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Aortic Disease Treatments
We provide a comprehensive range of treatments for aortic disease, from the latest minimally invasive procedures to complex open surgery. Our specialists offer some of the newest and most advanced treatments available and are among the few programs in Michigan to do so.
Aortic disease: Why choose Henry Ford?
Whether you need monitoring or more advanced treatment for an aortic condition, we provide lifelong care tailored to your individual needs. The Multidisciplinary Aorta Program at Henry Ford offers:
- Expert surgeons: Aortic disease treatments draw on the extensive training and expertise of our surgeons. Learn more about vascular surgery and heart surgery at Henry Ford.
- Seamless care: Our team of experts meets on a regular basis to coordinate care for complex conditions and plan procedures and surgeries. For people with complex cases, our vascular surgeons and vascular medicine specialists work with cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to provide the most effective, long-lasting results.
- Skilled team for full support: With specialized training in aortic disease, our nurse practitioners are available around the clock to answer questions about your care. Our social workers connect you with resources to help you manage day-to-day life.
- Latest research: We are one of 52 hospitals and research centers participating in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissections (IRAD). Our active participation in IRAD keeps our program at the forefront of new practices in diagnosing and treating aortic disease.
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What is aortic disease?
As the largest artery, the aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to smaller arteries that supply the rest of the body. Conditions that affect the aorta, such as aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections, can be life threatening.
Treatment for aortic disease begins with a thorough evaluation for an accurate diagnosis. Find out more about our process and advanced technologies for aortic disease diagnosis.
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Medical management for aortic disease
In the early stages of aortic disease, you may need only medications and monitoring to manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Working closely with you, we customize a medical management program to your needs.
Our vascular medicine specialists and vascular surgeons select medications based on your specific symptoms and other health needs. Our vascular team and cardiologists monitor you regular intervals to make sure the medications are working and adjust them as necessary.
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Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
Henry Ford vascular surgeons were the first in Michigan to perform endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), which goes inside the aorta to treat aneurysms. Since 1994, our team of aortic disease experts has used this minimally invasive procedure to help people from across Michigan.
Using catheters (thin, flexible tubes), our vascular surgeons expertly place wire mesh and fabric inside your lower (abdominal) aorta to support the aneurysm. This implant, called a stent graft, forms a tight seal with the aorta, allowing blood to flow through without bursting the aneurysm. Learn more about EVAR.
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Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR)
Henry Ford vascular surgeons were among the first in Michigan to perform FEVAR, a form of EVAR that can treat abdominal aortic aneurysms above the kidneys. The procedure uses a stent graft with openings (fenestrations) that are customized to your anatomy, accommodating arteries that branch off the aorta.
FEVAR makes endovascular treatment possible in areas of the aorta where it can be difficult to place stents. Read more about FEVAR.
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Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR)
Like EVAR and FEVAR, TEVAR is a minimally invasive catheter procedure that reinforces aortic aneurysms with stent grafts. Our vascular surgeons use TEVAR to treat thoracic aortic aneurysms, which develop in the upper aorta in the chest. They also use it for some types of aortic dissections.
TEVAR features stents with openings (fenestrations) and branches to accommodate arteries connected to the aorta. Find out more about TEVAR.
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Valve-sparing aortic root replacement
This procedure treats aneurysms in the aortic root, the section of the aorta that connects to the heart. Our vascular and cardiac surgeons work together during both minimally invasive procedures and open surgeries. They replace diseased sections of your aorta while preserving your aortic valve.
If your aortic valve also has damage, we can repair it or replace it with a bioprosthetic (animal tissue) valve. Our valve-sparing procedure eliminates the ongoing need to take blood thinners after surgery and can reduce the risk of stroke.
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Aortic arch replacement
Aneurysms and dissections can affect the aortic arch, a hairpin-curved section of the aorta near the heart. With branching arteries that carry blood to the head, arms and upper body, the aortic arch is a complex structure that can be difficult to treat.
Our skilled vascular surgeons and cardiac surgeons work together to replace portions of the arch or the entire structure. Aortic arch surgery is an open operation that uses stent grafts with multiple branches to accommodate other connected arteries.