School of Medicine

Department of Surgery

Full Time Faculty:

2016 9:27:52 AM

William Risher, MD, FACS 

Section Chief

Professor of Clinical Surgery

 2016 9:31:14 AM

Tina Barcelona, RN

Instructor of Clinical Surgery

DIVISION OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

CENTER FOR AORTIC DISEASE

Center for Aortic Disease is founded in leadership, experience, excellence in patients care and research. Aortic aneurysms are lethal. Rupture is potentially preventable with early diagnosis and treatment. Every year more than 15,000 people in the United States die of aneurysm rupture. Physicians in the center specialize in every diagnosis, care and management of all types of aortic disease. This multidisciplinary team includes Surgery, Cardiology, Pulmonary, Medial doctors along with genetic consultation and family consultation. Patients are followed for life alone with family members.

LSUHC offers state of the art diagnostic imaging and cutting edge treatment to deliver advanced, passionate care. We use latest minimally invasive and open techniques to treat the following aortic conditions:

  •  Aortic aneurysms: the expansion and weakening of the aorta wall.
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Thoracic aneurysms
  • Thoraco-abdominal aneurysms
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysms
  • Aortic dissection (Acute and chronic type A and B)
  • Aortic root and valve disease
  • Native aortic and prosthetic graft infections
  • Thoracic/ aortoiliac occlusive and thrombo-embolic disease
  • Congenital aortic disease
  • Aortic, mesenteric and renal aneurysmal and occlusive disease

Surgical treatment options include:

  • TAVR (Trans catheter aortic valve replacement)
  • Hybrid aortic repair
  • Hypothermic circulatory arrest
  • Medical management
  • Open aortic repair
  • Transfusion-free surgery

Elective aortic surgery is offered when the risk of rupture or dissection is greater than the risk of surgery. Surgery is advised based on:

  • Size of aneurysm
  • Rate of aortic expansion
  • Shape of aneurysm
  • Family history of early aortic rupture of dissection
  • Types of aortic disease present (Marfan syndrome, bicuspid, other connective tissue disorder, etc.)
  • General health and age of patient
  • Symptomatic aorta with pressure or pain in the chest or back

Medial treatment includes:

  • Genetic testing and consultation
  • Family consultation
  • Strict control of the blood pressure and heart rate
  • Smoking cessation
  • Blood cholesterol and sugar control

The aortic center will allow both preventative, urgent and emergency care of all patients with aortic pathology acquire, congenital and traumatic using both endovascular and open surgical techniques.