Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis and Treatment

UCLA is home to some of the nation’s top experts in complex aortic conditions. Our cardiac and vascular surgeons have unmatched expertise in the treatment of aortic disease and have pioneered many of the surgical approaches that are the gold standard in aortic care today. Because of our reputation in providing exceptional care through the latest technologies and procedures, the UCLA Aortic Center attracts patients with complex aortic conditions from around the world.

Complete Aortic Care at UCLA

At UCLA, we strive to provide our patients with personalized care throughout their medical journey. No matter your aortic condition, our expert team will guide you through diagnosis, treatment and follow up to provide you with the best result. 

Advanced Imaging for Fast Diagnosis at UCLA

Accurate imaging of the aorta is vital to the diagnosis and management of all aortic disease. The UCLA Aortic Center provides access to the most advanced technology on the market, which offers unmatched precision in detecting aortic abnormalities. This imaging is available at many of the UCLA Health Radiology locations in teh greater Los Angeles area. Learn more about our full range of imaging tests.

World Leaders in Minimally Invasive Treatment for Aortic Disorders

At UCLA, we offer a complete array of the latest minimally invasive techniques, some of which have been pioneered in our operating rooms by our expert team. Patients suffering from complex aortic disorders can benefit from less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries thanks to these types of surgeries. Our minimally invasive procedures include:

• 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. 

  Open aortic surgery: Open surgery is an excellent option for young patients who are in good health and can tolerate a more invasive intervention. The abdomen is opened through an incision and the aneurysm is replaced by a surgical graft. While recovery is longer than for endovascular procedures, the result of open surgery is very durable.

• 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. 

Non-surgical Treatments

Medical therapy plays an important role in treatment of certain types of aortic disease. Our physicians are dedicated to providing on-going evaluation of our patients including surveillance imaging, stress testing, behavioral counseling and medications that help to stop the progression of aortic disease.