Move forward with clarity about your vascular health.
Dr. Brandon Van Asseldonk provides assessment and treatment for arterial, venous, aortic and dialysis-access conditions, with straightforward explanations and care shaped around each patient.
Every vascular problem is different. The right plan starts with careful assessment, clear choices and sound judgment.
About the surgeon
Dr. Brandon Van Asseldonk
BAScMDRPVIFRCSC
Dr. Van Asseldonk is a vascular surgeon with appointments at Scarborough Health Network and North York General Hospital. At SHN, he provides clinical services at the General, Centenary and Birchmount hospitals.
He completed medical school and integrated vascular surgery residency training at the University of Toronto. His background in mechanical engineering brings a practical, systems-focused perspective to complex vascular care.
TrainingDoctor of Medicine and Vascular Surgery Residency, University of Toronto
AppointmentsScarborough Health Network and North York General Hospital
EngineeringHonours Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo; former Apple manufacturing engineer
InnovationCo-inventor, Adaptive Plug for Edge Protection, US 2015/0289395 A1, assigned to Apple Inc.
2Toronto hospital-system appointments
FRCSCRoyal College certified in vascular surgery
RPVIRegistered Physician in Vascular Interpretation
Common conditions
Understand what may be affecting your circulation.
Vascular disease can affect arteries, veins and blood vessels throughout the body. These illustrations explain several common reasons for referral.
Peripheral arterial disease
Plaque narrows arteries and reduces blood flow to the legs. Symptoms may include walking pain, rest pain or wounds that do not heal.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
An aneurysm is an enlargement of the aorta. Imaging surveillance helps determine when continued monitoring or repair is appropriate.
Chronic venous disease
Venous disease may progress from visible veins and swelling to skin changes or ulceration and should be assessed in clinical context.
Images are for general education. Appearance alone cannot establish a diagnosis.
Additional areas of vascular care
Carotid diseaseAssessment and treatment planning for carotid stenosis.
Aortic diseaseAneurysm and dissection surveillance and intervention.
Dialysis accessCreation, assessment and revision of fistulas and grafts.
Venous thrombosisEvaluation of acute and chronic venous conditions.
Limb-threatening ischemiaCare for rest pain, tissue loss and non-healing wounds.
Vascular surveillanceLong-term imaging review after treatment or for stable disease.
Varicose vein care
Treatment matched to your symptoms and ultrasound findings.
Not every visible vein requires intervention. Following assessment, treatment may include conservative care, a private office-based procedure, or an OHIP-insured surgical option when medical criteria are met.
Private-pay treatments
Minimally invasive options
Office-based treatments designed to close or remove selected abnormal superficial veins.
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapyA medication is injected as a foam into a selected vein under ultrasound guidance, causing it to close over time.
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)A thin laser fibre is placed inside an incompetent superficial vein to seal it using controlled thermal energy.
OHIP-insured procedures
Surgical treatment
For medically necessary venous disease, eligible procedures may be performed through the hospital system.
High ligation and strippingThe affected saphenous vein is tied off and removed through small surgical incisions.
PhlebectomySelected surface varicose veins are removed through a series of very small incisions, often alongside treatment of the underlying reflux.
Treatment recommendations and OHIP eligibility depend on symptoms, examination, ultrasound findings, medical indication and applicable provincial criteria. Private-treatment fees are discussed before booking.
What to expect
A clear path from referral to follow-up.
Not every vascular condition requires a procedure. The first priority is understanding the diagnosis and choosing the most appropriate next step.
01
Referral review
Clinical information and imaging are reviewed so the appointment can be prioritized appropriately.
02
Consultation
We discuss symptoms, health history, imaging findings and how the condition affects daily life.
03
Treatment plan
Options may include surveillance, medication, endovascular treatment or open surgery.
04
Ongoing care
Follow-up and imaging are coordinated with the broader healthcare team when required.
Patient education
Education is empowerment.
Clear information helps patients recognize symptoms, understand why tests are recommended and take part in decisions about their vascular health.
How to recognize peripheral arterial disease
Leg discomfort with walking, slow-healing foot wounds, rest pain or a cold foot can be signs of reduced arterial blood flow. Symptoms should be assessed in the context of an examination and vascular testing.
Do varicose veins need treatment?
Not all varicose veins require a procedure. Treatment depends on symptoms, skin changes, ulceration, clotting history, ultrasound findings and personal goals.
Understanding carotid artery disease
Carotid plaque may narrow the arteries supplying the brain. Management depends on symptoms, the severity of narrowing, overall health and the balance of treatment risks and benefits.
When should an aneurysm be repaired?
Aneurysms are not always treated immediately. The decision to repair depends on factors such as size, growth rate, location, symptoms and overall health. Regular imaging surveillance may be recommended for smaller aneurysms, while larger, symptomatic or rapidly expanding aneurysms may require repair to reduce the risk of rupture.
Compression stockings: when do they help?
Graduated compression can help selected patients with venous swelling and symptoms. The correct pressure and fit depend on the diagnosis, arterial circulation and ability to use them safely.
Smoking and vascular disease
Smoking damages blood vessels and substantially increases vascular risk. Stopping is one of the most important steps a patient can take to protect circulation and improve long-term health.
Walking programs for PAD
A structured walking program can improve walking distance and function for many patients with claudication. A clinician can help determine whether it is appropriate and how to begin safely.
Appointments and referrals
Ask your physician for a vascular referral.
Patients can speak with their family physician or another treating clinician. Referrals should include the clinical question, relevant imaging and degree of urgency.
SHN clinic3030 Lawrence Avenue East, Unit 502 Scarborough, Ontario M1P 2T7
Location5th floor of the medical mall attached to Scarborough General Hospital
Hospital appointmentsScarborough Health Network and North York General Hospital
Medical emergency? This website is not monitored for urgent concerns. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for sudden weakness, speech difficulty, severe chest or abdominal pain, or an acutely painful, cold limb.
