Aortic Surgery Program

Feel Assured With Lifesaving Heart Care

Your heart matters, and we understand the complex care you need to get well. The Aortic Center within the AdventHealth Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute provides collaborative, multidisciplinary care for patients with complex aortic diseases.

Services Our Aortic Surgery Program Offers

We understand our patients' unique and complex needs. We offer individualized treatment plans customized to each patient's anatomy and underlying disease, allowing for excellent outcomes.

  • Multidisciplinary Team

    Our collaborative team approach includes vascular surgeons, cardiologists and medical imaging specialists with specialized training on aortic disease.

  • Immediate Availability

    We offer immediate availability for new consultations as well as second opinions. You have 24/7 access and availability in case of emergency.

  • Follow-Up Appointments

    Patients and their families have follow-up appointments based on patient risk and research guidelines to discuss each patient's aortic disease.

Reach out to request an appointment with one of our pulmonologists who are standing by to care for you.

Request an Appointment

Aortic Disease Overview

About Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge that occurs in the wall of the aorta, the major blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to your body. They can occur anywhere in your aorta and may be either tube-shaped or round.

95% of aortic aneurysms come without a warning, meaning most patients experience no symptoms until a catastrophic event occurs.

An aneurysm is a progressive disease that needs monitoring with regular checkups. In 20% of thoracic aortic aneurysm cases, there may be a familial component. If a first-degree relative had an aneurysm, it’s recommended family members be screened.

Timely intervention is needed because once an aortic complication occurs (dissection or rupture) short- and long-term patient results can diminish quickly.

Aortic Conditions Treated

Aortic diseases treated include and are not limited to:

  • Aortic valve disorders, including bicuspid aortic valve
  • Aortic root aneurysms
  • Aneurysms of the ascending, aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta
  • Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysms
  • Aortic dissection
  • Marfan syndrome, or other connective tissue diseases
Aortic Procedures Performed

When aortic surgery is required, our specialist can perform complex aortic surgery including:

  • Aortic root replacement with mechanical or bioprosthetic conduits
  • Complex aortic valve repair including Bicuspid valve repair
  • Minimally invasive aortic surgery
  • Ross procedure
  • Thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery with open or endovascular technique
  • Total aortic arch replacement or Hemiarch replacement
  • Valve replacement
  • Valve sparing aortic root replacement (patient keeps their own valve)

Aortic Aneurysm Frequently Asked Questions

Let us help put your mind at ease by answering some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions.

  • Can my aneurysm be genetic or family-related?

    There are many genes associated with aortic aneurysms. At our Aortic Center we offer access to genetic testing and counseling. Results will be shared with your referring physician.

  • How often should I have my aorta imaged?

    At our Aortic Center, we have specific image protocols individualized for each patient’s diagnosis, which we share with your referring physician. We also use different imaging modalities (CTA vs. MRA) based on your age, aortic anatomy and pathology. Our team of experts will keep the referring physician involved in your care and most importantly will be responsible for arranging your surveillance follow-up imaging.

  • Should I wait until I have symptoms to make an appointment at the Aortic Center?

    Most patients are usually without symptoms. You should not wait until you have symptoms or the aorta reaches size thresholds before becoming a patient of our Aortic Center. It is very helpful for the you and your family to have a consultation regarding potential surgical options, risks and benefits of watchful waiting vs. intervention.

  • When and why should I reach out to the AdventHealth Aortic Center?

    Generally speaking, reach out to us for an appointment if you have:

    • Been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm size greater than 4.0cm
    • History of bicuspid aortic valve or a history of aortic coarctation surgery
    • Personal history of aortic aneurysm
    • Previous history of aortic dissection repair
    • Severe aortic insufficiency on the echocardiogram

Your Heart Is in the Right Place With Award-Winning Care

We're humbled that AdventHealth Orlando is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as national leaders in the following:

AdventHealth Orlando is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high performing hospital.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

AdventHealth Orlando is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high performing hospital.

National Leader in Aortic Valve Surgery

AdventHealth Orlando is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high performing hospital.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Find Surgical Heart Care Near You

If heart surgery is the next step in your care plan, rest assured that you’ll find leading-edge options and uncommon compassion from our surgeons within our AdventHealth Cardiovascular Institute network. Our experienced teams excel in open-heart surgery, off-pump surgery and the latest minimally invasive procedures for faster healing — all coordinated through a trusted national network. Explore our locations or let our team guide you to the one that’s right for you.