Collaborative Approach Enhances Care for Aortic Dissection
University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute’s multidisciplinary care includes a collaborative approach to treating patients with complex aortic diseases. We bring together leading heart and vascular specialists at our Aortic Center – all dedicated to providing the very best treatment for serious aortic conditions, including aortic dissection.
Aortic dissection occurs when there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood out of the heart. As the tear extends along the wall of the aorta, blood surges through the torn aorta, which causes the inner and middle layers of the aorta to dissect, or separate. This can lead to a decreased blood flow, or ischemia, to organs or a ruptured aorta, a life-threatening emergency.
Skilled Aortic Dissection Surgery
If an aortic dissection diagnosis is confirmed, survival depends on timely and effective treatment. Depending on the location and severity of the dissection, treatment may require either surgery or an endovascular stent-graft placement to repair or replace the dissected aorta.
UH heart and vascular interventionalists and surgeons provide expert care in complex, multi-procedure surgeries. Our nationally recognized vascular specialists provide a range of options to patients, including advanced minimally invasive procedures for improved patient outcomes and faster recovery.
Understanding Aortic Dissection Risk Factors
The cause of aortic dissection is unclear. In addition to advanced age and family history, the following risk factors are associated with this condition:
- Genetic connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan’s syndrome
- Hardening of the arteries
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation of the aorta (aortitis) or arteries (arteritis)
- Smoking
- Trauma
People with certain birth defects of the heart and blood vessels, such as narrowing or coarctation of the aorta and defects of the aortic valve, are also at risk for aortic dissection.
Learn More about UH Specialized Care for Aortic Dissection
For any aortic aneurysm issue or suspected aortic disease, our specialists can provide the accurate diagnosis and innovative treatment you may need – at a range of convenient locations.