Expert care to treat a tear in the lining of the aorta
A dissection is a tear in the lining of the aorta, the candy cane-shaped artery that delivers oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As blood leaks from the inner layer of the aorta into the middle layer, it causes the layers to separate. This interrupts blood flow and can cause the aorta to burst or stop blood flow to critical organs, such as your heart, brain, or intestines.
While blood pressure medication may be enough to treat some tears, others can threaten your life and will need to be repaired. Our Complex Aortic Center brings together cardiac surgeons and vascular surgeons to treat aortic dissections, including a minimally invasive approach known as endovascular repair.
What are the types of aortic dissection?
There are two types of aortic dissection, depending on where the tear begins and ends.
Type A aortic dissection: This type occurs in the ascending aorta (the short side of the candy cane) and extends through the descending aorta (the long side). This tear may extend into the abdomen. Type A is more common and more dangerous, often requiring emergency surgery.
Type B aortic dissection: This type involves a tear in the descending aorta only, and it also may extend into the abdomen. These are often treated with a minimally invasive stent.
More serious tears can spread to other blood vessels, heart valves, or the sac surrounding the heart.
What are the symptoms of aortic dissection?
Aortic dissection symptoms may be vague, such as a general unwell feeling. One common symptom is a sudden, severe pain in the chest or upper back. Our patients describe it as feeling like they were stabbed with a knife.
Other symptoms may include:
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Abdominal pain
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Anxiety
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Fainting, also known as syncope
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Inability to make urine
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Numbness, weakness, or coldness in the arms or legs
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Pain in the neck, jaw, groin, or abdomen
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Poor circulation in the hands or feet
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Shortness of breath
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Stroke
What causes aortic dissection?
Causes and risk factors include:
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Age and gender: Dissections mainly occur in men ages 60 to 80
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Connective tissue disorders:
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Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
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Loeys-Dietz syndrome
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Turner syndrome
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Family history
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High-intensity weightlifting
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Use of crack cocaine
Tests
Computerized tomography (CT) scan
The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology used to create images of your heart and blood vessels.
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Transesophageal echocardiogram allows us to take very detailed images of your heart structure from a probe in your esophagus.
Treatments
Depending on the type and location of your aortic dissection, your doctor may recommend medication, surgery, or a minimally invasive stent to repair the tear.
Aortic Dissection Treatment
Treating an aortic dissection can include medication, minimally invasive procedures, or open surgery.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Vanessa R. Banks-Gonzales, ACNP-BC
Vascular Surgery
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Kristin M Brindisi, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Yelena Game, PA-C
Vascular Surgery
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John Harvey, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Geetha Jeyabalan, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Brian George Lee, MD
Cardiac Critical Care
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Alena Lira, MD
Cardiac Critical Care
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Brittany C. Montgomery, AGACNP-BC
Vascular Surgery
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Pamela M. Paufler, MD
Cardiac Critical Care
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Alexandra Kristina Pratt, MD
Critical Care Medicine
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Kyle B. Reynolds, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Lauren Elizabeth Van Winkle, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Lisa Anne Yager, AGNP-C
Vascular Surgery
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Sarkis Garabet Aghazarian, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Jennifer Lynn Manjo, CRNP
Vascular Surgery
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Dustin Yung Yoon, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Additional information
Partner with a recognized leader in offering care and disease management for the most complex aortic disorders.
Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.