Dr. Gordon Thomas Maxwell Houston – Vascular Surgeon / Phlebologist | Richmond, BC

Dr. Gordon Thomas Maxwell Houston 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, offering advanced vascular care in a professional and patient-oriented environment. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Complex surgical procedures are typically performed at major affiliated hospitals in Richmond, BC, ensuring access to state-of-the-art operating rooms and support services. Located in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood, the clinic is conveniently accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus), with parking typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. Dr. Houston's focus is on providing comprehensive vascular care, utilizing both minimally invasive endovascular techniques and traditional open surgery to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

He holds a medical degree from the University of Manitoba (1986) and is certified as a Vascular Surgeon by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Houston's training and certifications ensure he adheres to the highest standards of medical practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), with license number 3258. His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of vascular conditions, and he is committed to ongoing professional development to incorporate the latest advancements in vascular and endovascular surgery.

Dr. Houston's professional philosophy centers on providing state-of-the-art vascular care with a focus on patient safety and achieving the best possible outcomes. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, involving patients in understanding their conditions and treatment options. Utilizing the least invasive effective techniques tailored to each patient's specific vascular problem, Dr. Houston collaborates closely with referring physicians and other healthcare specialists to ensure comprehensive management. His dedication to vascular health extends to ongoing learning and application of the latest techniques, all aimed at improving quality of life for patients in Richmond. He provides surgical consultations and vascular care in English.

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

Arterial Occlusive and Stenotic Diseases

Dr. Houston treats conditions characterized by narrowing or blockage of arteries, restricting blood flow to vital organs and limbs.

• Mesenteric Ischemia (Acute or Chronic): Chronic mesenteric ischemia often presents with 'intestinal angina' and weight loss.
• 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. Houston's management focuses on monitoring smaller aneurysms and intervening to repair larger or symptomatic ones to prevent catastrophic bleeding.

• Peripheral Artery Aneurysms (e.g., Popliteal, Femoral): Dilations of arteries in the limbs, most commonly the popliteal artery behind the knee.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Repair (open surgery or endovascular EVAR) is indicated based on size, growth rate, and symptoms.
• Aortic Dissection: Requires urgent diagnosis and management, often surgical repair for Type A dissections.

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

• Pre-operative Evaluation for Vascular Surgery: Detailed planning of complex vascular interventions, including imaging review and discussion of surgical approaches.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Management - Select Interventions: Diagnosis and initiation of anticoagulation for DVT and PE.
• Comprehensive Vascular Disease Consultation: Thorough evaluation for suspected or known diseases of the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system.
• Varicose Vein Treatment (Minimally Invasive and Surgical): Comprehensive management of varicose veins, including endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and sclerotherapy.
• Upper Extremity Arterial Disease Management: Treatment of blockages or aneurysms in the arteries of the arms and hands.
• Renal Artery Stenosis Treatment: Surgical bypass for complex renal artery disease.

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

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. Houston's primary clinic is situated at a specialized vascular clinic in Richmond, BC, located in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional environment dedicated to advanced vascular care, with easy access via public transit and parking options nearby. Patients can expect a welcoming setting designed for comfort and privacy. Complex surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated major hospitals in Richmond, equipped with state-of-the-art operating rooms and support services. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all patients. The practice is conveniently accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Canada Line, Bus), with parking generally available at or near the locations, including accessible parking for those with mobility needs. The practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, providing comprehensive vascular assessments, treatments, and follow-up care in a professional setting.

What is the difference between endovascular and open surgery, and does Dr. Houston 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. Houston 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 does a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Houston specialize in?

A Vascular Surgeon, such as Dr. Houston, 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. Houston 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.

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

You might be referred to Dr. Houston 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 typical recovery after vascular surgery or an endovascular procedure by Dr. Houston?

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

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

Indeed. Vascular surgeons like Dr. Houston 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. Houston also treats problems that can arise with these access sites to ensure they remain functional for dialysis patients.

a specialized vascular clinic in Richmond
307-7031 Westminster Hwy
Richmond, BC V6X 1A3

Clinic Phone: (604) 270-2726 | Clinic Fax: (604) 270-0322

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

Dr. Houston 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. Houston for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Houston's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/304590/Houston%2CGordon