Surgical Innovation at the Aortic Center

At NYU Langone’s Aortic Center, our doctors are innovators in aortic surgery and use the latest techniques to ensure you receive the highest-quality care.

Our experts specialize in surgery for all types of aortic aneurysm, a bulge in the aortic wall that can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening aortic dissection, or rupture.

We also surgically manage aortic valve disease and other aortic conditions. Our doctors aim to preserve the aortic valve whenever possible, rather than replacing it with an artificial one. Natural valve tissue tends to last longer than an artificial valve, making preservation especially beneficial to younger patients.

Experts in Aortic Aneurysm Surgery

Our doctors specialize in repairing aortic aneurysms that can be especially dangerous. These include aortic root, aortic arch, and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Aortic Root Aneurysm Repair

The aortic root is closest to the heart. In addition to the risk of aortic dissection, an aneurysm on the aortic root can also damage the aortic valve. We are one of the top centers with expertise in repairing aneurysms in the aortic root without aortic valve replacement, a procedure known as valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

Aortic Arch Aneurysm Repair

An aortic arch aneurysm occurs in the section where the artery curves up and away from the heart. The aortic arch connects to vessels that supply blood to the head and arms.

Aortic arch aneurysms usually require surgery to replace the arch and vessels, or a hybrid procedure that includes open surgery followed by a stent graft—a fabric-covered mesh tube that seals and strengthens the wall of the aorta, allowing the aneurysm to shrink. The stent is placed with a minimally invasive procedure known as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We also perform aneurysm repair in patients who previously had this surgery at another institution but who had poor results.

Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Repair

A thoracoabdominal aneurysm occurs in the portion of the aorta that extends from the chest and abdomen, where numerous vessels supply blood to the liver, kidneys, intestines, and spine. When this portion of the aorta needs to be repaired or replaced, there is a risk of reduced blood flow to these areas. Our surgeons have extensive experience in the techniques used to create bypasses that maintain blood flow to these organs and the spine. They may use EVAR to shore up the aorta, while also allowing blood to flow through its connected veins and to vital organs.

The Latest Approaches to Aortic Dissection

Our expertise in the care of complex aortic aneurysms translates to treatment for all types of aortic dissection. We use minimally invasive endovascular approaches, open surgery, and a hybrid of the two to create treatment strategies for each patient’s individual diagnosis.

Leaders in Aortic Valve Disease Surgery

For aortic valve disease, our surgeons may recommend repairing the aortic valve to preserve your own tissue. If you are not a candidate for an aortic valve repair, we offer methods of aortic valve replacement.

The Ross Procedure

We are one of the leading centers in New York City to offer the Ross procedure, an innovative approach to aortic valve disease that is particularly suited for young, active people. The Ross procedure relies on the body’s natural tissue to repair the aortic valve. It is a durable, long-term option for valve replacement that avoids dependence on blood thinners, which are needed when an artificial valve is used.

Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

If a procedure using natural tissue is not an option for you, our doctors may offer open aortic valve replacement surgery. Our surgeons may use a bioprosthetic valve, which is made from either a cow (bovine) or pig (porcine) tissue, or a mechanical valve, made of metal.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

We also offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement, also known as TAVR, a minimally invasive approach to aortic valve disease.

Advanced Surgical Facilities

NYU Langone’s Kimmel Pavilion offers single-bed inpatient rooms, providing more comfort and privacy for patients. It is one of the most digitally integrated and sophisticated inpatient facilities in the country, designed to maximize the level of care for each patient.