Aortic Conditions

Our team of aortic condition experts are dedicated to maintaining a leading-edge heart and vascular care center. Directed by Aleem Siddique, MD, and Angela Yetman, MD, the team of experts includes: cardiologists, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists, specially trained nursing teams, and a cardiac rehabilitation program. We offer procedures performed in very few places in the United States, including a growing list of procedures using minimally invasive techniques, meaning smaller scars, less chance of infection and less recovery time. 

AORTIC CONDITIONS WE TREAT INCLUDE:

  • Aortic aneurysms — A bulge in the wall of the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. We also treat additional types of aneurysms, including: sinus of valsalva, aortic root, thoracoabdominal, infra-renal, juxta-renal and mycotic aneurysms
  • Aortic dissections — A tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall of the thoracic aorta, which can lead to a hole in the aortic wall
  • Aortic stenosis — A narrowing of the aortic valve. This reduces the amount of blood that can flow into the aorta, making it harder for the heart to pump blood and eventually causing it to weaken
  • Aortic ulcers — A condition occurring when plaque in the aorta forms ulcers that push through the aortic wall
  • Aortic occlusion — When the aorta, the blood vessel that begins at the heart and distributes blood throughout the body, is blocked
  • Aortic wall hematomas — Blood leaking through the aortic wall
  • Genetic conditions — Inherited aortic diseases, bicuspid aortopathy, Marfan syndrome, Loeys Dietz syndrome and Ehlers Danlos syndrome
  • Infections to the aorta
  • Traumatic injuries to the aorta caused by accidents

Patient Guides

RECEIVE AORTIC HEART CARE AT NEBRASKA MEDICINE BECAUSE:

  • You can expect an evaluation by personnel from multiple expertise areas
  • Many patients may have a genetic condition impacting their aortic valve disease. We have a team of experts focusing on the emerging field of genetics, and how it plays a role in getting and keeping your aorta healthy. We will encourage and provide testing and counseling for family members if a genetic condition is discovered
  • Many aortic conditions do not require open heart surgery, but when it appears an operation might be the best solution, we will perform assessments, make a detailed plan, and provide you with the education you need to achieve the best possible outcome 
  • If necessary, we have the expertise and experience to do extremely complex aortic surgeries, as well as the newest types of procedures that don’t require traditional surgery, where we access the blood vessels through a small incision in your leg, for example. Even when surgery is recommended, it sometimes is combined or implemented in stages, with less invasive techniques