E-mail pageAortic Disease
University of Chicago Aortic Specialty Team (UCAST)
For decades, physicians at the University of Chicago Medical Center have specialized in the care and management of patients with all types of aortic disease. To ensure a rapid and coordinated response as well as the delivery of outstanding care for these patients, we have created the University of Chicago Aortic Specialty Team (UCAST).
UCAST consists of a multidisciplinary team of cardiac and vascular surgeons, endovascular specialists, cardiovascular anesthesiologists, cardiologists, vascular radiologists, nurse practitioners and social workers. UCAST offers state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and cutting edge intervention with compassionate care for the following aortic conditions:
- Ascending, arch and descending thoracic aneurysms
- Thoraco-abdominal aneurysms
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms
- Acute and chronic type A and B aortic dissection
- Aortic root and valve disease
- Native aortic and prosthetic graft infections
- Thoracic/aortoiliac occlusive and thrombo-embolic disease
- Congenital aortic disease
- Aortic, mesenteric and renal aneurysmal and occlusive disease
Advanced Treatment Options
We offer the following innovative and minimally invasive interventions to greatly reduce patient mortality and morbidity:
- Endovascular stent grafts
- Laparoscopic approaches to abdominal aortic aneurysms
- Catheter-based interventional treatment of aortic dissections
- Valve-sparing aortic procedures
- Techniques for brain and spinal cord protection for aortic procedures
- Visceral debranching and stent grafting for thoraco-abdominal aneurysms
We are experienced in treating patients who are otherwise considered at increased risk due to co-existing conditions and other factors, and for those requiring complex aortic re-interventions.
Our team is also highly skilled in caring for patients with Marfan syndrome and other congenital conditions that require careful monitoring and treatment planning. Specific strategies are available for Jehovah’s Witnesses to reduce the need for blood transfusions.
Always Available
UCAST team members are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to coordinate urgent, emergent and elective transfers at the local, regional, national and international levels. Arrangements for air transfer can be made through the Medical Center.
Referring Physicians: If you wish to discuss a patient with a UCAST physician or if you wish to facilitate a transfer to the University of Chicago Medical Center, please call the UCAST pager at 773-753-1880 and key in pager ID 8222. To arrange immediate transport of a patient via the University of Chicago Aeromedical Network, please call 773-702-3222.
