Aortic Wellness Center

Nationally recognized experts in complex aortic disease treatment

The term "aortic wellness" has gained increased attention at leading heart programs across the nation. This is due largely to the growing complexity of aortic problems and the rise in the number of people found to have thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections.

The Lankenau Heart Institute, located just minutes from Philadelphia, is one of only several hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic region offering a specialized wellness program that takes a team approach to the management and treatment of complex aortic disease.

Your heart history—from cardiovascular genetic testing to aortic screening and monitoring

Family history and genetics are the most important indicators for increased risk of aortic disease. The Aortic Wellness Center team uses diagnostic testing to gain detailed information and asses the level of disease, including CT scans, echocardiography and cardiac MRI. Cardiovascular genetic testing, which may offer crucial insights for personalized care, is also available to aortic patients and their family members, especially for those who have inherited conditions in which there are no external signs of disease.

Enrollment into our aortic screening/monitoring program to help identify, manage, and monitor risk of hereditary or familial-related aortic disease, further ensures that patients with a high risk of developing aortic disease, receive the attention and ongoing care they require.

An individual care plan for management and treatment of complex aortic disease

Our team will carefully assess your condition and choose the best approach for repair and recovery. If surgery is required, our team performs minimally invasive aortic surgery—using a small incision, whenever possible—which usually means less pain and a shorter recovery time for you.

Patients come to us for complex aortic disease treatment of a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Thoracic aortic aneurysm, which can involve the aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch or descending aorta
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Aortic valve regurgitation
  • Acute and chronic Type A and Type B aortic dissections
  • Aortic rupture
  • Congenital conditions including bicuspid aortic valve disease and Marfan syndrome
  • Genetic, familial, and inflammatory or infectious aortic disease
  • Traumatic aortic injuries, ruptures and other acute aortic syndromes

The Aortic Wellness Center consists of a dedicated team of aortic subspecialists, among the best doctors in Philadelphia for complex aortic disease treatment and management. The team includes cardiac and vascular surgeons, cardiologists, cardiovascular imaging specialists, radiologists and anesthesiologists, all ensuring optimal evaluation and management of patients at risk for aortic complications as well as rapid, coordinated treatment of acute aortic emergencies.

Lankenau Heart Institute is well-known for expertise and success rates in aortic procedures such as:

And other complex procedures as well as common surgeries to help patients with aortic disease get back to their full-hearted lives.

U.S. News & World Report has rated Lankenau Medical Center as High Performing for aortic valve surgery and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for 2022-2023.

U.S. News & World Report has rated Paoli Hospital as High Performing for abdominal aortic aneurism repair for 2022-2023.

Cardiovascular clinical trials at Main Line Health

Main Line Health uses clinical trials to help prevent, diagnose and treat the full range of heart and aortic conditions. Learn more about the cardiovascular clinical trials currently being offered by our renowned cardiologists and heart and aortic surgeons.

What to expect before, during, and after aortic surgery

When you arrive for your initial consultation, we will collect your full medical history, current medications and dosages, tests that have been performed and any history of aortic disease in your family.

Related specialties

Coronary Artery Disease Program

We approach coronary artery disease with preventive strategies along with medication therapy and the least invasive yet most sophisticated surgical techniques available.

Cardiothoracic Surgery

At the core of our cardiac surgery program are internationally renowned cardiac surgeons and specialists who are leaders in this field. Our expertise spans the full spectrum of cardiac surgery and includes groundbreaking applications of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques.

Cardiovascular Imaging Program

Cardiovascular imaging uses the most advanced technology available to capture images of the heart in order to better diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease.

Vascular Surgery

Our surgeons perform hundreds of procedures to open blocked arteries and restore healthy blood flow with traditional open surgery as well as minimally invasive and endovascular interventions.

Cardio-Oncology Program

Lankenau Heart Institute cardiologists with expertise in cancer-related heart problems are working with oncology colleagues across Main Line Health to coordinate cancer treatment with heart care. Main Line Health Cardio-Oncology Program is devoted to protecting heart health after a cancer diagnosis.

Heart and Vascular Care

The cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons at Main Line Health work together to improve the detection and prevention of heart disease with the latest treatment options.

Structural Heart and Valvular Disease Program

At Main Line Health, we treat structural heart and valvular disease that other centers have deemed untreatable. Our team of cardiologists, imaging specialists, interventionists and surgeons is among the most experienced in the region. Learn more about Main Line Health's structural heart and Valvular disease program.

Consultative Cardiology Program

Our multidisciplinary team of cardiac specialists, including physicians, nurses and dietitians, work together to secure a prompt diagnosis, identify appropriate treatment options, and facilitate long-term, follow-up care.