Aortic Care

Why choose UCLA Health for aortic care?

The UCLA Health Aortic Center is recognized as an international leader in aortic care. UCLA Aortic specialists have decades of experience treating aortic disease and using cutting edge techniques. UCLA experts also available to provide second opinions when needed.

Highlights of the Aortic Center include:

Treatment from leading experts: Specialists in the UCLA Health Aortic Center are consistently making significant breakthroughs in treating aortic disease. For example, we helped develop a surgery called hybrid repair and we performed some of the first minimally invasive repairs in the country. We are also one of only a few centers in the U.S. that offers a highly specialized minimally invasive surgery for aortic arch abnormalities.

Patient-centered, convenient care: Our specialists create personalized treatment plans. We focus on lifestyle changes as well as medical management for a comprehensive care approach. With on-site advanced imaging, we can coordinate your full medical evaluation efficiently, often in a single office visit. Telehealth consultations may also be available.

Team approach: Our care team includes specialists in cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, anesthesiology, cardiology and radiology. This coordinated approach allows us to offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Minimally invasive techniques: We can use a minimally invasive approach for most aortic problems, meaning fewer patients need open surgery. These treatments also mean less pain, faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay.

Aortic conditions we treat

The aorta is the largest artery, responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Conditions that affect the aorta can lead to life-threatening complications. The UCLA Health Aortic Center is world-renowned for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of all types of aortic disease.

In particular, we specialize in the treatment of:

Aortic aneurysms: Irregular bulges in the aorta, which can split the artery walls (dissection) or burst (rupture)

Thoracic aortic aneurysm
Aortic arch aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Aortic dissections: Tears in the aorta’s walls, leading to blood leaks that can be life-threatening

Aortic occlusive disease: Blocked blood flow in the aorta

Aortic valve disease: A condition in which the valve between the heart’s pumping chamber (left ventricle) and the aorta does not work correctly

Aortic regurgitation: When the aortic valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward from the aorta to the left ventricle
Aortic stenosis: When the aortic valve narrows, restricting proper blood flow
Bicuspid aortic valve: An aortic valve that only has two flaps instead of the usual three, often leading to valve narrowing (stenosis)

Aortitis: Inflammatory or infectious conditions in the aorta

Connective tissue disease:

Marfan syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects connective tissue, often leading to an aortic aneurysm
Loeys-Dietz syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue throughout the body
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects your connective tissues, often resulting in flexible joints and fragile skin

Pesudoaneurysm

Re-operative aortic surgery: patients with prior aortic surgery needing care for progression of disease

Traumatic aortic injuries: Injuries that cause a puncture, tear or bruise on the aorta, often occurring because of a motor vehicle accident or gunshot wound

Tests & procedures we offer

Our specialists offer a range of services to diagnose and treat aortic conditions, including:

Advanced imaging

Accurate diagnosis starts with advanced imaging. At the UCLA Health Aortic Center, we use state-of-the-art technology that offers unmatched precision in detecting aortic disease. Imaging locations are available throughout the greater Los Angeles area allowing patients to receive care close to home.

Radiology Locations

Imaging Options

Minimally invasive treatment for aortic disease

Our specialists are at the forefront of innovation, offering a full spectrum of minimally invasive treatments - many pioneered right here at UCLA. These advanced techniques are designed to improve patient outcomes with less pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays.

We currently perform:

Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR): Surgeons use EVAR to treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm by placing a small mesh tube (stent graft) in the damaged part of the aorta. The surgeon places the stent using a thin tube (catheter) inserted into an artery through small incisions in the groin.

Fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR): Surgeons use FEVAR when an aneurysm or dissection occurs where the blood vessels from the abdominal aorta (renal arteries) branch off to the kidneys. Fenestrated stent grafts have holes that line up with these arteries. The holes allow blood to flow to the kidneys and other organs.

Hybrid repair: This two-stage procedure combines a less-invasive open surgery with an endovascular approach. The surgeon uses open surgery to restore blood flow, and then uses a minimally invasive approach to repair the aorta. Doctors perform this surgery on patients who are too high-risk for a traditional open procedure.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): TAVR replaces an aortic valve with severe stenosis. The surgeon inserts a thin tube (catheter) into an artery in the groin and implants the valve through the catheter.

Meet our team

Our vascular surgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons are leaders in aortic disease treatment. We’re renowned for our expertise in performing the latest minimally invasive endovascular techniques.