About
Dr. Peter Shaun MacDonald 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 Vancouver, located in the vibrant Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and patient-oriented environment for advanced vascular care. Complex surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated major hospitals in Vancouver, BC, ensuring access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Dr. MacDonald’s clinic and the affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. The practice emphasizes a comprehensive approach to vascular health, utilizing both minimally invasive endovascular techniques and traditional open surgery to optimize patient outcomes.
He, as a Vascular Surgeon, combines expertise in general surgery with specialized skills in managing vascular diseases. This includes treating common general surgical issues as well as complex arterial and venous conditions. Dr. MacDonald adheres to the high standards and protocols established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe, effective, and ethical care for all patients.
Dr. MacDonald holds certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his extensive training and commitment to excellence. His professional philosophy centers on providing state-of-the-art vascular care with a focus on patient safety, personalized treatment plans, and the utilization of the least invasive effective techniques tailored to each vascular problem. He values collaborative care, working closely with referring physicians and other specialists to deliver comprehensive management. Dedicated to ongoing learning, Dr. MacDonald continually incorporates the latest advancements in vascular and endovascular surgery. He provides surgical consultations and vascular care services primarily in English, ensuring clear communication and patient understanding.
Dr. Peter MacDonald provides expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide spectrum of vascular conditions, including:
Arterial Occlusive and Stenotic Diseases
Dr. MacDonald treats conditions characterized by narrowing or blockage of arteries, restricting blood flow to vital organs and limbs.
- Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI): A severe form of peripheral artery disease characterized by rest pain, non-healing ulcers, or gangrene, threatening limb viability.
- 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. MacDonald treats conditions involving abnormal dilation or bulging of arterial walls, primarily the aorta, posing a risk of rupture.
- Peripheral Artery Aneurysms (e.g., Popliteal, Femoral): Can lead to thrombosis (clotting), embolization (clots traveling downstream), or rupture.
- Abdominal Aortic An aneurysm (AAA): A localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta, which can rupture if it grows too large, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your vascular health, a consultation with Dr. Peter MacDonald is necessary.
- Comprehensive Vascular Disease Consultation: Thorough evaluation for suspected or known diseases of the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system.
- Spider Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy): Performed in an outpatient clinic setting.
- Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory Interpretation (e.g., Duplex Ultrasound): Correlation of non-invasive imaging with clinical symptoms to establish vascular diagnoses.
- Renal Artery Stenosis Treatment: Renal artery angioplasty and stenting for significant stenosis.
- Varicose Vein Treatment (Minimally Invasive and Surgical): Ambulatory phlebectomy for removal of larger superficial varicose veins.
- Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Open and Endovascular - EVAR/TEVAR/FEVAR): Complex aortic procedures including fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR) for juxtarenal aneurysms.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific procedures are determined after thorough consultation with Dr. MacDonald.
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. MacDonald's primary clinic is located at a specialized vascular clinic in Vancouver, situated in the Yaletown, Downtown South neighbourhood. The clinic provides a professional, accessible, and patient-focused environment for vascular consultations and outpatient procedures. For complex surgical interventions, Dr. MacDonald collaborates with major hospitals in Vancouver, BC, equipped with advanced surgical suites and recovery facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. The location is conveniently accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront) and offers parking options, including designated accessible spots, at or near the facilities. Specific parking and access arrangements may vary depending on the hospital or clinic location, but overall, the environment is tailored to facilitate easy access for all patients.
- What is the typical recovery after vascular surgery or an endovascular procedure by Dr. MacDonald?
- Recovery time varies significantly depending on the type of vascular procedure performed by Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald will provide detailed post-procedure instructions and a personalized recovery plan.
- Does Dr. MacDonald create or manage access for kidney dialysis?
- Yes, creating and maintaining vascular access for hemodialysis is a key component of Vascular Surgery. Dr. MacDonald 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 does a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. MacDonald specialize in?
- A Vascular Surgeon, such as Dr. MacDonald, 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. MacDonald 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. MacDonald?
- Referral to a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. MacDonald 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.
- What is the difference between endovascular and open surgery, and does Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald 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. MacDonald.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. MacDonald?
- Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald also specializes in creating and maintaining access for hemodialysis.
a specialized vascular clinic in Vancouver
Department of Surgery, 1081 Burrard St, St. Paul's Hospital, Dept. of Surgery
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
Clinic Phone: (604) 806-8698 | Clinic Fax: (604) 806-8595
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. MacDonald 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. MacDonald for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. MacDonald's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/311211/MacDonald%2CPeter