For Physicians

Thoracic aortic diseases are unusual, complicated problems requiring complex solutions. Offering the full spectrum of the most advanced treatments available, the Thoracic Aortic Center is a complete, interdisciplinary resource for patients with the spectrum of thoracic aortic pathology. Capitalizing on the synergy that comes from collaborating with colleagues with shared goals, Mass General established its Thoracic Aortic Center in 1999 to streamline the care of patients with complex aortic disease that requires the input of multiple specialists, and may also require sequential interventions. Singularly, each of the disciplines involved is a leader in its specialty area; melded together, the talents of experts from the various cornerstone disciplines provide patients a well-integrated approach to treating all forms of thoracic aortic disease. As a result of this combined expertise, we have obtained outstanding results for repair of aortic root, aortic arch and thoracoabdominal aneurysms and have achieved low mortality for emergency repair of acute aortic dissection and traumatic aortic injuries. Referring physicians can send their patients to us with confidence, knowing that we will provide them with substantial expertise in a thoughtful, compassionate, and individualized manner.

For decades, Massachusetts General Hospital physicians have earned international respect for their management of thoracic aortic diseases. The Thoracic Aortic Center is acknowledged for being on the leading edge of innovative procedures, several of which are available only here:

• Mass General has the most experience of any center in New England performing valve-preserving aortic root aneurysm repair.

• Our hospital has the largest experience in the region with stent graft repair of thoracic aortic lesions, including protocol investigations of thoracic aortic dissections.

• We are the only center in the region participating in all newly opened clinical protocols for stent graft repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.

• We are known as the referral center in New England for the management of thoracoabdominal aneurysms, performing more of these operations than any other medical center in the Northeast.

• Our innovative spinal cord and brain protection techniques are unique and minimize the risk of neurological deficit associated with extensive thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Also in this section:

• Extensive Expertise
• Powerful Teamwork
• Leading-Edge Therapies
• Imaging
• Easy Referrals - Intensive Followup
• Clinical Trials

Thoracic Aortic Center Contact Information

617-724-4747

Massachusetts General Hospital Thoracic Aortic Center
55 Fruit Street, YAW-5800
Boston, MA 02114
massgeneral.org/tac
thoracic.aortic.center@mgh.harvard.edu