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James Burke, MD

Specialties

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

James Burke, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon with Wellstar since 2020.

Specialties

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Cardiothoracic Surgeon with Wellstar since 2020
  • Member of the Wellstar Medical Group A friendly photo of James Burke, MD James Burke, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

About James Burke, MD

Areas of Interest

  • Aortic & Endovascular Surgery
  • Transcatheter Valve Replacement
  • Valve Repair & Replacement

Accomplishments

  • Co-Medical Director, Comprehensive Aortic Program

Specialties

  • Cardiothoracic Surgery

Education & Training

  • Emory University School of Medicine

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • Emory University School of Medicine

Fellowship

  • Emory University School of Medicine

Certifications

  • American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • American Board of Surgery

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
  • Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

Languages spoken

  • English

Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures

  • Adult Congenital Heart Surgery
  • Anomalous Coronary Artery
  • Aortic Regurgitation or Insufficiency
  • Aortic Root Dilatation
  • Aortic Root Surgery
  • Aortic Stenosis
  • Aortic Valve Surgery
  • Ascending and Aortic Arch Aneurysm Dissection
  • Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)
  • Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
  • Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis
  • Cardiac Tumors (Myxoma and Fibroelastoma)
  • Congenital Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Descending Thoracic Aneurysm Dissection
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
  • Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
  • Mitral Regurgitation
  • Mitral Stenosis
  • Mitral Valve Surgery
  • Myectomy Myotomy
  • Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
  • Pulmonic Valve Surgery
  • Resection of Cardiac Tumors
  • Thoracic Aortic Surgery
  • Thoracoabdominal Aortic Surgery
  • Tricuspid Regurgitation
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.8

Based on 160 patient ratings

I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust

All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.

Patient Reviews

5

Dr Burke was thorough in explaining my heart problems to my wife and me. I have surgery planned with Dr Burke and his team in the near future. I know he will provide top notch care!

May 9, 2025

5

The care from beginning to end was impeccable. Thanks so much for taking care of me.

April 30, 2025

5

Great experience!

April 30, 2025

5

Patient and informative discussion that placed us in a positive state of mind re pending surgery

April 17, 2025

5

Very informative, I have no questions Thank you

April 4, 2025

5

Thank you for professional and kind care.

March 26, 2025

5

They do their job well.

March 20, 2025

5

I am very confident about this doctor and this practice

March 16, 2025

5

Yes, the doctor and nurse were very friendly, they were very informative and I trust them. Just want to say that. Thank you.

March 1, 2025

5

Awesome professionalism!

February 19, 2025

5

Dr. Burke was very informative, and listened to all my questions and concerns.

February 19, 2025

5

Everyone was personable and professional.

February 14, 2025

5

Dr. Burke and staff absolutely made my day! I was terrified going in, but his assurance that heart surgery was a very last resort in my case had me smiling. Some doctors I know are scalpel- happy; he's not one of those. Excellent physician and his team is as excellent.

February 13, 2025

5

Excellent care and treatment provided by the team of doctors and nurses!

February 13, 2025

5

Outstanding team, very caring, on task, and very knowledgeable!!!!

January 31, 2025

5

Nice experience

January 30, 2025

5

My visit with Dr. Burke and his staff was excellent. I am grateful for their care and kindness.

January 24, 2025

5

Dr Burke and staff were extremely helpful and answered all my questions

January 10, 2025

5

Very prompt courteous and professional

January 9, 2025

5

Nice people- seem to know what they are doing

January 9, 2025

5

Everything was explained at a level which I easily understood

December 11, 2024

5

I had an excellent video visit with Dr. Burke. I feel that my heart health care is in good hands.

December 11, 2024

5

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Burke or any of the PAs and other providers on staff in his practice. I thought every single one of them was outstanding.

November 24, 2024

5

I was somewhat nervous going to this consultation as I'd been informed that I would be needing surgery. Dr Burke put me at ease straight away. He was informative and thoroughly explained what was happening in the heart and the procedure they would use to correct it. All the team members were very friendly and professional.

November 22, 2024

5

I am extremely happy and satisfied about Dr. Burke and all his team. Thank you so much. I really appreciate his amazing job with my heart. Thank you so much. Thank you.

November 16, 2024

5

I had a very positive experience. Dr. Burke was very caring, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.

November 14, 2024

5

Yes, Dr. Burke and his team were excellent, took very, very good care of me during surgery, post-surgery, and ongoing, so I appreciate everything that was done. Very, Dr. Burke is very approachable, answered all my questions. So, I would rate him a 10 without any problem whatsoever. Thank you.

