Conditions & Treatments

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. This causes thinning of the aortic wall and makes the aorta prone to rupture or dissection. There are roughly 15,000 deaths per year in the United States due to ruptured aneurysm alone.  

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A partial thickness tear in the wall of the aorta.  

• Type A occurs in the first part (near the heart) of the aorta, while Type B happens in the second part (chest or abdomen) of the aorta.  
• Type A aortic dissections are emergencies; this condition carries a near-universal fatality rate of 1--2% per hour if left untreated. 

A bulge in the first part of the aorta next to the heart that can weaken the vessel and lead to serious complications. This part of the aorta is unique because it contains the aortic valve. Aneurysms in this region require specialty care to ensure the full range of options to address the valve; Ochsner cardiac surgeons are able to provide the entire spectrum of solutions for this disease. 

A bulge in the curved part of the aorta that can weaken the vessel and lead to serious complications. This curved part of the aorta is unique; this part of the aorta gives off branches to the brain. Aneurysms in this region require focused and multidisciplinary care as that provided by the Ochsner Aortic Center team.

A serious injury where the aorta is torn, often caused by a motor vehicle accident or a fall. 

A narrowing of the aorta, which makes it harder for blood to flow through the body.

A buildup of blood within the wall of the aorta, which can lead to a tear or rupture. This condition is similar to Type A aortic dissection and is an emergency.

A sore or ulcer that forms in the inner lining of the aorta, which can weaken the vessel wall. These lesions can be high risk and progress to an intermural hematoma or a dissection (emergencies).

Inflammation of the aorta or blood vessels, which can cause pain and damage to the vessel walls. 

Genetic conditions affect the structure and strength of the aorta, making it more prone to problems like aneurysms. 

An infection in the aorta that causes a bulge (aneurysm) or a false aneurysm (pseudoaneurysm) where the vessel wall is damaged. 

A blockage in the aorta that reduces blood flow to the lower body.

A rare cancer that develops in the aorta.

A condition where the inner lining of the aorta has irregular, rough areas that can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. 

An abnormal connection between the aorta and the intestines, which can cause severe bleeding 

Aortic root operations involve repair or replacement of the closest part of the aorta when it comes out from the heart. This can be:

1. Aortic root replacement with a new valve
2. Valve-sparing aortic root replacement
3. Ross procedures

A procedure where surgeons replace the aortic root and add a new valve. You may receive a mechanical valve or a tissue valve (bioprosthetic valve), and when needed, we can also perform root enlargement techniques to make room for the right valve. The Ochsner Aortic Center team will help you choose the approach that fits your health today while supporting your long-term care and future options. 

A complex procedure where surgeons can replace the aortic root while keeping your own valve. This is a careful, detailed surgery. When it works for you, it offers a real benefit: Your own valve may last longer than a replacement valve. 

This procedure uses another valve from the heart (pulmonary valve) as the replacement for the aortic root. It requires advanced expertise and offers unique benefits for carefully selected patients who are good candidates.  

Aortic arch surgery requires an extremely delicate approach because important blood vessels that supply your brain branch off in this area. Ochsner heart surgeons combine minimally invasive and open surgical techniques involving advanced circulatory management techniques

This can be: 

1. Partial or complete replacement of the aortic arch
2. Frozen elephant trunk procedure
3. Hybrid arch solutions

The Ochsner Aortic Center team repairs or replaces part or all of the aortic arch. When needed, the team carefully reroutes some or all of the blood vessels that carry blood to your brain and upper body, protecting these vital connections every step of the way. 

This advanced surgery treats two areas at once. The Ochsner Aortic Team repairs the aortic arch and treats the upper part of the descending thoracic aorta, the section that continues down through your chest. The team uses a minimally invasive (endovascular) approach for this part, meaning we work from inside the blood vessel through small openings, which can mean a gentler recovery. 

These approaches combine open surgery and endovascular repair to treat complex aortic arch disease while offering the benefits of both techniques. They can also help us plan ahead for future aortic care needs. 

Minimally invasive procedure to repair an aneurysm in the thoracic (chest) portion of the aorta using a stent graft.

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Specialized TEVAR procedure to treat tears in the aorta or injuries caused by trauma including the main branches of the aortic arch.

Technique to reroute blood flow from major arteries to allow for safe TEVAR in complex cases.

Procedure to redirect blood flow from neck arteries to support TEVAR in challenging aortic arch conditions.

Traditional surgery to repair aneurysms that span the chest and abdominal portions of the aorta.

Minimally invasive repair of aneurysms that span the chest and abdomen.

Minimally invasive procedure to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm using a stent graft.

Specialized EVAR procedure for aneurysms near the kidney arteries, using a custom stent graft.

Traditional surgery to repair complex aneurysms in the abdominal aorta.