UChicago Medicine Center for Aortic Diseases (UCCAD)

For over 100 years, world-renowned clinicians and scientists at the University of Chicago Medicine have been pioneering frontline treatments and advanced diagnoses for all types of aortic conditions. Our team combines experience, unique skillsets, dedicated research and consistent, successful outcomes to ensure we deliver the unparalleled aortic care each patient deserves.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Aortic Disease

Our aortic experts – lead by vascular and cardiac surgeons – have developed a multidisciplinary approach to care that begins with diagnosis and continues through treatment and follow-up care. By collaborating as a team, we comprehensively assess each patient individually, discussing the patient's particular condition and its severity, any risk factors associated with comorbidities or family/genetic history, and work together to recommend treatment(s) after every option has been thoroughly evaluated.

Unmatched Experience and Personalized Treatment Planning

UChicago Medicine manages a high-volume, aortic program with a recognized track record of success, boasting low mortality rates and high post-treatment positive outcomes. We routinely take on complex cases, which include high-risk patients who were denied care at other hospitals around the country, and provide the life-saving treatment they need. We perform a wide range of complex techniques and use a full assortment of medical devices so our treatment can adapt to each patient’s unique aortic anatomy. This flexibility in methods and tools allows us to mix and match the procedures/devices for a truly tailored treatment that offers the best and safest option for long-term success.

Groundbreaking Research and Clinical Trials

Our physician-scientists are committed to advancing medicine for aortic disease patients. Through leading-edge basic, translational and clinical research, we are exploring new treatment options for patients with aortic dissections and aortic aneurysms. We are investigating ways to customize medicine, providing therapies that are more effective and improve the longevity of aortic patient outcomes. Through our groundbreaking research and ongoing clinical trials, we offer our patients access to the latest treatments before they are widely available to the public.

Risk Factors for Aortic Disease

Aortic disease does not typically have discernable symptoms until the condition is potentially fatal and requires immediate medical care. Understanding the risk factors associated with aortic disease can help you recognize what, if any, lifestyle or genetic influences pose a threat of severe aortic aneurysm or dissection before it becomes life threatening.

Common risk factors include:

  • Age: Greater than 50
  • Gender: Aortic disease impacts men more than women
  • Family history: It has been shown that there are higher incidences of aortic disease if one or more family members have been previously diagnosed
  • Genetic factors: Certain collagen vascular disorders, such as Marfan Syndrome, Loey-Deitz Syndrome, and Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, lead to a higher risk of developing aortic disease
  • Lifestyle Threats: The following comorbidities increase the likelihood of you having aortic disease:
    • Smoking
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
    • Diabetes
  • Pre-existing aneurysm: A previous aneurysm increases your chances of additional aneurysms

Find an Aortic Disease Location Near You

Request an Appointment

The information you provide will enable us to assist you as efficiently as possible. A representative will contact you within one to two business days to help you schedule an appointment.
 
To speak to someone directly, please call 1-773-702-6128. If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
 

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