Aorta Center
When you need specialized care for complex aortic conditions, the Aorta Center at Penn Medicine is among the top centers worldwide. Our patients benefit from advanced technologies, minimally invasive treatments, and the expertise of top specialists.
Collaborative care for aortic disease treatment
Aortic disease can be a life-threatening condition. If you’re facing an aortic disease diagnosis, the surgical team at Penn Medicine’s Aorta Center can help. We treat more patients with aortic disease than any other hospital in the area, and our outcomes consistently exceed national benchmarks, even for complex cases that other centers may decline.
In one visit, you’ll meet with a team of aortic disease specialists involved in your care. Your team might include cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, geneticists, nurse practitioners, and imaging experts. Together, they’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. And if you have an aortic emergency, your dedicated aortic team is available to respond 24/7.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to try new and effective treatments and take part in future research.
Second opinions
If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.
Heart conditions we treat
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome related Heart Disease
- Marfan's Syndrome related Heart Disease
Aortic condition specialists: leading the way in aortic care
Whether you need emergency aortic surgery or are seeking preventative care for a high-risk condition, you’ll receive exceptional treatment at Penn Medicine’s Aorta Center from a team known for diagnosing and treating complex aortic conditions.
Our specialists use state of the art imaging techniques and minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat aortic diseases effectively. You’ll have access to advanced solutions for aortic diseases, including aneurysm repair using various types of stent grafts, such as branched (fenestrated) grafts. This means you may have minimally invasive treatment options that were once only possible through open-heart surgery.
If endovascular repair isn’t suitable for your condition, we perform open aorta surgery. For aneurysms at the aortic root, we offer valve-sparing aortic root replacement. Our accomplished heart valve surgeons also perform aortic valve surgery.
We also offer genetic testing to help determine if you or your family members are at risk for developing certain genetic conditions affecting connective tissue in the body such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Turner syndrome, and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Our specialists work with you to understand your family history of disease, assess your risk, and, if needed, develop a plan for treatment or prevention.
Aortic disease treatments at Penn Medicine
Aortic disease requires careful management to prevent or stop rupture and bleeding. When possible, we employ a watchful waiting approach, closely monitoring your condition with advanced cardiac imaging to determine the optimal timing for intervention. Additionally, we prioritize medication management to help you control risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Our goal is to provide you with the best possible care for your aortic disease. To achieve this, we may recommend one or more treatments.