Ochsner Aortic Center

The John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Aortic Center specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of aortic conditions, offering patients access to expert care and advanced therapies. Below is a list of some of the conditions we treat, each requiring specialized attention to ensure optimal outcomes:

• Aortic aneurysms (abdominal, thoracic, thoracoabdominal): A bulge or ballooning in the wall of the aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel, which can occur in the abdomen, chest or both areas
• Type A and Type B aortic dissections: A tear in the inner layer of the aorta. Type A occurs in the upper part of the aorta, while Type B happens in the lower part
• Traumatic aortic transections: A serious injury where the aorta is torn, often caused by a car accident or a fall
• Aortic arch aneurysms: A bulge in the curved part of the aorta that can weaken the vessel and lead to serious complications
• Aortic coarctation: A narrowing of the aorta, which makes it harder for blood to flow through the body
• Aortic intramural hematoma: A buildup of blood within the wall of the aorta, which can lead to a tear or rupture
• Aortic penetrating ulcer: A sore or ulcer that forms in the inner lining of the aorta, which can weaken the vessel wall
• Aortitis/Vasculitis: Inflammation of the aorta or blood vessels, which can cause pain and damage to the vessel walls
• Congenital and hereditary aortic defects, including Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome: Genetic conditions that affect the structure and strength of the aorta, making it more prone to problems like aneurysms
• Mycotic aortic aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm: An infection in the aorta that causes a bulge (aneurysm) or a false aneurysm (pseudoaneurysm) where the vessel wall is damaged
• Aortic occlusive disease: A blockage in the aorta that reduces blood flow to the lower body.
• Aortic malignancy: A rare cancer that develops in the aorta.
• Shaggy aorta: A condition where the inner lining of the aorta has irregular, rough areas that can increase the risk of blood clots.
• Aortoenteric fistula: An abnormal connection between the aorta and the intestines, which can cause severe bleeding 

Aortic valve pathology is managed by our Ochsner Structural Heart team. For more information, visit the Ochsner Valve and Structural Heart Disease web page.

The John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Aortic Center team offers more cutting-edge procedures than ever before.

From the aortic valve to the arch

• Repair of ascending aortic aneurysm: Procedure to fix a weakened or bulging section of the ascending aorta to prevent rupture
• Repair of aortic arch aneurysm: Surgery to treat an aneurysm in the aortic arch, the curved part of the aorta near the heart 

From the aortic arch - iliac bifurcation

• Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR): Minimally invasive procedure to repair an aneurysm in the thoracic (chest) portion of the aorta using a stent graft
• Fenestrated and branched TEVAR for complicated aortic dissection and traumatic transection: Specialized TEVAR procedure to treat tears in the aorta or injuries caused by trauma including the main branches of the aortic arch
• Endo-debranching of great vessels to facilitate TEVAR in complicated arch aneurysms:  Technique to reroute blood flow from major arteries to allow for safe TEVAR in complex cases
• Cervical debranching to facilitate TEVAR: Procedure to redirect blood flow from neck arteries to support TEVAR in challenging aortic arch conditions
• Open Repair, Thoraco abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA): Traditional surgery to repair aneurysms that span the chest and abdominal portions of the aorta
• Endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs using custom-made stent grafts: Minimally invasive repair of aneurysms that span the chest and abdomen
• Endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR): Minimally invasive procedure to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm using a stent graft
• Fenestrated and branched EVAR for juxtarenal and pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms: Specialized EVAR procedure for aneurysms near the kidney arteries, using a custom stent graft
• Open repair, complicated abdominal aortic aneurysms: Traditional surgery to repair complex aneurysms in the abdominal aorta 

Aortic valve pathology is managed by our Ochsner Structural Heart team. For more information, visit the Ochsner Valve and Structural Heart Disease web page.

Our team of vascular surgeons, cardiac surgeons and cardiologists collaborate with:

1. Cardiac anesthesiologists
2. Cardiovascular radiologists
3. Intensivists
4. Medical geneticists
5. Nurse practitioners
6. Physician assistants
7. Fellows
8. Residents
9. Medical students
10. 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. 

Meet Our Team

• Nationally ranked as “High Performing” in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart bypass and pacemaker implantation by U.S. News & World Report.
• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “High Performing” in Aortic Valve Surgery.
• 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.
• John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Aortic Center leads groundbreaking clinical trials and research, giving patients access to innovative treatments and advanced care not widely available 

At the John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Aortic Center, we are committed to advancing the future of aortic care through groundbreaking clinical trials. Our patients have access to innovative treatments and cutting-edge technology that are not widely available at other hospitals. By participating in these trials, we continue to improve outcomes, refine techniques and shape the next generation of aortic disease care. 

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 504-842-6782 or visit MyOchsner.

Referring physicians, for 24/7 transfers and referrals, call the Regional Referral Center at 855-647-5465.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is the enlargement of the aorta, which is the main blood vessel that flows from the heart to the stomach.

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

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is the weakening of the aorta that flows throughout the body.

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

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.