diseases
Dr. Lawlor treats disorders of the arteries causing reduced blood circulation due to plaque buildup or other forms of obstruction.
- Renal Artery Stenosis: Intervention (angioplasty/stenting or surgery) considered for significant stenosis with clinical impact.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) / Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD): Often caused by atherosclerosis, significantly impacting mobility and limb viability if untreated.
- Mesenteric Ischemia (Acute or Chronic): Acute mesenteric ischemia is a surgical emergency requiring rapid revascularization.
Aortic and Other Arterial Aneurysmal Diseases
Dr. Lawlor treats weakening and expansion of arteries, which can occur in the abdomen (AAA), chest (TAA), or peripheral arteries.
- 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.
- Peripheral Artery Aneurysms (e.g., Popliteal, Femoral): Dilations of arteries in the limbs, most commonly the popliteal artery behind the knee.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your vascular health, a consultation with Dr. David Lawlor is necessary.
- 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: Treatment of underlying superficial or deep venous reflux.
- Mesenteric Ischemia Treatment: Bypass grafting or stenting of mesenteric arteries.
- Comprehensive Vascular Disease Consultation: Consultation to determine the optimal medical, endovascular, or surgical management plan for vascular conditions.
- Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory Interpretation (e.g., Duplex Ultrasound): Utilizing vascular lab findings to guide treatment decisions for arterial and venous disorders.
- Upper Extremity Arterial Disease Management: Management of thoracic outlet syndrome with vascular compression.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific procedures are determined after thorough consultation with Dr. Lawlor.
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. Lawlor's primary clinic is located at a specialized vascular clinic in Vancouver's Fairview neighborhood, offering comprehensive vascular care in a professional and welcoming environment. The clinic is conveniently situated near Vancouver's Downtown Entertainment District, accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express - Waterfront. The facility is wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. For complex procedures, Dr. Lawlor collaborates with major hospitals in Vancouver, BC, where surgical interventions are performed in state-of-the-art operating rooms. The practice is committed to providing accessible, high-quality vascular care in a professional setting, ensuring patients receive personalized treatment tailored to their specific needs.
- What is the difference between endovascular and open surgery, and does Dr. Lawlor 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. Lawlor 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.
- What is the typical recovery after vascular surgery or an endovascular procedure by Dr. Lawlor?
- Recovery time varies significantly depending on the type of vascular procedure performed by Dr. Lawlor 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. Lawlor will provide detailed post-procedure instructions and a personalized recovery plan.
- Does Dr. Lawlor create or manage access for kidney dialysis?
- Indeed. Vascular surgeons like Dr. Lawlor 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. Lawlor also treats problems that can arise with these access sites to ensure they remain functional for dialysis patients.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Lawlor?
- Dr. Lawlor 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. Lawlor also specializes in creating and maintaining access for hemodialysis.
- What does a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Lawlor specialize in?
- Dr. Lawlor 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.
- When should I be referred to a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Lawlor?
- Referral to a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Lawlor is typically indicated if you have symptoms or diagnostic findings suggestive of significant arterial or venous disease. This might include: pain in your legs when walking (claudication), non-healing sores on your feet or legs, a diagnosis of an aortic or peripheral aneurysm, symptoms of a TIA ('mini-stroke') potentially related to carotid artery disease, severe varicose veins with complications, or problems with your dialysis access. Your family doctor or another specialist will usually make the referral.
a specialized vascular clinic in Vancouver
4228-2775 Laurel St, Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
Clinic Phone: (604) 875-5495 | Clinic Fax: (604) 875-5542
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Lawlor 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. Lawlor for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Lawlor's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/336441/Lawlor%2CDavid