Aortic Disease Care
Expert care for all stages of aortic disease
Innovative and Coordinated Treatment of Aortic Conditions
The aorta is your largest blood vessel, supplying oxygenated blood throughout the body. The Aortic Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) offers prompt diagnosis and effective treatment options for all aortic diseases, including aortic aneurysms.
Complete Aortic Aneurysm Care
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge caused by weakness or degeneration in the wall of the aorta, the body's primary and largest artery. Left untreated, an aortic aneurysm can continue to grow until it ruptures. A rupture is a potentially life-threatening situation that can develop without warning.
If you or a loved one has an aortic aneurysm, seconds matter. The Aortic Center has the specialized expertise to screen for, diagnose and treat complications related to aortic aneurysms.
Other Aortic Conditions We Treat
Our team provides care for these and all other conditions that affect the aorta:
- Acute and chronic type A and B aortic dissections — blood flows between layers in the wall of the aorta due to tearing
- Aortic arch disease — related to structural issues in the top of the aorta
- Aortic root disease — related to structural issues where the aorta attaches to the heart
- Aortic transections — punctures in the aorta due to trauma, such as a car accident
Latest Surgical Advances
We use hybrid operating rooms (ORs) for open and endovascular surgeries. Our advanced imaging systems provide staff with an important advantage during complex procedures.
Our surgical team consists of nationally recognized innovators who have developed minimally invasive procedures, including endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
Aortic Center surgeons also bring extensive experience in valve-sparing aortic repair, which fixes the aorta without replacing the patient's heart valve. This type of repair can be particularly beneficial for younger patients, as it avoids issues with replacement valves and long-term complications from required blood-thinning medication.
Screening & Diagnostic Services
We offer the latest tests for aortic conditions including aortic aneurysm screening with ultrasound, advanced cardiac imaging for surgical planning, and genetic testing.
More About Aortic Disease Care
At the Aortic Center, you or your loved one can receive these and other effective treatments for aortic conditions:
- Medications
- Percutaneous (through the skin) repair
- Customized grafts
- Endovascular aortic repair
You also may qualify to join one of our clinical trials, which are research studies aimed at discovering new and better treatment options
The Aortic Center's experts are nationally recognized leaders who help guide patient selection for open and endovascular aortic repair procedures by comparing outcomes after surgery. Your aortic care team includes specialists from throughout BIDMC. Depending on your needs, your team will include some combination of these experts:
- Cardiology specialists
- Cardiovascular anesthesiologists
- Emergency department, OR and skilled nursing staff
- Radiologists
- Vascular medicine specialist
Investigators at BIDMC's Aortic Center participate in clinical trials for innovative solutions to prevent and treat aortic aneurysms.
Meet the Team
The multidisciplinary team at The Aortic Center collaborates to evaluate and treat patients with aortic diseases.
Advancing Care, Research & Education
CardioVascular Institute
The CardioVascular Institute offers heart and vascular patient care, education opportunities for students, and a range of research programs.
Vascular Surgery Research
Our Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Research programs advance vascular care through scientific research, clinical trials and data analysis.
Cardiovascular Education
The CardioVascular Institute offers comprehensive education and training programs for healthcare professionals, including fellowships and residencies.
