Dr. Shung Lee – Vascular Surgeon / Phlebologist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Shung Lee 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 Victoria, where he provides expert care for vascular conditions. The clinic, located in Victoria's James Bay, Beacon Hill Park Area neighbourhood, offers a professional and patient-oriented environment for advanced vascular assessment and minimally invasive procedures. For complex surgical interventions, Dr. Lee collaborates with affiliated major hospitals in Victoria, BC, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and surgical teams. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic's accessible location near the Inner Harbour Causeway makes it convenient for patients, with easy access via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Dr. Lee's practice emphasizes a comprehensive, compassionate approach to vascular health, ensuring each patient receives personalized and effective treatment.

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. Lee adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), maintaining a commitment to patient safety and clinical excellence. His focus is on providing state-of-the-art vascular care, utilizing both minimally invasive endovascular techniques and traditional open surgery to achieve optimal outcomes for his patients.

Dr. Lee's professional philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, involving patients in understanding their condition and treatment options. He is dedicated to utilizing the least invasive yet effective techniques tailored to each vascular problem, ensuring minimal discomfort and rapid recovery whenever possible. Collaborating closely with referring physicians and other specialists, he aims to deliver comprehensive vascular management. Committed to ongoing learning and the application of the latest advancements in vascular and endovascular surgery, Dr. Lee strives to improve vascular health and quality of life for residents of Victoria and surrounding areas. He provides surgical consultations and vascular care in English, with a focus on accessible, compassionate, and expert service.

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

Arterial Occlusive and Stenotic Diseases

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

• Carotid Artery Stenosis / Carotid Artery Disease: Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke.
• Mesenteric Ischemia (Acute or Chronic): Acute mesenteric ischemia is a surgical emergency requiring rapid revascularization.

Aortic and Other Arterial Aneurysmal Diseases

Dr. Lee treats conditions involving abnormal dilation or bulging of arterial walls, primarily the aorta, posing a risk of rupture.

• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): May be associated with genetic conditions (e.g., Marfan syndrome) or atherosclerosis.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Repair (open surgery or endovascular EVAR) is indicated based on size, growth rate, and symptoms.

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

• Renal Artery Stenosis Treatment: Renal artery angioplasty and stenting for significant stenosis.
• Pre-operative Evaluation for Vascular Surgery: Optimizing medical conditions before elective vascular surgery to improve outcomes.
• Spider Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy): Minimally invasive procedure to improve the appearance of leg veins.
• Comprehensive Vascular Disease Consultation: Detailed assessment including medical history, physical examination, and review of non-invasive vascular studies.
• Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Open and Endovascular - EVAR/TEVAR/FEVAR): Complex aortic procedures including fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR) for juxtarenal aneurysms.
• 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. Lee.

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. Lee's primary clinic is situated at a specialized vascular clinic in Victoria, located in the James Bay, Beacon Hill Park Area neighbourhood. The clinic offers a professional environment dedicated to advanced vascular assessment and minimally invasive treatments. For complex surgical procedures, Dr. Lee collaborates with affiliated major hospitals in Victoria, BC, which are equipped with comprehensive surgical and diagnostic facilities. The clinic and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Conveniently situated near the Inner Harbour Causeway, the location is easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Patients and visitors can find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, making access to expert vascular care straightforward for residents of Victoria and the surrounding region.

What is the difference between endovascular and open surgery, and does Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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. Lee.

What is the typical recovery after vascular surgery or an endovascular procedure by Dr. Lee?

The recovery period after a vascular intervention with Dr. Lee depends heavily on whether it's an open surgery or an endovascular (minimally invasive) procedure. Endovascular treatments usually mean a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal activities. Open surgeries, such as an open aortic aneurysm repair, are more extensive and require a longer convalescence. Dr. Lee will discuss your specific expected recovery timeline.

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

Referral to a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Lee 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 are some common conditions treated by Dr. Lee?

As a Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Lee 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.

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

Dr. Lee is a Vascular Surgeon, a physician with expertise in diseases of the circulatory system outside of the heart. This includes managing blockages in arteries (like peripheral artery disease or carotid artery disease), aneurysms (abnormal bulges in arteries like the aorta), varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and issues with dialysis access. They use medical therapy, catheter-based interventions, and traditional surgery to improve blood flow and prevent serious complications. 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.

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

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

a specialized vascular clinic in Victoria
405-1120 Yates St
Victoria, BC V8V 3M9

Clinic Phone: (250) 220-8931 | Clinic Fax: (250) 220-8925

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

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

Verify Dr. Lee's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/312154/Lee%2CShung