Royal Columbian Hospital clinic to screen for limb-threatening condition

Donors help fund opening of first vascular clinic of its kind in Fraser Health

 

Vascular technologist Rajiv Thaper assesses patient Maurice Bruneau in the newly opened vascular lab at Royal Columbian Hospital.

HUNDREDS of patients at-risk of a common but under-recognized circulatory problem are expected to be assessed annually by a new clinic at Royal Columbian Hospital.

The vascular lab – launched with a $40,000 contribution from Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation – is the first in Fraser Health and only the third in Metro Vancouver.

The service will cater to people with symptoms that suggest peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a narrowing of the arteries other than those that supply the heart or the brain.

“The classic symptom of PAD is leg pain when walking,” notes Royal Columbian Hospital vascular surgeon Dr. Kamyar Kazemi. “People with diabetes or heart disease, as well as those with a history of smoking, are among the candidates to be screened for peripheral artery disease.”

If untreated, PAD can develop into critical limb ischemia, which is a severe obstruction of the arteries which markedly reduces blood flow to the extremities (hands, feet and legs) and has progressed to the point of severe pain and even skin ulcers or sores. Amputation may be necessary in cases with severe complications.

People who are referred to the clinic by a family doctor would be assessed using a treadmill exercise test to identify narrowed blood vessels. Treatment options can then be identified in cases where PAD is confirmed.

“This clinic will allow people from throughout Fraser Health to be screened closer to home and sooner than before,” says Foundation President and CEO Jeff Norris. “We have been able to purchase the equipment for the vascular lab because of the generosity of many donors whose contributions have been combined to fund this life and limb saving initiative.”

 

AT Royal Columbian, the most seriously ill and injured get their greatest chance at life. It’s the only hospital in BC with trauma, cardiac, neurosciences, high-risk maternity and neonatal intensive care on one site. It looks after some of the most seriously ill and injured patients, and they do it with the support of donors like you.

Since 1978, donors to Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation have helped fund priority equipment needs, facility enhancements, research, education and innovation at Royal Columbian Hospital.