Aortic Center

The Aortic Center, a part of Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas, focuses on treating complex conditions related to aortic disease. Early diagnosis, appropriate medical management, and surgical options, including minimally invasive surgery or open surgical treatment, involve a multidisciplinary team of specialists on the medical staff. Cardiac surgeons and vascular surgeons on the medical staff who have experience with technically demanding procedures and the complexity of circulatory issues collaborate to provide quality care to their patients.

Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas was rated High Performing in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair by U.S. News & World Report for 2020 - 21. Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, was rated High Performing in Aortic Valve Surgery for 2020 - 21.

About Aortic Disease

The largest artery in the body is the aorta, through which oxygen-rich blood enters and the heart pumps the blood out from the aorta, traveling to the rest of the body through smaller arteries that branch out from the aorta. Aortic disease can either affect the abdominal aorta, the part of the aorta that runs through your abdomen, or the thoracic aorta, the part of the aorta that runs through your chest. The aorta can split, referred to as a dissection, or dilate, referred to as an aneurysm, when affected by aortic disease. Physicians on the medical staff of the Aortic Center at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas are specialized in treating aortic diseases. Commonly treated aortic disease conditions we treat include:

Hypertension
Degenerative aneurysm disease
Type A and Type B aortic dissections
Genetic conditions, such as Marfan’s syndrome
Connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos disorder, polychondritis, scleroderma, osteogenesis imperfecta, polycystic kidney disease, and Turner syndrome
Inflammatory aortic disease
Bicuspid aortic valve
Vascular anomalies

Aortic Dissection

Specialized Interventions

The multidisciplinary team specializes in the full spectrum of care for patients with aortic disease. Some critical conditions such as aortic dissection or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, require emergent care. In other cases, following assessment, a patient can electively and selectively choose the timing for intervention. From medical management to second opinions and aortic dissections, the team collaborates on cases involving the aorta to provide quality care for patients. Physicians on the medical staff at the Aortic Center provide patients with access to advanced diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Diagnostic testing

3-D, volume rendered, computerized tomography
Stat echocardiography

Treatment options

Advanced medical management strategies to control blood pressure and reduce inflammation and expansion of the aorta
Use of minimally invasive procedures when appropriate
Treatment of complex conditions with specialized techniques

About Aortic Center

The Aortic Center is a program that expands minimally invasive treatment options for patients with aortic disease. The team of surgeons on the medical staff who participate in the center is dedicated to treating complex aortic conditions along with providing close follow-up care in collaboration with the patient’s referring physician.

The proven experience and involvement with innovation and clinical trials in the area of aortic diseases also provide patients and referring physicians with access to advanced treatments and techniques. As a patient, you will have access to the following service advantages:

Comprehensive, on-site imaging and radiology services offering advanced equipment and experienced technologists
Compassionate and experienced physicians, advanced practice providers and cardiac nurses on the Aortic Center care team are specially trained in the treatment of aortic disease
The Center offers multiple options for high-risk patients
Qualified candidates have access to clinical research trials

Find A Surgeon

Quality & Outcomes

Clinical Trials

Patients referred to the Aortic Center gain access to a team of cardiac surgeons and vascular surgeons with advanced expertise in the treatment of aortic disease and is one of only a few programs that bridges the gap between these two acute specialties. The team collaborates with one another, as well as with patients’ referring physicians to determine treatment plans based on age, medical history, type and stage of aortic disease and personal preferences.

Cardiac surgeons:

Daniel H. Enter, MD
Aldo Rafael, MD
Charles S. Roberts, MD

Vascular surgeons:

Hung Chu, MD, RPVI
Robert S. Corn, MD, RPVI
John F. Eidt, MD, RVT, RPVI, FACS
Brad Grimsley, MD, FACS
Stephen Hohmann, MD, FACS
Bertram Smith, MD, FACS
Javier (Jay) Vasquez, MD, RPVI, FACS

Contact Us

For more information about the Aortic Center or to make a referral, please call 214.820.4876 or email DallasAorticCenter@BSWHealth.org.

For emergent transfers to Baylor University Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital - Dallas, please call 214.820.6444.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
New patients are seen in the Aortic Center, Suite 108, on Mondays between 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM.