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1,000+ Patients Cared for Annually
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Instructure, the company that owns Canvas, has provided an FAQ about the incident, which may not answer all your questions. We will share more information if it becomes available.
Instructure, the company that owns Canvas, has provided an FAQ about the incident, which may not answer all your questions. We will share more information if it becomes available.
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Surgery Styles -- directory
Comprehensive Aortic Program
Our Comprehensive Aortic Program brings together a dedicated team of specialists—including heart surgeons, vascular surgeons, cardiologists, and imaging experts—who work closely together to care for people with a wide range of aortic conditions.
We use advanced imaging and the latest surgical and minimally invasive treatments to accurately diagnose problems, shorten recovery time, and support better long-term health. Our goal is to provide personalized care and help each patient achieve the best possible outcome, even for complex aortic disease.
Donald L Jacobs MD, MS, DFSVS
Co-Director, Comprehensive Aortic Program
Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery
Michael W. Dunaway Professor of Surgery
Aortic conditions can be complex and understandably overwhelming. Our Comprehensive Aortic Program is designed to reduce that stress by making diagnosis and treatment as clear and straightforward as possible. We focus on educating and supporting our patients while offering the safest, most effective, and least invasive treatment options available. By working closely with our patients and bringing together the right specialists at every step, we strive for the best possible outcome.
T. Brett Reece MD, MBA, FACS, FACC
Co-Director, Comprehensive Aortic Program
Chief, Section General Cardiac Surgery
Program Director, Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency
Professor of Surgery
Joseph C. Cleveland, Sr., and David N. Campbell Endowed Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Philanthropy & Innovation
$1M Gift Will Support Mental and Emotional Health During Recovery From Aortic Surgery
A generous anonymous $1 million gift from a former patient in the University of Colorado’s Comprehensive Aortic Program will help expand critical resources focused on the mental and emotional well-being of patients undergoing aortic surgery. This philanthropic support will enable the development of new programs and services designed to address the emotional challenges patients may face before, during, and after surgery—enhancing recovery and supporting whole-person healing.
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Active Clinical Trials
Founded Western Aortic Collaborative
Conditions We Treat
Our Comprehensive Aortic Program provides multispecialty care for the full spectrum of aortic diseases, from genetically triggered aortopathies to complex thoracoabdominal conditions.
Aortic Root & Ascending Aorta
Bicuspid aortic valve aortopathyFamilial aortopathy
Pseudoaneurysm
Aneurysm
Aortic Arch
Aortic dissectionAneurysm
Penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU)
Thoracoabdominal Aorta
Aortic dissectionAneurysm
PAU
Abdominal Aorta
Infrarenal aneurysmPararenal aneurysm
Juxtarenal aneurysmal disease
Aortoiliac aneurysmal disease
Aortic dissection
PAU
Genetically Triggered Aortopathy
Loeys-Dietz SyndromeMarfan Syndrome
Turner Syndrome
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos
ACTA2; MYH11; MYLK; PRKG1
Anomalous Anatomy
Aberrant subclavian arteryRight-sided aortic arch or double aortic arch
Kommerell diverticulum
Coarctation of aorta
Surgeries & Procedures
Our team provides a full range of open surgical and minimally invasive endovascular procedures to treat complex aortic conditions. The approach recommended for you will depend on your specific diagnosis, anatomy, and overall health.
Open Surgical Repairs:
Traditional surgery performed through the chest or abdomen
Open surgical repair involves making an incision in the chest or abdomen to directly repair or replace the affected portion of the aorta. These procedures are often recommended for certain complex or advanced conditions.
Minimally Invasive (Endovascular) Repairs:
Performed through small incisions, usually in the groin
Endovascular procedures use catheter-based techniques to repair the aorta from the inside, often resulting in smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery for appropriate patients.
Not every procedure is right for every patient. Your care team will work with you to determine the safest and most effective treatment option for your individual condition.
Call us to schedule:
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Featured Clinical Trials
Our program is actively involved in leading clinical research to advance the treatment of aortic disease. These studies give eligible patients access to innovative therapies and technologies, often before they are widely available.
Availability varies by study. Participation is always voluntary and based on eligibility.
Interested in a Clinical Trial?
Not every study is right for every patient. Our care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be appropriate based on your diagnosis, anatomy, and overall health.
Call to schedule a consultation or learn more about available clinical trials.
303-724-2799