About
Dr. Virginia Gunn 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 Edmonton, where she provides comprehensive vascular care in a professional and patient-oriented environment. She performs many diagnostic assessments and minimally invasive procedures at her clinic, with complex surgical interventions typically carried out at affiliated major hospitals in Edmonton, AB. Dr. Gunn adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring quality and safety in all her clinical activities.
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. Gunn 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 approach emphasizes the use of the least invasive effective techniques tailored to each patient's specific vascular problem, aiming for optimal results and quick recovery.
Dr. Gunn completed her medical education with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2009. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a Vascular Surgeon in Alberta. Her key certifications include specialty certification as a Vascular Surgeon, ensuring her expertise and adherence to the highest standards of vascular care. She is committed to ongoing learning and applying the latest advancements in vascular and endovascular surgery, with a focus on providing state-of-the-art care. Fluent in English and Cantonese, she also effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, fostering understanding and trust.
Dr. Virginia Gunn provides expert diagnosis and treatment for a wide spectrum of vascular conditions, including:
Arterial Occlusive and Stenotic Diseases
Dr. Gunn treats atherosclerotic and other diseases leading to insufficient arterial supply, often requiring intervention to prevent ischemia.
- Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI): Multifactorial management including wound care, revascularization, and risk factor modification.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) / Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD): A common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs.
- 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.
Aortic and Other Arterial Aneurysmal Diseases
Dr. Gunn 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): Dilations of arteries in the limbs, most commonly the popliteal artery behind the knee.
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): May be associated with genetic conditions (e.g., Marfan syndrome) or atherosclerosis.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your vascular health, a consultation with Dr. Virginia Gunn is necessary.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Management - Surgical & Endovascular: Treatment of blockages in leg arteries causing claudication, rest pain, or non-healing ulcers.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Venous Ulcer Care: Management of long-term venous disease leading to leg swelling, skin changes, and venous stasis ulcers.
- Pre-operative Evaluation for Vascular Surgery: Detailed planning of complex vascular interventions, including imaging review and discussion of surgical approaches.
- Mesenteric Ischemia Treatment: Surgical and endovascular interventions to restore blood flow to the intestines in cases of acute or chronic mesenteric ischemia.
- Post-operative Vascular Care and Surveillance: Long-term surveillance of bypass grafts, stents, or aneurysm repairs using clinical assessment and imaging.
- Renal Artery Stenosis Treatment: Surgical bypass for complex renal artery disease.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific procedures are determined after thorough consultation with Dr. Gunn.
All vascular surgical and endovascular services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery (CSVS) guidelines and best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Gunn's primary clinic is located at a specialized vascular clinic in Edmonton, situated in the SE: Mill Woods Town Centre, Michaels Park, Richfield neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional, accessible, and patient-centered environment dedicated to providing advanced vascular care. Complex surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated major hospitals in Edmonton, AB, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The clinic is conveniently accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, with nearby parking options, including accessible parking. The facility is wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Its proximity to landmarks such as the Living History Museum makes it easy for patients to reach the practice from various parts of the city, with ample parking and public transportation options available.
- What does a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Gunn specialize in?
- Dr. Gunn 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. Gunn create or manage access for kidney dialysis?
- Indeed. Vascular surgeons like Dr. Gunn 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. Gunn also treats problems that can arise with these access sites to ensure they remain functional for dialysis patients.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Gunn?
- Dr. Gunn 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. Gunn also specializes in creating and maintaining access for hemodialysis.
- What is the typical recovery after vascular surgery or an endovascular procedure by Dr. Gunn?
- Recovery time varies significantly depending on the type of vascular procedure performed by Dr. Gunn 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. Gunn will provide detailed post-procedure instructions and a personalized recovery plan.
- When should I be referred to a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Gunn?
- Referral to a Vascular Surgeon like Dr. Gunn 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. Gunn 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. Gunn 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. Gunn.
a specialized vascular clinic in Edmonton
3017 66 St NW, 205
Edmonton, AB T6K 4B2
Clinic Phone: (780) 461-6012 | Clinic Fax: (780) 461-5442
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Gunn is a licensed Vascular Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Gunn for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Gunn's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=e76b981c-a764-4332-8f26-e9e94142a313&i=559