The Heart and Vascular Center Aortic Surveillance Program provides long-term monitoring of a patient’s aorta, the body’s largest artery, for those with aortic disease (e.g., aneurysm, dissection, ulcer, and hematoma) and those who have had surgery involving the aorta.
Patients new to the Aortic Surveillance Program will initially be seen by a cardiac surgeon to evaluate the condition of the patient’s aorta. For patients who recently had aortic surgery, the initial program visit will occur after a post-operative appointment with the surgeon. Patients will be automatically enrolled in this program after surgery, unless the patient prefers to opt out. Annual or bi-annual appointments are an important aspect of aortic health and monitoring.
During the Aortic Surveillance Program visit a patient will be seen by an advanced practice provider (physician assistant or nurse practitioner). Before the visit a patient may be requested to have an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) and CT scan. The results will be reviewed during the patient's visit.
As part of our patient care continuity, the Aortic Surveillance Program physician assistant or nurse practitioner provides timely care updates, as needed, to a patient’s cardiologist and primary care physician. This program also values family involvement in care planning.
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