About
Dr. Robert Matthew Smith 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 Langley, situated within a reputable medical clinic in the Langley neighborhood. Complex surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated major hospitals in the region, ensuring comprehensive care for his patients. The clinic and hospital facilities are designed to be accessible, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and comfortable patient environments, emphasizing safety and privacy. Dr. Smith's practice emphasizes a professional, patient-oriented environment for the delivery of advanced vascular care, utilizing both minimally invasive endovascular techniques and traditional open surgery to achieve optimal outcomes.
He graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1996 and holds specialty certification as a Vascular Surgeon. His certifications include recognition by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining high standards of surgical excellence and patient safety.
Dr. Smith's professional philosophy centers on providing state-of-the-art vascular care with a focus on patient safety and the best possible outcomes. He adopts a patient-centered approach, involving patients in understanding their condition and treatment options. His practice emphasizes utilizing the least invasive effective techniques tailored to each patient's specific vascular problem. Collaboration with referring physicians and other specialists is integral to his comprehensive management strategy. Committed to ongoing learning and innovation, Dr. Smith stays current with advancements in vascular and endovascular surgery, ensuring his patients in Langley receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments.
Dr. Robert Smith provides expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide spectrum of vascular conditions, including:
Arterial Occlusive and Stenotic Diseases
Dr. Smith treats disorders of the arteries causing reduced blood circulation due to plaque buildup or other forms of obstruction.
- Mesenteric Ischemia (Acute or Chronic): Acute mesenteric ischemia is a surgical emergency requiring rapid revascularization.
- Renal Artery Stenosis: Can be caused by atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia.
- Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI): A severe form of peripheral artery disease characterized by rest pain, non-healing ulcers, or gangrene, threatening limb viability.
Aortic and Other Arterial Aneurysmal Diseases
Dr. Smith's management focuses on monitoring smaller aneurysms and intervening to repair larger or symptomatic ones to prevent catastrophic bleeding.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Repair (open surgery or endovascular EVAR) is indicated based on size, growth rate, and symptoms.
- 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. Robert Smith is necessary.
- Post-operative Vascular Care and Surveillance: Long-term surveillance of bypass grafts, stents, or aneurysm repairs using clinical assessment and imaging.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Management - Surgical & Endovascular: Surgical bypass grafting to reroute blood flow around arterial occlusions.
- Renal Artery Stenosis Treatment: Surgical bypass for complex renal artery disease.
- Pre-operative Evaluation for Vascular Surgery: Detailed planning of complex vascular interventions, including imaging review and discussion of surgical approaches.
- Mesenteric Ischemia Treatment: Bypass grafting or stenting of mesenteric arteries.
- Carotid Artery Disease Surgery (Carotid Endarterectomy / Stenting): Carotid artery stenting as a minimally invasive alternative for select patients with carotid stenosis.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific procedures are determined after thorough consultation with Dr. Smith.
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. Smith's primary clinic is situated within a specialized vascular clinic in Langley, located in a well-established medical facility accessible to major healthcare providers in the region. The clinic is conveniently accessible via local public transit routes and offers ample parking, including designated accessible parking spots. The facility is designed to prioritize patient comfort, safety, and privacy, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and treatment areas. For complex vascular procedures, Dr. Smith collaborates with affiliated major hospitals in Langley, BC, which are equipped with advanced surgical suites and post-operative care units. The practice aims to provide a professional, compassionate environment for the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of vascular conditions. Patients can expect comprehensive care delivered by a team committed to excellence and patient safety.
- What is the typical recovery after vascular surgery or an endovascular procedure by Dr. Smith?
- Recovery time varies significantly depending on the type of vascular procedure performed by Dr. Smith 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. Smith will provide detailed post-procedure instructions and a personalized recovery plan.
- What does a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Smith specialize in?
- A Vascular Surgeon, such as Dr. Smith, 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. Smith 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 are some common conditions treated by Dr. Smith?
- As a Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Smith manages many conditions involving blood vessels. These frequently include blockages in arteries (atherosclerosis) affecting the legs, neck, or abdomen; aneurysms (weak, bulging arteries); problems with veins such as varicose veins or blood clots (DVT); and creating or repairing sites for dialysis access.
- When should I be referred to a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Smith?
- Referral to a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith.
a specialized vascular clinic in Langley
180-8700 200 St, The Langley Business Center
Langley, BC V2Y 0G4
Clinic Phone: (604) 888-7505 | Clinic Fax: (604) 888-7507
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Smith 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. Smith for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Smith's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/312776/Smith%2CRobert