Treating and Empowering Patients with Aortic Care
The Aortic Disease Program at University of Utah Health's Heart & Vascular Services is the leading center in the Mountain West for diagnosing and treating people with complex aortic disease. Our specialty-trained and board-certified cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, cardiologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses deliver compassionate care with life-changing outcomes.
A collaborative approach to aortic care ensures every patient journey, from the first appointment to rehabilitation, is expertly managed.
Diseases We Treat
We provide comprehensive state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment for the following:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms - aneurysms occurring in the lower part of the aorta, near the abdomen
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (and Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms) - aneurysms affecting the chest portion of the aorta, extending into the abdomen
- Aortic Dissections, Type A & B (acute and chronic) - tear in the aortic wall, classified by location and timing (acute or chronic)
- Traumatic Aortic Injury - aortic damage due to trauma
- Aortic Valve Disease - conditions affecting the valve between the left ventricle and the aorta
- Aortic Stenosis - narrowing of the aortic valve, restricting blood flow
- Aortic Insufficiency - aortic valve leakage, causing blood to flow back into the heart
- Aortic Atherosclerotic Disease - buildup of plaque in the aorta, potentially leading to narrowing and complications
- Genetic disorders involving the Aorta, also Marfan Syndrome - inherited conditions predisposing individuals to aortic abnormalities
Find an Aortic Disease Surgeon
Meet New Provider Kaohinani Longwolf, MD
Kaohinani Longwolf, MD, is a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon with a special interest in pediatric and adult aortic surgery including the treatment of genetic aortopathies, pediatric vascular surgery, and popliteal entrapment.
Why Choose U of U Health?
Our care teams have an empathetic understanding what it's like to live with an aortic disease. Our expert specialists offer comprehensive care combining cutting-edge technology while empowering patients to participate in their treatment.
Personalized Treatment For Aortic Disease
Our treatment plans are tailored to a patient's unique condition. Our treatment options address every aortic-related disease, from the aortic valve to the abdominal aorta.
Treatment options include these:
- Traditional open surgical repair options
- Minimally invasive surgical repair
- Endovascular procedures
Emergency Care & Transfer Services
We provide 24/7 transfer services and emergency care for patients experiencing acute aortic syndrome, including the following:
- Symptomatic aortic aneurysms in any location of the body
- Aortic rupture
- Acute aortic dissection and complications related to aortic dissection
- Intramural aortic hematoma
- Penetrating aortic ulcer
- Traumatic aortic injury
- Infections of the aorta or aortic prostheses
- Acute aortic occlusion
Schedule a Consultation
Need to see an aortic specialist? First thing to do is get a referral from your primary care doctor. Once you have referral and have made an appointment, you can prepare for your appointment by:
- Letting your insurance know you have an appointment and reviewing your insurance coverage.
- Having a copy of your medical history ready.
Recent Research into Aortic Disease
Researchers in our Aortic Disease Program have published results in the medical journal Circulation. The study examined the genetic relationship in family members with in bicuspid aortic valve and thoracic aortic disease.
Clinical Trials for Aortic Disease
TREO Clinical Study
The purpose of this research is to help determine the long-term performance of the TREO Abdominal Stent-Graft as a treatment for patients with AAA.
This study is no longer enrolling but is ongoing.
Additional Clinical Trials
The Aortic Disease Program has additional clinical trials in progress:
- GREAT: Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment
- stAAABle: Nectero EAST System Clinical Study (currently recruiting)
Contact the Destination Care Program
The Destination Care Program is an initiative by U of U Health focusing on care for our out-of-state patients. We are here to help you find the services and information you need. Feel free to contact us:
Email: DestinationCare@hsc.utah.edu
Phone: 801-587-6365
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