Aortic Program

Aortic Aneurysm - An aortic root aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta at the point where the aorta exits the heart, which is where the aortic valve is located.

• Ascending Aorta Aneurysm - An ascending aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta located just above the heart and just before the bend in the aorta known as the aortic arch.

• Aortic Arch Aneurysm - An aortic arch aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the curve of the candy cane-shaped aorta, the body’s largest artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

• Descending Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm - A descending aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta which begins after the subclavian artery branches from the aortic arch.

• Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm - A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, which extends through both the belly and the chest.

• Abdominal Aneurysm (AAA)- An abdominal aneurysm is a specific type of aortic aneurysm in the abdomen, or belly. It can develop for years without causing any symptoms. You may not experience any noticeable symptoms unless the aneurysm bursts or grows large enough to block blood flow or press against other areas of the body.

• Iliac Artery Aneurysm (IAA) - An iliac artery aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of an iliac artery, a large blood vessel in the pelvis that carries blood from the aorta to the lower body. The weak area can cause the artery to bulge and grow larger. If it becomes large enough, it can press on nearby areas or, in rare cases, rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding.

Aortic Dissection - An aortic dissection is a tear in the lining of the aorta, the candy cane-shaped artery that delivers oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. 

Type A aortic dissection: This type occurs in the ascending aorta (the short side of the candy cane) and extends through the descending aorta (the long side). This tear may extend into the abdomen. Type A is more common and more dangerous, often requiring emergency surgery.

Type B aortic dissection: This type involves a tear in the descending aorta only, and it also may extend into the abdomen. These are often treated with a minimally invasive stent.

More serious tears can spread to other blood vessels, heart valves, or the sac surrounding the heart.

Coarctation of the Aorta - Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta, the body’s largest artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Connective Tissue Disorders - Certain connective tissue disorders, including Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome, can increase the risk of aortic disease. These conditions can affect the strength and elasticity of connective tissue, including the tissue that supports the aorta. As a result, the aorta may become weakened or enlarged, increasing the risk of serious complications.