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Comprehensive Aortic Program

In Wellstar’s Comprehensive Aortic Program, highly-trained specialists care for people with aortic diseases. We ensure seamless collaboration while providing many treatment options, including minimally-invasive surgery.

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Expert Care for Aortic Conditions

The Wellstar Comprehensive Aortic Program provides treatment for people with emergency and non-emergency diseases of the aorta. We create a personalized treatment plan for each patient that decreases the risk of an aneurysm rupture — the bursting of an artery. We offer cutting-edge procedures and devices to diagnose, monitor and repair all types of aneurysms. From screening to treatment, our team uses a coordinated approach to care which includes comprehensive diagnostic testing. When urgent care is warranted, we can treat aortic emergencies quickly.

These procedures are performed at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, the first in Georgia and the fourth in the nation to receive the highest certification in cardiovascular care — the Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center Certification — by The Joint Commission and American Heart Association.


Less invasive, multidisciplinary care

We understand the diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm can be frightening. We not only treat your condition, but we address your concerns and provide support. Our goal is to see you live a long and healthy life without the burden or fear of your disease.

Our highly-skilled, multidisciplinary team of experts includes cardiovascular surgeons and vascular surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Family practice or internal medicine physicians are also vital in identifying aortic issues and providing information on family history and additional known risk factors of aortic aneurysm.

Vascular Surgical Associates logoOur trusted local partner in care is Vascular Surgical Associates, offering expert care from highly trained vascular surgeons and an accredited vascular lab with advanced imaging technology.


State-of-the-art imaging & surveillance

Our physicians use the latest technology to diagnose aortic aneurysms, including cardiac echocardiography, CT, MRI scans and abdominal ultrasound. These advanced technologies ensure a complete view of the aorta to help us customize a treatment plan.

Wellstar uses advanced surveillance technology to identify signs of aortic disease when patients have imaging tests for other reasons. The software automatically scans all CT reports and identifies asymptomatic aneurysms before they become life-threatening emergencies. When an incidental aneurysm is detected, the Comprehensive Aortic Program team coordinates evidence-based care so patients can manage the disease in hopes of preventing an aortic emergency. 

The Wellstar Foundation provided financial support to help fund the acquisition and first year of use for the surveillance software.
 

Call Now

Schedule an appointment with an aortic disease specialist through our Comprehensive Aortic Program.

(770) 590-4180

For Physicians/Refer a Patient

Physicians, please use this link to refer a patient to the Wellstar Comprehensive Aortic Program.

Create Referral

Conditions We Treat

  • Aortic root aneurysm/dissection 
  • Ascending and aortic arch aneurysm/dissection
  • Descending thoracic aneurysm/dissection
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm/dissection 
  • Peripheral vascular disease

Treatments We Offer

  • Aortic root and aortic valve surgery
  • Thoracic aortic surgery
  • Thoracoabdominal aortic surgery
  • Aortofemoral bypass 
Two aortic specialists in Wellstar’s Comprehensive Aortic Program perform a complex aneurysm procedure together.

Aortic Program ID’s Hidden Aneurysms

AI scans imaging to help find thousands of aneurysms before they are symptomatic and life-threatening.

Learn more
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Comprehensive Care for Aortic Conditions

A multidisciplinary program at Wellstar cares for people with aortic conditions, either emergency or non-emergent.

Learn more
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Do I need a referral to see an aortic disease specialist?
Patients can self-refer. 

Our Physicians


James Burke, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Veer Chahwala, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Affiliate
Julie Duke, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Affiliate
Jennifer Giuseffi, MD
Cardiovascular Disease Specialist
Michael Hardee, MD
Cardiovascular Disease Specialist
Gary Jacobson, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Affiliate
John Jones, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Affiliate
Emily Lagergren, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Affiliate
Alykhan Lalani, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Affiliate
Theresa Luu, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Richard Myung, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Shariq Sayeed, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Affiliate
Jeffrey Stein, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Affiliate
Jeffrey Winter, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Affiliate
Charles Wyble, MD
Vascular Surgeon
Affiliate

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