Swedish Aortic Center
Our Approach
Swedish Aortic Center, available at Swedish Cherry Hill Campus and Swedish First Hill Campus, offers personalized, award-winning care for aortic disease in the Pacific Northwest. As a regional center of excellence, our multidisciplinary team is committed to finding the right care for your unique situation. We offer leading-edge treatments for aortic diseases, from emergency intervention and treatment to long-term care management.
The Swedish Aortic Center provides:
- Collaborative surgeon review of complex cases
- Comprehensive diagnostics
- Critical care transport and assessment
- E-Consults for Swedish Medical Group (SMG) providers
- Education and support
- Evidence-based, guideline-driven care
- Genetic screening and longitudinal surveillance
- Specialized, patient-centered treatment options
Aortic conditions often need regular monitoring over time. Depending on your specific situation, treatment might involve medication, surgery or sometimes a combination of both. Your care team at Swedish Aortic Center will work closely with you to find the approach that fits best.
Aortic conditions we commonly treat include:
- Acute aortic syndromes (AAS)
- Aortic aneurysms
- Aortic root aneurysms
- Aortic valve repair or replacement
- Aortic dissections
- Congenital aortic syndromes
- Aortic coarctation
- Double aortic arch
- Kommerell’s diverticulum
- Intramural hematomas
- Penetrating aortic ulcers
At Swedish Aortic Center, we offer a range of services to diagnose, treat and help manage aortic disease – ranging from bloodwork and advanced surgical procedures to longitudinal surveillance and medical management.
Some of the services we offer include:
- Advanced procedures and surgeries
- Aortic root replacement
- Aortic valve repair
- Aortic valve replacement
- Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
- Hybrid repair
- Open surgical repair
- Redo aortic surgery
- Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR)
- Blood tests
- Comprehensive medical history review
- Diagnostic testing
- Carotid artery duplex scan
- Computed tomography angiography (CTA)
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
- Pulmonary function test (PFT)
- Ultrasound
- Genetic testing
- Longitudinal surveillance
- Medical management
- Physical examinations
Understanding your risk for aortic disease is a good first step towards preventing it. We work with you to identify any factors that may lead to aortic disease and create a care plan that includes education, lifestyle changes and medical support.
Several factors can increase your risk of aortic disease, including:
- Age: Risk of developing an aneurysm increases with age, typically beginning in individuals over 65 years of age
- Cardiovascular factors: High blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, or atherosclerosis can significantly increase the risk of aneurysm formation. These conditions damage arterial walls and may lead to aneurysm formation
- Certain genetic disorders: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome are among the most common genetic disorders linked to aneurysm formation
- Family history: Individuals with a first degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who experienced an aortic aneurysm or dissection are at significantly higher risk
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop aortic aneurysms than women. However, women with aneurysms rupture at a higher rate and at a smaller size
- Infections: Certain infections (eg: syphilis) may damage the aortic wall and lead to aneurysm formation
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking damages blood vessel walls and significantly increases the risk of aneurysm formation
- Trauma: Severe trauma (eg: accidents or falls) may damage the aortic wall and lead to aneurysm formation
Making some lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing an aortic condition.
Our team works with you to establish a comprehensive care plan based on managing all aspects of your condition, including medication, surgical treatment and lifestyle goals for long-term health. We partner with other services to ensure patients receive the best care possible.
Lifestyle and risk factor modifications may include education, medication, resources and support to:
- Address mental health concerns
- Diagnose sleep apnea
- Lower “bad” cholesterol
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage diabetes
- Monitor blood pressure and heart rate
- Overcome drug or alcohol addiction
- Quit smoking
This information isn’t intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider’s instructions.
At Swedish Aortic Center, we understand that managing an aortic disease can feel overwhelming and you may have a lot of questions. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate care options. Here are a few educational materials and resources to help you get started.
Resources:
- Read more on the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of aortic disease
- Explore information on genetic testing for inherited cardiovascular diseases
- Learn about different smoking cessation methods
- Take a closer look at how the Providence Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute is transforming care
Frequently Asked Questions
If your insurance provider requires a referral, your doctor will need to send one to the Swedish Aortic Center. Once we receive the referral, we’ll contact you to schedule an appointment.
If your insurance provider doesn’t require a referral, you can contact us directly to make an appointment.
Please bring the following to each appointment:
- Your photo ID and insurance card
- Copay, if required by your insurance plan
- Referral from your primary care doctor, if required by your insurance plan
- List of all medications and dosages
- Your medical and family medical history
- Other forms we provide in advance of your appointment
Please note that some locations have self-pay parking garages.
Many insurance plans cover heart screenings, especially if they’re medically necessary or part of your preventative care. Some imaging scans or tests may require a copay or deductible.
Since coverage and plans can vary, it’s best to confirm with your insurance provider before scheduling a visit.