Thoracic Aortic Disease Services

People diagnosed with aortic disease often see many different specialists for their care. At UPMC, our comprehensive aortic disease services provide access to all the experts you need for streamlined care during a single office visit.

Our multidisciplinary team treats all types of aortic disease. When you choose UPMC, you receive individualized aortic disease care and access to the most advanced treatment options — including minimally invasive techniques and leading-edge clinical trials.

What Are Aortic Disease Services?

Aortic disease is a group of conditions that affect the aorta. The aorta is the main vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

The aorta has two main sections:

• Thoracic, which is located in the chest. It runs from the aortic valve to the diaphragm.
• Abdominal, which is in the belly. It extends from the diaphragm to the abdomen.

One of the most common aortic diseases is an aneurysm. This occurs when the vessel becomes weak and bulges outwards.

Aneurysms get bigger over time and can tear or rupture. This can cause life-threatening bleeding and even death.

At UPMC:

• We provide complete, lifelong care for people with all types of aortic disease, including aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and aortic rupture.
• Our team works together to create a tailored disease management plan for each person.
• We partner with patient advocacy organizations such as the Marfan Foundation to improve and save the lives of people with familial and genetic trigger aortic disease. Partnerships like these give our patients and their families support and resources throughout their journey.

What conditions do you treat?

Our team treats both routine and complex aortic conditions, including:

Aortic aneurysms

The most common condition we treat is bulging of the aorta, called an aortic aneurysm.

Types include:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Aortic arch aneurysm.
• Aortic root aneurysm.
• Ascending aortic aneurysm.
• Familial thoracic aneurysms.
• Descending thoracic aortic aneurysm.
• Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

Other aortic conditions

Although aortic aneurysms are the most common condition we treat, we treat a full range of other thoracic aortic disorders, including:

• Atherosclerotic occlusive disease.
• Aortic coarctation (narrowing).
• Aortoiliac occlusive disease.
• Aortic dissection (types A and B).
• Bicuspid aortic valve.
• Brachiocephalic arterial insufficiency.
• Congenital aortic anomalies.
• Connective tissue disorder or genetic aortic disease.
• Dysphagia lusoria.
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
• Intramural hematoma.
• Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
• Marfan syndrome.
• Mycotic/infected aortas.
• Penetrating aortic ulcerations.
• Traumatic aortic injuries.
• Vascular rings.

Who’s eligible for thoracic aortic disease services?

If you have been diagnosed with any aortic disease, you may be eligible to receive aortic disease services.

What Thoracic Aortic Disease Services Does UPMC Offer?

We work together to design the best treatment plan for your condition. Our team includes:

• Adult and pediatric cardiologists.
• Adult congenital heart disease experts.
• Cardiovascular geneticists.
• Cardiac surgeons.
• Vascular surgeons.
• Neurosurgeons.
• Cardiac radiologists.

At UPMC, we provide advanced treatments, access to the latest clinical trials, and minimally invasive options, including:

Minimally invasive aortic aneurysm repair

We specialize in less-invasive options for aortic aneurysm repair using stent grafts. Examples include:

• Endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR).
• Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).
• Repair of complex aortic aneurysms with fenestrated or branched devices (FEVAR).

Endovascular means the doctors insert catheters and wires in your blood vessels to access the area they need to fix.

Open surgery for aortic disease

Treatment options we offer include:

• Aortic valve repair and valve replacement.
• Ascending aortic replacement.
• Aortic arch replacement.
• Bicuspid aortic valve repair and replacement
• Branched aortic endografts.
• Narrow aorta repair/coarctation repair.
• Types A and B dissection repair.
• Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
• Subclavian to carotid transposition.
• Aortic transection repair.

What Can I Expect From Thoracic Aortic Disease Services?

Our team of vascular surgeons, cardiac surgeons, and other experts will create a comprehensive plan to manage your condition and reduce your risk of complications.

Before your visit

To prepare for your visit, you will be asked to provide:

• Name, address, and contact phone number.
• Insurance information.
• Relevant medical records and test results.
• A referral, if required by your health insurance company.

If you get a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician, they may be able to provide your test results and medical records to our team.

During your visit

You'll meet with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant when you arrive for your first appointment. He or she will ask about your medical history and perform an exam.

We'll give you a:

• Complete education session about your condition and treatment.
• A tailored patient education packet for you to take home.

Your health care provider will explain your treatment options based on how long you've had symptoms, your condition, and your health history.

Together, you will design and agree on a care plan.

Your care team may also:

• Order tests to learn more about your condition.
• Schedule a procedure in the hospital.

After your treatment

Our team will schedule follow-up appointments as needed. You should contact our office if:

• You have questions about your treatment plan or medications.
• Your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected.
• You have any other concerns about your condition.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.