Our Aortic Programs & Services

Who We Treat  |  Highlights  |  Research  |  For Professionals

From round-the-clock accessibility to minimally invasive approaches for both valve and aneurysm repairs, the Aortic Center leads the way in aortic surgery innovation. We bring together a network of dedicated cardiac and vascular surgeons as well as cardiologists, radiologists, and geneticists to provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary care for every individual, as well as long-term follow-up. As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, we are at the forefront of research into the causes, treatments, and prevention of aortic disease.

To take advantage of any of our services, call (844) 792-6782 or fill out our appointment request form.

 


Who We Treat

We treat all people with aortic disease. We have options for every patient we see, regardless of the complexity and severity of their condition.

Conditions We Cover

  • Aortic valve disorders (bicuspid aortic valve, aortic regurgitation)
  • Aortic root aneurysms
  • Ascending aortic aneurysms
  • Descending aortic aneurysms
  • Aneurysms of the aortic arch
  • Thoracic aortic aneurysms
  • Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysms
  • Aortic dissection
  • Intramural hematoma or penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Aortic disease due to other hereditary connective tissue disorders
  • Aortic disease deemed too complex or severe to treat by other programs

Services We Offer

  • Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David Procedure)
  • The Ross procedure for aortic valve disease
  • Minimally invasive surgical aortic valve replacement
  • Aortic arch replacement
  • Aortic aneurysm repair
  • Endovascular and hybrid aortic procedures

Learn More With Our Health Guides »


Highlights of our Center

Minimally Invasive and Endovascular Emphasis

Our aortic surgeons have extensive experience with small incision and open heart approaches to surgery, and will evaluate everyone with aortic disease for minimally invasive and endovascular options. The Aortic Center is even trialling endovascular approaches for ascending and arch aneurysm repairs, where open heart surgery has typically been the only option.

Round-The-Clock, Multidisciplinary Care

The team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies like aortic dissections, as well as managing an extensive elective surgery program. For those with aortic disease, treatment is managed collaboratively with cardiac and vascular surgeons, as well as radiologists and geneticists to tailor care for every individual. For urgent care at any time, call us at (844) 792-6782 (844 RX.AORTA).

Collaborative Follow-up Aortic Clinic

Surgery may only be a part of the story for anyone with aortic disease. In order to keep track of our outcomes, the Aortic Center has devised a collaborative follow-up clinic, which works across disciplines to evaluate how those we’ve treated fare in the long-term. Additionally, we provide recommendations for follow-up imaging at the appropriate time based on an individual’s risk and the latest research. To learn more, call us at (212) 305-6380.

Advanced Aortic Imaging

Accurate imaging is fundamental to establish a diagnosis of aortic disease and determine if and when a procedure is warranted. The Aortic Center features the latest technologies in cardiothoracic imaging, including:

  • Echocardiography: transthoracic and transesophageal
  • CT angiogram: EKG-gated
  • CT coronary angiogram
  • MR angiogram: EKG-gated
  • Arterial vascular duplex scanning

The Columbia Aortic Center is home to a novel technologies that can visualize the aorta for patients who cannot be adequately imaged using conventional cardiothoracic imaging techniques. Our aortic radiologists review images together with our cardiologists and surgeons in order to help modify and personalize the care plan for each patient we see. After aortic surgery, the radiologist remains a key member of the care team by performing periodic follow-up imaging to assess the strength of the repair.

Data-Driven Care

Our Aortic Data Center, managed by our aortic data management team, provides real-time data on our own outcomes of endovascular and open surgical therapies as well as the status of our patients who are receiving follow-up care. Our Center shares this data with patients in order to customize the care plan.

Marfan Clinic

Columbia’s Marfan Clinic is one of the premier sites in the New York metropolitan area providing genetic testing, screening, and linkage to care for people with Marfan syndrome and other connective tissue disorders that raise the risk of aortic disease, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Turner syndrome, and familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. Patients and their families can meet with specialists who take a detailed family history, educate patients about genetic testing, coordinate testing if the patient chooses to have it, and provide counseling based on results. Genetic counseling is done in consultation with our geneticists, cardiologists and the patient’s primary physician, and we will make recommendations regarding monitoring and treatment.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program

If you or someone you love needs treatment for a bicuspid aortic valve, you want to work with a team with a proven track record of providing the best outcomes. The Columbia Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program offers expert diagnosis and the most advanced treatments for bicuspid valve repair and replacement, including the latest minimally invasive treatments and cutting-edge surgical procedures.


Research & Clinical Trials

The Aortic Center has an active research component dedicated to better diagnosing and treating aortic disease. Past work has included the development of new surgical tools, such as the circular surgical stapler, and studies comparing the effectiveness of grafts and prosthesis for heart valve surgery.


Information for Students and Healthcare Professionals

As part of an Ivy League academic center, our team takes pride in teaching the next generation of great aortic specialists – pushing them to always be aware of the latest findings and best practices.


We’re here to help. For more information on what we can do for you, call (844) 792-6782 or fill out our appointment request form.

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