Your Care Journey

Your first visit focuses on understanding your health and your concerns. You’ll meet with a vascular surgeon who reviews your symptoms, medical history and any previous imaging. A nurse navigator will help coordinate your care, schedule additional diagnostic testing, answer questions and serve as your point of contact throughout the process.

What to expect:

• Review of symptoms and medical history
• Discussion of any prior imaging or diagnoses
• Physical exam
• Time to ask questions
• Introduction to your care team

This visit typically lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Accurate imaging is essential for diagnosing aortic disease and planning treatment. Depending on your needs, your provider may order one or more of the following tests:

• CT Angiography (CTA): Provides detailed 3D images of the aorta and surrounding blood vessels
• MRI/MRA: A radiation‑free option that offers high‑quality images of the aorta
• Ultrasound: Often used to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms
• Echocardiography: Evaluates the aortic root and heart valves
• Genetic testing: Recommended for patients with a family history or suspected hereditary aortic conditions

These tests help us understand the size, location and severity of your condition so we can plan the safest and most effective treatment

Your case is reviewed by a team of experts who specialize in aortic disease. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of your care is considered.

Your care team may include:

• Vascular surgeons
• Cardiothoracic surgeons
• Cardiologists
• Radiologists
• Cardiac anesthesiologists
• Cardiovascular radiologists
• Intensivists
• Medical geneticists
• Nurse navigators

Together, the Ochsner Aortic team determines the best treatment strategy based on your anatomy, health and goals.

No two patients are the same, and neither are their treatment plans. We consider several factors when determining the right approach, such as:

• Aneurysm size and growth rate
• Symptoms
• Aortic anatomy
• Overall health
• Genetic risks
• Risk of rupture or complications

Your provider will walk you through your options, explain the benefits and risks, and help you make an informed decision.

At the Ochsner Aortic Center our team offers a full range of advanced treatments.

On the day of your procedure, our team guides you through each step to ensure you feel prepared and supported.

What to expect:

• Check‑in and pre‑procedure preparation
• Meeting your anesthesia team
• Procedure performed in our AI‑enhanced hybrid OR
• Recovery in a specialized unit
• Updates provided to your family

Most minimally invasive procedures take 1-3 hours, while open surgeries take longer.

Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure:

Minimally Invasive (Endovascular) Repair

• One to two day hospital stay
• Return to normal activities in one to two weeks

Open Aortic Surgery

• Five to seven day hospital stay
• Full recovery in six to 12 weeks

Your care team provides detailed instructions on activity, medications and follow‑up appointments.

Aortic disease requires lifelong monitoring. This helps ensure your repair remains stable and allows us to detect any changes early.