HIGHLIGHTS
AORTIC DISEASE
AORTIC DISEASE
UAB Medicine ’ s comprehensive aortic disease program is comprised of vascular and cardiovascular surgeons and specialists who perform a wide range of procedures to treat acute and chronic diseases of the aorta . UAB is a regional referral center for complex aortic conditions , and our program uses both open and endovascular techniques , including branched and fenestrated endografts , to treat diseases involving all segments of the aorta , from the aortic root to the thoracoabdominal aorta and extending to the aortic bifurcation . Collectively , our team has performed thousands of aortic procedures using an interdisciplinary approach .
Rated ‘ High Performing ’ in AAA repair and aortic valve surgery by U . S . News & World Report
HIGHLIGHTS
• Close collaboration among cardiac and vascular surgeons , cardiologists , and cardiac anesthesiologists , allowing for a more individualized approach to patient care
• U . S . News & World Report “ High Performing ” recognition for abdominal aortic surgery procedures
• Minimally invasive treatments available for catastrophic aortic conditions such as aortic transection due to trauma , complicated thoracoabdominal aortic dissection , and symptomatic and ruptured thoracoabdominal aneurysms
• Specialized hybrid operating rooms equipped with intraoperative 3D imaging technology for precise device delivery , allowing for reduced operative times , lower radiation doses , and minimal contrast usage
• One of the first centers in the world to offer non-fluoroscopic imaging for performing endovascular procedures , thereby reducing radiation exposure during complex aortic interventions
• Specialized evaluation and treatment of genetic aortic disease
• Close collaboration with adult congenital heart disease specialists for adult patients with aortic disease related to congenital defects
• Extensive experience with aortic valve repair in the context of aneurysmal disease
• Aortic branched / fenestrated clinical trial for endovascular repair of branched portions of the aorta , which normally requires treatment with a major open surgery procedure ( Figures 1 and 2 )
• Clinical trials available for endovascular treatment of aneurysms involving the aortic arch in patients who are not surgical candidates
• Total endovascular aortic arch repair ( for eligible patients )
• Fiber Optic RealShape ( FORS ) technology available for real-time 3D visualization of catheters and wires inside the body without the need for fluoroscopy ( Figures 3 and 4 )
UAB COMPLEX AORTIC SURGERY 2020-2022 ( N = 1539 )
Open N = 911 ( 59 %)
Endovascular N = 628 ( 41 %)
12 UAB Cardiovascular Institute 2023 Annual Report