Treatment of Aortic Aneurysms

We are one of the most high-volume aortic aneurysm surgery centers in Georgia 

Emory at the Forefront of Treating Aortic Aneurysm

Dr. Elliot Chaikof, the current chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, established the first Emory clinical program for endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms in 1994. Since then, division faculty have developed into global leaders in performing this minimally invasive approach as well as high-profile investigators whose research has been essential to the development of endovascular stent grafting in the abdominal and thoracic aorta. For example:

	Dr. Ross Milner began conducting a study in 2004 to assess a new sensor system that can directly measure aneurysm sac pressure following endograft placement. If his findings are positive, the system could become a viable alternative to the traditional method of CT scanning using potentially kidney-damaging contrast dye. In 2005, he also became one of 35 principal investigators in the U.S. to participate in a trial comparing the outcomes of open surgery to treatment with the Zenith TX2 Thoracic TAA Endovascular Graft.
	Dr. Karthikeshwar Kasirajan has led studies focused on the endovascular treatment of aortic dissections and other complex pathology. In early 2008, he was among the first few physicians in the United States and the first in Georgia to use the Talent Thoracic Stent Graft (manufactured by Medtronic) to treat aortic aneurysms. The new stent makes endovascular aneurysm repair accessible to an additional 25 percent of all patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms.
	Dr. Ravi Veeraswamy is directing the Emory component of a national study examining the most appropriate patient subgroups with abdominal aortic aneurysms best treated with endovascular therapy and aortic aneurysm surgery.

Surgical and Endovascular Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm

There are two types of aortic aneurysm: abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracic aortic aneurysm. If the aneurysm meets certain parameters, division surgeons will perform minimally invasive, endovascular stent graft repair, delivering a graft to replace the weakened portion of the aorta through a small incision in the groin via long, thin tubes called catheters. The hospital stay is often only one or two days, with most patients returning to work and normal daily activities in about a week.

For those cases where endovascular repair is inappropriate, the traditional open procedure will be performed. With both methods, long-term follow-up with periodic scans are necessary to monitor the site of repair.

Scheduling an Aortic Aneurysm Surgery Consultation

Following diagnosis, an initial consultation for aortic aneurysm surgery with a division surgeon can be scheduled by calling (404) 778-3712. Another scheduling option is to contact Emory HealthConnection^SM at (404) 778-7777 or 1-800-75-EMORY. HealthConnection^SM offers immediate access to information on Emory services and physicians and can assist in making appointments.

Referring physicians should contact Julie Bumgardner, NP-C, clinical coordinator for the division, at (404) 778-3022.