Aortic Dissection
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What is Aortic Dissection?
Aortic dissection refers to a “tearing” of the lining of the aorta, the main blood vessel that pumps blood away from the heart to the body. This tearing can cause weakening or even rupture of the aorta and is commonly associated with enlargement of the aorta (aneurysm).
Aortic dissection also can be caused by atherosclerosis, trauma, genetic disorders, or inflammatory disorders.
Symptoms of Aortic Dissection
Symptoms include a “tearing” chest pain that radiates to the back or symptoms similar to a heart attack. Rarely, the condition has no symptoms.
Treatments for Aortic Dissection
Several tests are used for diagnosis, including echocardiogram, CT scan, cardiac MRI, and TEE (Transesophageal echocardiogram).
Treatment depends on the type of the dissection. Ascending aortic dissection (type A) is best treated surgically. Descending aortic dissection (type B) is usually treated with blood pressure control. In severe cases, a surgical procedure called TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair) is sometimes needed.
What Sets Us Apart?
UR Medicine leads the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region in the number and scope of specialized services to repair these types of conditions. Our experts include vascular and endovascular surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and cardiovascular imaging specialists.
We work with patients to understand the benefits and risks of each treatment option, while coordinating consultations with our full range of specialists to provide a seamless experience for patients and their families.
Our specialty programs ensure that you get the very latest treatments.
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View All LocationsWe serve you in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region. Locations are ordered by distance, with those closest to listed first.
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