Dr. Kathryn Leigh Howe – Vascular Surgeon / Phlebologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Kathryn Leigh Howe 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 Toronto, where she provides comprehensive vascular care in a professional and patient-oriented environment. She performs complex surgical procedures at the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto, ON, ensuring access to advanced surgical facilities. Dr. Howe adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining her license under the CPSO license number 88811. Her focus is on delivering personalized, effective treatment strategies to optimize patient outcomes, utilizing both minimally invasive endovascular techniques and traditional open surgery.

She 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). Dr. Howe 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 practice emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical expertise with patient education to ensure optimal vascular health.

Dr. Howe graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. She has over 6 years of experience as a Vascular Surgeon, having been in practice since 2018. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her professional philosophy is centered on providing state-of-the-art vascular care with a focus on patient safety, minimally invasive techniques, and collaborative management with referring physicians. She is committed to ongoing learning and applying advancements in vascular and endovascular surgery to benefit her patients in Toronto. Dr. Howe provides surgical consultations and vascular care in English, dedicated to improving vascular health for her community.

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

Arterial Occlusive and Stenotic Diseases

Dr. Howe treats atherosclerotic and other diseases leading to insufficient arterial supply, often requiring intervention to prevent ischemia.

• Mesenteric Ischemia (Acute or Chronic): Chronic mesenteric ischemia often presents with 'intestinal angina' and weight loss.
• 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. Howe treats conditions involving abnormal dilation or bulging of arterial walls, primarily the aorta, posing a risk of rupture.

• 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. Kathryn Howe is necessary.

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Management - Surgical & Endovascular: Minimally invasive endovascular procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy for PAD.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Management - Select Interventions: Placement of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in select high-risk patients.
• Mesenteric Ischemia Treatment: Bypass grafting or stenting of mesenteric arteries.
• Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Open and Endovascular - EVAR/TEVAR/FEVAR): Minimally invasive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR for abdominal, TEVAR for thoracic) using stent-grafts.
• Upper Extremity Arterial Disease Management: Surgical bypass or endovascular therapy for conditions like subclavian steal syndrome or upper extremity claudication.
• Post-operative Vascular Care and Surveillance: Long-term surveillance of bypass grafts, stents, or aneurysm repairs using clinical assessment and imaging.

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

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. Howe's primary clinic is situated within a specialized vascular clinic in Toronto, conveniently located in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional environment dedicated to specialized vascular care, with easy access via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Complex surgical procedures are typically performed at the Hospital For Sick Children, which is equipped with advanced surgical facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. The practice is committed to providing accessible, high-quality vascular services in a welcoming setting.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Howe?

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

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

You might be referred to Dr. Howe 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. Howe?

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

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

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

What does a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Howe specialize in?

A Vascular Surgeon, such as Dr. Howe, 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. Howe 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 is the difference between endovascular and open surgery, and does Dr. Howe 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. Howe 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 Toronto
200 Elizabeth St
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4

Clinic Phone: (416) 340-5193 | Clinic Fax: (416) 340-5029

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

Dr. Howe 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. Howe for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Howe's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Howe-Kathryn-Leigh/0250273-88811