All Specialties
The global death rate for aortic diseases, which include thoracic aortic aneurysm, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and acute aortic syndromes, have steadily increased over the past two decades. The aorta is the largest and most important artery in the body. It carries blood away from your heart and to the rest of the body. At Ochsner, our comprehensive aortic team is board-certified and trained to provide a full range of high-quality aortic services.
Why Choose Ochsner for Aortic Services?
We provide a level of comprehensive care unmatched in the region. Instead of traveling out of state, patients can experience healthcare with peace of mind closer to their home. We provide care to our patients throughout their patient journey. We offer a multi-disciplinary follow-up clinic where patients can be seen by cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular surgeons.
Our specialists are nationally recognized for their expertise in minimally invasive aortic aneurysm repair. More than 80% of patients treated at Ochsner with aortic aneurysm disease receive minimally invasive endovascular surgery. We were among the first nationally to develop, study and establish the use of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) through clinical trials. Currently, this technique now comprises over 85% of all AAA repairs in the nation.
In addition, the multi-disciplinary transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) team at Ochsner is one of the busiest in the nation, and many trials of aortic endograft devices have been performed at Ochsner, giving our patients access to cutting-edge technology that is not available in most other hospitals. Through clinical trials and research, we have created protocols that deliver efficient care and improved outcomes for our patients.
Accolades
- Ochsner Medical Center placed the first Aortic Endograft (“stent-graft”) in the Gulf South in 1995 and since has treated over 600 patients with this lifesaving minimally invasive treatment.
- Ochsner Medical Center is the only facility in the region to have a complete in-hospital stock of endovascular devices to treat both thoracic and abdominal aortic emergencies.
- Ochsner Medical Center is the only facility in the region to have fixed-imaging capabilities in the operating room.
Make an Appointment
To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 504-2-AORTA or 504-842-6782 or click here.
Referring Physicians
Referring physicians, for 24/7 transfers and referrals, call the Regional Referral Center at 1-855-OHS-LINK (647-5465).
Procedures Offered
The Aortic Services team offers more cutting-edge procedures than ever before.
From the aortic valve to the arch
- Aortic valve replacement - Non-surgical
- Aortic root replacement (Bentall procedure)
- Valve sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure)
- Repair of ascending aortic aneurysm
- Repair of aortic arch aneurysm
From the aortic arch - iliac bifurcation
- Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR)
- TEVAR for complicated aortic dissection and traumatic transection
- Endo-debranching of great vessels to facilitate TEVAR in complicated arch aneurysms
- Cervical debranching to facilitate TEVAR
- Open Repair, Thoraco abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA)
- Endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR)
- Fenestrated EVAR for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms
- Open repair, complicated abdominal aortic aneurysms
Our team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular surgeons collaborate with cardiovascular radiologists, intensivists, cardiovascular anesthesiologists, medical geneticists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, fellows, residents, medical students and highly skilled nurses and technologists. Our team meets regularly for aortic center conferences. These conferences are centered on case discussions, where the team discusses surgical procedures and previous cases to provide the best overall care to our patients.
Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
- W. Charles Sternbergh, III, MD (Section Head)
- Hernan A. Bazan, MD
- Clayton J. Brinster, MD
- William Bennett, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Interventional Cardiology
- Tyrone Collins, MD
- J. Stephen Jenkins, MD
- Rajan Patel, MD
- Stephen Ramee, MD
- John Reilly, MD
- Christopher White, MD
Cardiac Anesthesia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is the enlargement of the aorta, which is the main blood vessel that flows from the heart to the stomach.
What are the symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysms?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms usually grow slowly, and the symptoms are hard to be detected. If a patient has an enlarged abdominal aortic aneurysm, the symptoms include:
- Back pain
- Deep, consistent pain in the abdomen
- Pulsation near the belly button
What is a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Thoracic aortic aneurysm is the weakening of the aorta that flows throughout the body.
What are the symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is similar to the abdominal aortic aneurysms where symptoms are hard to be detected in patients. However, when a thoracic aortic aneurysm grows, patients will experience:
- Chest pain
- Coughing and dry throat
- Back pain
- Shortness of breath
What is an aortic dissection?
An aortic dissection is a result of a thoracic aortic aneurysm, which is a tear in the aorta’s wall, and it can lead to death.
