Specialists and Care Centers

Aortic Dissection Specialists and Care Centers

The Northwestern Medicine Center for Aortic Care at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute offers comprehensive treatment options for complex aortic disease. Northwestern Medicine has united the skills of a nationally recognized team that includes:

  • Heart surgeons
  • Vascular surgeons
  • Cardiologists
  • Cardiac imaging specialists
  • Genetic specialists
  • Nurse clinical coordinators

Our team works with each patient to make custom treatment plans that coordinate schedules for comprehensive and efficient clinic visits. Our goal is to achieve superior results for patients with aortic disease and to improve their quality of life.

Dedicated nurse clinical coordinators arrange patient evaluations and second opinions for all types of aortic disease. We offer virtual visits upon request.

Aortic Dissection

An aortic dissection occurs when the innermost layer of the aorta tears. This tear creates an "false" path that lets blood enter between the layers of the aorta. The false path leads to poor blood flow and can cause the aorta to bulge (aneurysm) or rupture.

If blood is not flowing through your aorta properly, it may not flow to the rest of your body like it should. This can damage your organs and parts of your body. An aortic dissection can happen suddenly (acute) or be present for years (chronic).

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Aortic dissection starts as a tear in the aortic wall. Blood flows into a false passage and can then flow throughout the entire aorta.

Locations & Contact Information

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