Complex Aortic Disease

The aorta is the body’s main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It begins at the left ventricle of the heart and extends through the chest and abdomen before dividing into arteries that supply the legs. Conditions of the aorta can be difficult to treat because of the aorta’s location and the vital role it plays in the circulatory system.  

Comprehensive care for complex conditions 

Saint Luke’s vascular experts offer the only program in the region with a multidisciplinary approach to treating complex aortic conditions. Subspecialty expertise allows our providers to care for the full range of conditions including both abdominal and thoracic conditions. 

Our team includes cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, cardiologists, and genetic counselors that care for: 

• Acute aortic syndromes (AAS): These include intramural hematoma, penetrating aortic ulcerations, and aortic rupture. 
• Aortic arch anomalies: Congenital issues, such as a double or right-sided aortic arch, which can compress the trachea or esophagus.  
• Aortic coarctation: A severe narrowing of the aorta that can require complex intervention, particularly if it involves long segments or occurs with other defects. 
• Aortic dissection (Type A and B): A tear in the inner layer of the aorta, leading to blood flowing between layers of the wall. Type A involves the ascending aorta (emergency), while Type B involves the descending aorta. 
• Complex aortic aneurysms: Aneurysms that branch off to vital organs, specifically renal (kidney) and visceral (intestine) arteries, often treated at specialized centers. 
• Genetic aortic syndromes: Connective tissue disorders that weaken the aortic wall, such as Marfan syndrome or Loeys-Dietz syndrome. 
• Mycotic and infected aortas: Infections within the aortic wall or a previously placed graft. 
• Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA): Complex aneurysms involving both the chest and abdominal aorta, often requiring advanced repair involving branch arteries. 

Our experts drive innovations in the treatment of complex aortic disease through active research and clinical trials, providing patients with early access to leading-edge endovascular devices, novel surgical techniques, and advanced genetic therapies. 

Treatment options 

Saint Luke’s offer the full range of treatment options to meet each patient’s needs, including open surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and hybrid options.  

• Open surgical repair: Traditionally used for extensive repairs, involving replacing the diseased segment with a graft. 
• Endovascular repair (EVAR/TEVAR): Less invasive repairs using stents placed via catheters, often tailored for complex arch or visceral artery involvement (fenestrated or branched stents). 
• Hybrid procedures: Combining surgical, non-invasive techniques with stenting for high-risk patients. 

Genetic counseling for heart conditions 

Many heart conditions, including aortic disease, have an inherited component. Saint Luke’s offers cardiovascular genetic counseling services to help patients and their families understand how inherited genes may contribute to vascular conditions. Our genetic counselors help you: 

• Understand the risks of aortic aneurysm or dissections 
• Identify family members who may need genetic screening 
• Make informed decisions around preventive surgical procedures

Get more information about cardiovascular genetic counseling.

How to refer a patient

To refer a patient, email [email protected] or send a fax to 816-932-2756.