Aortic Dissection
A tear in the inner layer of the aorta — a life-threatening emergency that needs rapid, expert care.
Understanding Aortic Dissections
An Aortic Dissection is a serious, life-threatening medical emergency in which a tear occurs in the inner layer of the aorta—the body's main blood vessel carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As blood surges through the tear, it causes the inner and middle layers of the aorta to split (dissect). Prompt recognition, immediate emergency medical evaluation, and rapid treatment are essential to prevent organ damage and fatal complications.
Types of Aortic Dissection
Vascular specialists classify aortic dissections into two main types based on the location of the tear:
Type A (Ascending Aorta)
Involves the upper section of the aorta near the heart. This is the most common and dangerous type, requiring immediate emergency open surgical repair.
Type B (Descending Aorta)
Involves the lower section of the aorta (chest and abdomen) away from the heart. This type is often initially managed with strict blood pressure medications or endovascular stent grafting.
What increases your risk?
Aortic dissection is caused by damage or structural weakness in the aortic wall. Key risk factors include:
Primary risk factor; chronic pressure weakens the arterial lining, making it prone to tearing.
Plaque deposits inflame and degrade structural proteins within the aortic wall.
Conditions such as Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos, or Loeys-Dietz syndromes weaken blood vessel elasticity.
A congenital valve condition that alters blood flow dynamics and weakens the ascending aorta.
Existing dilation or ballooning weakens the vessel wall, increasing the risk of a tear.
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Rapid diagnosis and tailored intervention are essential for optimal outcomes:
See ProceduresCT Angiography (CTA)
The gold-standard emergency imaging test to rapidly confirm an aortic tear, locate its position, and evaluate branch vessel involvement.
Echocardiogram (TEE/TTE)
Transesophageal or transthoracic ultrasound to evaluate aortic valve involvement and heart function.
Emergency Open Surgical Repair
Essential for Type A dissections; surgeons replace the torn segment of the aorta with a synthetic graft.
Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR)
A minimally invasive stent graft procedure commonly used to repair complex Type B dissections from inside the blood vessel.
Intensive Medical Management
Intravenous medications (such as beta-blockers) are immediately administered to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, lowering stress on the aortic wall.
Daily Management & Long-Term Care
Patients recovering from an aortic dissection or managing chronic Type B conditions must adhere to strict lifestyle guidelines:
Strict Blood Pressure & Heart Rate Control
Take prescribed antihypertensive medications consistently to maintain low arterial wall pressure.
Avoid Heavy Lifting & Straining
Refrain from lifting heavy objects (typically > 15–20 lbs) or engaging in intense isometric strain to prevent pressure spikes.
Complete Smoking Cessation
Eliminate all tobacco exposure to protect arterial wall integrity and overall vascular health.
Routine Imaging Surveillance
Attend all scheduled CTA or MRI scans to monitor the aorta for growth, aneurysm formation, or recurrent tears.
Genetic Counseling
Consider genetic testing and family screening if underlying connective tissue conditions are suspected.
Red Flag Symptoms (Call 911 Immediately)
An aortic dissection is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you experience:
- Sudden, severe, sharp, tearing, or ripping pain in the chest, upper back, or between the shoulder blades.
- Pain that rapidly migrates or radiates downward to the abdomen, lower back, or legs.
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or vision loss (stroke-like symptoms).
- Shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, fainting (syncope), or a sudden difference in pulse/blood pressure between arms.
Procedures we perform for Aortic Dissections
Take the first step toward healthier circulation
Our vascular specialists will evaluate your condition, explain every option clearly, and build a plan that fits your life.