What Is Aortic Disease?

Although, not the most common form of cardiovascular disease, aortic disease is also considered a disorder of the aorta (the main artery that supplies blood from the heart) can be extremely life threatening. Aneurysms, tears in the inner lining, and penetrating ulcers are all types of aortic diseases that require treatment.

At Stanford, researchers, physicians, and surgeons in many disciplines collaborate together on aortic diseases. The combined work of experts in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, cardiovascular anesthesia, interventional radiology, and genetics help determine the causes of aortic diseases, such as thoracic aortic aneurysm, and aortic dissection and to find safer treatments.

Researchers are finding new ways to protect vital organs during aortic surgery, exploring genetic mutations to develop ways to screen family members for aortic problems, and isolating the genetic markers that may indicate a person's susceptibility to the disease.

Condition Spotlight

Your Health: Stanford's Matthew Mell, MD, Discusses Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Watch Video
Transplants are Never Simple: Collaboration Key to Beating Odds
Transplants are Never Simple: Collaboration Key to Beating Odds Read Story
PARTNER Trial - Treatment for Severe Aortic Stenosis
PARTNER Trial - Treatment for Severe Aortic Stenosis Play Video | 5:18
ABC-7 on New Technology for Older Patients with Aortic Stenosis Watch Video
Dr. William F. Fearon on Aortic Valve Disease Watch Video

Clinical Trials for Aortic Disease

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

Closed Trials

Clinics for Aortic Disease