Dr. Ryan Scott Costanzo Latimer – Anesthesiologist | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. Ryan Scott Costanzo Latimer, a respected Anesthesiologist, is committed to the highest standards of perioperative care and pain management. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in North Vancouver, BC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring patient safety and comfort during various medical procedures. Dr. Latimer adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), maintaining the highest professional standards in his practice.

He completed his medical degree with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS) from the University of Queensland Medical School in Australia in 2014, followed by extensive postgraduate training in Anesthesiology. His training includes comprehensive education in airway management, pain control, and perioperative medicine, equipping him with the expertise necessary for safe anesthesia administration across a wide range of procedures.

Dr. Latimer’s clinical philosophy emphasizes clear and educational communication, prioritizing patient safety and comfort. He is dedicated to providing personalized anesthetic care tailored to each patient’s medical history and procedural needs. Fluent in English, he strives to foster an environment of trust and understanding, ensuring patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout their perioperative experience. His practice is focused on serving the North Vancouver community with professionalism and compassion.

• General Anesthesia Administration: Inducing and maintaining a controlled state of unconsciousness ('sleep') using intravenous or inhaled medications, ensuring patient comfort and immobility during major surgery.
• Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.
• Regional Anesthesia Techniques: Numbing specific body regions using targeted nerve blocks (e.g., spinal, epidural, peripheral nerve blocks) for surgery or pain control, potentially allowing the patient to remain awake or sedated.
• Acute Postoperative Pain Management: Implementing strategies to manage pain immediately after surgery, utilizing multimodal approaches like regional blocks, IV medications, or patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).
• Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Latimer (or an associate) in consultation with you and your surgeon/proceduralist based on your health and the requirements of the procedure. Subspecialty services like chronic pain management may require a separate referral pathway.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Dr. Latimer primarily practices at medical facilities located in the central North Vancouver area, conveniently situated near local points of interest such as Lions Gate Hospital and North Vancouver District Hospital. These facilities are easily accessible via public transit, including bus routes serving the North Vancouver community. The practice location offers ample parking options, with parking available at the facility, ensuring ease of access for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible, accommodating patients with mobility needs, and ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Latimer? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Latimer during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). Pre-anesthetic consultations related to these procedures are also usually covered. Fees for specific uninsured services (e.g., certain non-medically required procedures, form completion) may apply based on provincial guidelines. Please confirm coverage with Medical Services Plan (MSP) for specific circumstances.

Can I directly request Dr. Latimer for my anesthesia?

While you can discuss preferences with your surgeon, the assignment of an Anesthesiologist is typically managed by the hospital's anesthesia department or the surgical group based on scheduling, expertise required, and availability. Your surgeon arranges the necessary anesthesia care, which includes consultation with an anesthesiologist like Dr. Latimer from the team covering your procedure.

Why is it important to follow fasting instructions?

Fasting (not eating or drinking) before anesthesia is critical for your safety. If there is food or liquid in your stomach during anesthesia, it could potentially come up into your throat and lungs (aspiration), which can cause serious lung complications. Following the specific fasting times given to you significantly reduces this risk.

How will my pain be managed after the procedure?

Effective pain management is a priority. Depending on the procedure, Dr. Latimer may use strategies like regional nerve blocks placed before or during surgery for prolonged numbness, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, epidural infusions, or a combination of different types of pain medications (multimodal analgesia). The goal is to keep you comfortable to aid recovery and mobility. This plan is often coordinated with the surgical team.

231 15TH St E, Lionsgate Hospital, Department of Anesthesia
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2L7

Phone: (604) 988-3131

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Latimer is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Anesthesia services are typically arranged through the hospital or clinic where your procedure is scheduled.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/372883/Latimer%2CRyan