The Cone Health Heart and Vascular Center has a dedicated unit for diagnosing and treating thoracic and abdominal aortic pathology. These disorders can result in severe disability or loss of life by reducing the blood supply to vital organs. Our Aortic Center has cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, radiologists and anesthesiologists who specialize in treating the following: •  Thoracic aortic aneurysms that form in the aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch or descending thoracic aorta. •  Thoracoabdominal and abdominal aortic aneurysms located in the portion of the aorta that extends from the chest into the abdomen. •  Aortic dissection, or a tear in the inner layer of the aorta. When a dissection occurs, blood pours into and along the aortic wall and can cause a rupture. A dissection is a life- threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Aortic Center Diagnosis and Treatment Specialists at the Aortic Center diagnose conditions using CT scans, abdominal ultrasounds, CT angiograms, magnetic resonance angiograms and echocardiograms. Many patients are referred by their primary care physician or a specialty practice after an imaging study for an unrelated condition reveals an aortic disorder. While some patients with aortic pathology require open-heart surgery to improve blood flow, we also perform endovascular thoracic and abdominal repair (minimally invasive stent grafts) when appropriate. For patients with multiple aortic disorders, we may use a hybrid approach that incorporates both open and minimally invasive techniques. Patients who don’t require surgery are carefully monitored to ensure the best possible outcomes. The causes of aortic disease vary and include tobacco use, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, inflammation, genetic disorders, trauma and infection. To lower the risk of complications, we help patients quit smoking and maintain healthier blood pressure and cholesterol levels. We may also recommend genetic testing so patients can learn about their inherited risk for aortic disease and how it affects them. Being diagnosed with thoracic or abdominal aortic disease can be a frightening experience. Cone Health's Aortic Center specializes in these complex disorders, giving our patients confidence they will get the quality care they need. Brian Liang-Yu Chen, MD, Vascular Surgeon Pictured, left to right: Mary Tice, BSN, RN; Edward Gerhardt, MD; Terry Wagoner, RN, CNOR ‘‘ ‘‘ Along with diagnosis and treatment, patients with aortic disease require long-term follow-up and monitoring. It is important to have this care in our own community and available to the patients we serve. Edward Gerhardt, MD Chief of Surgery, Cone Health ‘‘ ‘‘ CONE HEALTH | THE NETWORK FOR EXCEPTIONAL CARE 24 25 CONE HEALTH | HEART AND VASCULAR CENTER