For Physicians
EXTENSIVE EXPERTISE
Thoracic aortic disease is uncommon in most physician practices. In an area of specialization where experience and volume relate directly to outcomes, our physicians provide patients with an unequalled level of seniority and technical expertise. Members of our faculty are recognized authorities in their fields, have gained prominence in designing and implementing clinical studies, and are sought for treatment and consultations on some of the most difficult cases by colleagues and patients around the world.
- The Center has the largest practice in the area for complex aortic aneurysm disease. Since 1986, our surgeons have performed more than 500 open operations for thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, with a major morbidity/mortality rate one-third the national average. We have developed and applied a unique method for spinal cord protection during such extensive surgery.
- As the first and largest stent graft program in the Boston area, we have amassed considerable experience in the treatment of the spectrum of aortic aneurysm disease, with some 1000 abdominal aortic and 125 thoracic aortic implants to date. We have a 98% initial implantation success rate, and thus far none of our thoracic stent graft patients has required conversion to open repair.
- With 185 procedures during the past two and a half years utilizing hypothermic circulatory arrest, we do more aortic arch surgery than any other center in New England. Results are excellent with mortality rate of 3.2% and stroke rate of 4.8%, which are substantially lower than reported national averages.
- For several decades the MGH has been one of the leaders in research on the clinical recognition and management of acute aortic dissection.
- Treatment outcomes at the MGH for acute aortic dissection are outstanding for this difficult problem. For example, over the past five years our overall mortality was less than 5%, which is significantly lower than the benchmark of 27% as reported (JAMA, 2000) in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection study, an international consortium of academic medical centers in which the MGH participates.
- We have the largest experience of any center in New England with valve-sparing aortic root aneurysm repair. This procedure can allow certain patients with Marfan’s Syndrome and others to have their aortic root aneurysm repaired and retain their own aortic valve, thereby avoiding life-long anticoagulation therapy.
Mass General is the oldest and largest of the Harvard Medical School teaching hospitals, drawing scientists, physicians and students from all over the world. All Thoracic Aortic Center physicians serve on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. The training programs of each of the Center’s disciplines are among the most sought after in country, attracting some of the brightest future leaders in clinical care and research.
Thoracic Aortic Center Contact
Information
 617-724-4747
Massachusetts General Hospital Thoracic Aortic Center
55 Fruit Street, YAW-5800
Boston, MA 02114
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