University of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Surgery: Aortic Monitoring Program

Aortic Monitoring Program

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body). Aortic aneurysms can occur in the chest (thoracic aneurysms) or abdomen (abdominal aneurysms).

Because aortic aneurysms present few, if any, symptoms, many people who have them aren’t aware of their condition. As an aneurysm expands, the chances of it rupturing or dissecting increase. A ruptured or dissected aneurysm can cause a stroke or life-threatening internal bleeding.

At UW Health, we have develop a preventive Aortic Monitoring Program for patients with known aneurysms, or patients who are at risk for developing aneurysms. Through this program, we can provide careful, frequent aortic surveillance, helping you avoid risky emergency surgery.