Thoracic Aortic Center
The Thoracic Aortic Center at Massachusetts General Hospital provides the most advanced care for conditions that involve the thoracic aorta (the portion of the aorta that is in the chest).
- Request an appointment or referral
- Phone: 617-724-4747
Our Approach
our doctors
Directors Cardiac Surgery - Arvind K. Agnihotri, MD
- Cary W. Akins, MD
- Joren C. Madsen, MD, DPhil
- Bruce R. Rosengard, MD
- Gus J. Vlahakes, MD
- Jennifer D. Walker, MD
- David C. Brewster, MD
- Mark F. Conrad, MD
- Christopher J. Kwolek, MD
- Glenn M. LaMuraglia, MD
- Virendra I. Patel, MD
Specialists at the Massachusetts General Hospital Thoracic Aortic Center care for patients with conditions of the thoracic aorta, including acute and chronic aortic dissections, thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, Marfan syndrome and coarctation of the aorta.
There is a collaborative environment in the Thoracic Aortic Center, resulting in a focused approach to a patient’s problem. While our sophisticated technologies may drive the treatment, it is the entire team of specialists who implements the plan. The composition of the team at the Thoracic Aortic Center builds and grows depending on each patient’s needs. Specialists begin with a thorough evaluation, which details the patient’s history of prior cardiovascular disease and hypertension as well as the history of the aortic condition itself. Patients bring any previous studies with them and, when necessary, we order additional tests.
Once we have excellent definition of the relevant anatomy, our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and vascular/endovascular surgeons collaborate in a discussion of the findings. By carefully studying the results of imaging studies and considering the patient’s past medical history, the team weighs the risks and benefits of various treatments and recommends a course of optimal management to the patient, family and referring physician.
Depending on the patient’s needs, the team can add a whole host of support services, including interpreters, social workers and other medical specialists. All of this happens quickly, with the patient typically having a treatment plan established at the end of the first visit.
Multidisciplinary Care This multidisciplinary approach enhances the quality of care by fostering close communication with everyone involved in the patient’s treatment. Visits are coordinated such that patients have any necessary testing and visits with one or more appropriate physicians on the same day, and team members can consult with one another at any time. Team conferences and electronic medical records facilitate collaboration among specialists, resulting in well-integrated, consistent treatment approaches that promise the best outcomes possible.
The attending physician is the leader of the team. Patients and their families are encouraged to be partners with us on the treatment team and to be involved in every decision along the way. In order for patients to make informed decisions, education is a cornerstone of our care.
Evaluation and Treatment
Procedures
Your Thoracic Aortic Center doctors will determine whether an operation is needed to treat your aneurysm.
The initial medical evaluation of a patient includes:
- A general cardiac assessment
- Determination of whether or not intervention is necessary
- If intervention is necessary, determining which procedure is most appropriate for the patient’s specific condition
In addition to standard therapies, specialists offer a number of innovative strategies for managing thoracic aortic diseases, including:
- Minimally invasive stent-grafts for selected descending thoracic aortic aneurysms
- Stent-grafting of selected type B aortic dissections
- Valve-preserving operations for aortic root aneurysms
- Repair of extensive thoracoabdominal aneurysms
- Multi-modality imaging of a variety of complex thoracic aortic conditions
Surgical repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms is usually carried out when the aneurysm is large enough in size to carry a significant risk of rupture or dissection, or when aneurysms cause symptoms. Aneurysms of smaller size are usually managed medically with blood pressure control and periodic follow-up imaging.
Follow-up Care
Those who have had thoracic aortic aneurysms or an aortic dissection are at increased risk for the development of additional thoracic aortic aneurysms in the future. Recognizing this long-term risk, Thoracic Aortic Center specialists recommend regular follow-up visits and periodic surveillance imaging studies to reduce the chance of future problems.
Optimal control of hypertension is emphasized and patients are encouraged to learn to monitor their own blood pressure to be sure that it remains in the target range between visits.
