Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center

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What is Aortic Dissection?

(Click image to enlarge)

Aortic dissection is a condition in which there is bleeding into and along the wall of the aorta (the major artery from the heart). This most often occurs because of a tear or damage to the inner wall of the artery. Although aortic dissection can affect anybody, it is most often seen in men 40 to 70 years old. Symptoms usually begin suddenly and require prompt medical attention.

Find out about the causes and symptoms of Aortic Dissection.

Learn more

Emergency Care

Each year 25,000 Americans die from acute aortic dissections. It is a condition that needs immediate and accurate attention. For every hour a dissection is left untreated, mortality increases 1 to 2 percent. As leaders in high-risk cardiac care, the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center has created a treatment center that provides enhanced services and improved quality to patients with this devastating condition.

Through a collaborative effort between The Methodist Hospital Emergency Department physicians, radiologists, anesthesiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, we can provide 24-hour access to diagnosing, assessing and treating patients with aortic dissections. Since many patients never make it to the operating room we have created this new treatment center to focus on rapid transportation, rapid diagnosis and rapid introduction of therapy for patients with acute aortic syndromes.

What is the purpose of AATC?

Acute aortic emergencies are immediately life threatening, with mortality ratesrising rapidly after an acute episode. Acute aortic syndromes are being increasingly recognized, and consist of aortic dissection, aortic rupture, intramural hematoma, penetrating ulcers, acute aortic occlusion, and aortic transaction—all of which are life threatening. To achieve the best possible outcomes, we are learning an integrated team of physicians and resources is imperative.

The need for quick and effective therapy is particularly emphasized for the most common of the emergencies – namely ascending aortic dissection, where the mortality rate goes up 1 percent every hour.

To give patients the best chance of success, we created the Acute Aortic Treatment Center. This center will focus on rapid transportation, rapid diagnosis, and rapid introduction of therapy for patients with acute aortic syndromes. The center will also focus on patient and physician education in relation to acute aortic syndromes. This education process is key to get patients to the center as quickly as possible.

For non-emergency questions about AATC, please contact us at aatc@tmhs.org or call 713-DEBAKEY (332-2539).

Medical transports, ER physicians and emergency response teams can activate the team at the Acute Aortic Treatment Center by calling the dedicated, toll-free phone number 877-478-AATC (2282). This number is to be used by medical professionals only.