About This Program
Established in 1999, the Thoracic Aortic Center strives to provide the best-possible patient care, educate both patients and physicians about lifelong management of thoracic aortic disease and develop new treatment options. Treatment combines advanced resources and the specialized expertise of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular/endovascular surgeons and vascular radiologists. A collaborative approach to care allows our specialists to optimally manage conditions such as:
Patient Referrals
The Thoracic Aortic Center was created to ensure convenience and ease of access.
Learn more about how to refer a patient to our program.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms
- Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms
- Marfan syndrome
- Acute and chronic aortic dissection
- Intramural hematoma of the aorta
- Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers of the aorta
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Aortitis
- Aortic transsection
Thoracic aortic diseases are unusual, complicated problems requiring complex solutions. The Thoracic Aortic Center offers the most advanced treatments available and is a complete, interdisciplinary resource for patients with the full spectrum of thoracic aortic disease. This program's approach streamlines the care of patients with complex aortic disease so that they receive input from multiple specialists.
A Commitment to EducationOur team teaches patients about their aortic disease, its causes, treatment options and the follow-up care that we provide. Patients learn the importance of blood pressure and how to monitor their own, as well as to be aware of appropriate physical restrictions in terms of high-risk activities and to recognize symptoms that require attention in an emergency department. In addition to one-on-one teaching by physicians and nurses, patients and their families have access to the vast resources of the hospital's Blum Patient and Family Learning Center.
Many of our physicians are also on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, which means they not only have a mission to provide the best possible patient care, but also a commitment to educate the next generation of medical professionals.
Conditions and Diseases
The care team at the Heart Center encourages all patients and family members to learn more about conditions and diseases that affect the heart and overall cardiovascular system. The links below provide more information about heart conditions and diseases that might be treated within this program.
Glossary of Thoracic Aortic Conditions
Medical staff at the Thoracic Aortic Center make sure all patients fully understand their conditions and treatment options. Read about commonly used medical terms to describe thoracic aortic conditions.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm, also called AAA or triple A, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body) resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the normal diameter (width).
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
A thoracic aortic aneurysm, also called TAA, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the thoracic aorta (the largest artery in the body), resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning.
Support and Wellness
Mass General is dedicated to ensuring that people understand their health care choices and have the necessary information to make decisions affecting their health and well being. The related support and wellness information listed below can play a role in treatment options.
Aortic Anatomy
The aorta is the largest artery in the body, carrying oxygen rich blood from the heart to all major organs and limbs. Learn more about the makeup of the aorta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients and family members often bring up many of the same questions when diagnosed with a thoracic aortic condition. To better understand the diagnostic and treatment process at the Thoracic Aortic Center, read our frequently asked questions.
Imaging Techniques
Your Thoracic Aortic Center doctor will determine the most appropriate imaging study to document the location of your aneurysm and allow us to measure its size accurately. Read descriptions of some of the imaging techniques that are offered.
Patients with aortic disease who are diagnosed and managed appropriately can expect to lead relatively normal lives, but lifelong management of the disease is required.
Guide to Cardiac Surgery
The Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center offers a patient guide to cardiac surgery. Our dedicated clinicians believe it is important for you to know what to expect before, during and after your surgery.
Guide to Cardiac Catheterization
The Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center offers a patient guide to cardiac catheterization. Our dedicated clinicians believe it is important for you to know what to expect before, during and after a cardiac catheterization.
Guide to Cardiac Anesthesia
The Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center offers a patient guide to cardiac anesthesia. Our dedicated clinicians believe it is important for you to know what to expect before, during and after a cardiac anesthesia.
The following related clinical trials and research studies are currently seeking participants at Massachusetts General Hospital. Search for clinical trials and studies in another area of interest.
An advanced cardiac CT scanner
Physicians at the Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center use cutting edge technology to identify possible cardiac abnormalities.
Thoracic Aortic Center
YAW55 Fruit Street
YAW 5800
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-724-4747
Public Transportation Access: yes
Disabled Access: yes
Request an appointment at the Heart Center 
Call the Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center outpatient access nurse at 866-MGH-8910
Request an appointment at the Vascular Center
Contact the Vascular Center to schedule an appointment with one of our vascular specialists