November 9, 2024

5

Considering the critical nature of my condition, I was extremely pleased with the way that Dr. Burke took the time at my post-op review to explain everything to me, listen to my questions, spend the time with me, etc. I would definitely recommend him for any type of CABG type of procedure. Thank you.

October 27, 2024

5

I have a lot of trust in Dr. Burke's knowledge and the decisions he makes regarding my care. Also, Sandra Pruett is a conscientious and efficient NP.

October 25, 2024

5

I appreciated the take home information sheet and the verbal explanation was great. The advice on seeing a cardiologist for other results and the staff getting an appointment for me was terrific. Very impressed

October 16, 2024

5

Dr Burke was thorough in explaining my heart problems to my wife and me. I have surgery planned with Dr Burke and his team in the near future. I know he will provide top notch care!

May 9, 2025

5

The care from beginning to end was impeccable. Thanks so much for taking care of me.

April 30, 2025

5

Great experience!

April 30, 2025

5

Patient and informative discussion that placed us in a positive state of mind re pending surgery

April 17, 2025

5

Very informative, I have no questions Thank you

April 4, 2025

5

Thank you for professional and kind care.

March 26, 2025

5

They do their job well.

March 20, 2025

5

I am very confident about this doctor and this practice

March 16, 2025

5

Yes, the doctor and nurse were very friendly, they were very informative and I trust them. Just want to say that. Thank you.

March 1, 2025

5

Awesome professionalism!

February 19, 2025

5

Dr. Burke was very informative, and listened to all my questions and concerns.

February 19, 2025

5

Everyone was personable and professional.

February 14, 2025

5

Dr. Burke and staff absolutely made my day! I was terrified going in, but his assurance that heart surgery was a very last resort in my case had me smiling. Some doctors I know are scalpel- happy; he's not one of those. Excellent physician and his team is as excellent.

February 13, 2025

5

Excellent care and treatment provided by the team of doctors and nurses!

February 13, 2025

5

Outstanding team, very caring, on task, and very knowledgeable!!!!

January 31, 2025

5

Nice experience

January 30, 2025

5

My visit with Dr. Burke and his staff was excellent. I am grateful for their care and kindness.

January 24, 2025

5

Dr Burke and staff were extremely helpful and answered all my questions

January 10, 2025

5

Very prompt courteous and professional

January 9, 2025

5

Nice people- seem to know what they are doing

January 9, 2025

5

Everything was explained at a level which I easily understood

December 11, 2024

5

I had an excellent video visit with Dr. Burke. I feel that my heart health care is in good hands.

December 11, 2024

5

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Burke or any of the PAs and other providers on staff in his practice. I thought every single one of them was outstanding.

November 24, 2024

5

I was somewhat nervous going to this consultation as I'd been informed that I would be needing surgery. Dr Burke put me at ease straight away. He was informative and thoroughly explained what was happening in the heart and the procedure they would use to correct it. All the team members were very friendly and professional.

November 22, 2024

5

I am extremely happy and satisfied about Dr. Burke and all his team. Thank you so much. I really appreciate his amazing job with my heart. Thank you so much. Thank you.

November 16, 2024

5

I had a very positive experience. Dr. Burke was very caring, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.

November 14, 2024

5

Yes, Dr. Burke and his team were excellent, took very, very good care of me during surgery, post-surgery, and ongoing, so I appreciate everything that was done. Very, Dr. Burke is very approachable, answered all my questions. So, I would rate him a 10 without any problem whatsoever. Thank you.

November 9, 2024

5

Considering the critical nature of my condition, I was extremely pleased with the way that Dr. Burke took the time at my post-op review to explain everything to me, listen to my questions, spend the time with me, etc. I would definitely recommend him for any type of CABG type of procedure. Thank you.

October 27, 2024

5

I have a lot of trust in Dr. Burke's knowledge and the decisions he makes regarding my care. Also, Sandra Pruett is a conscientious and efficient NP.

October 25, 2024

5

I appreciated the take home information sheet and the verbal explanation was great. The advice on seeing a cardiologist for other results and the staff getting an appointment for me was terrific. Very impressed

October 16, 2024

5

Dr Burke was thorough in explaining my heart problems to my wife and me. I have surgery planned with Dr Burke and his team in the near future. I know he will provide top notch care!

May 9, 2025

5

The care from beginning to end was impeccable. Thanks so much for taking care of me.

April 30, 2025

5

Great experience!

April 30, 2025

5

Patient and informative discussion that placed us in a positive state of mind re pending surgery

April 17, 2025

5

Very informative, I have no questions Thank you

April 4, 2025

5

Thank you for professional and kind care.

March 26, 2025

5

They do their job well.

March 20, 2025

5

I am very confident about this doctor and this practice

March 16, 2025

5

Yes, the doctor and nurse were very friendly, they were very informative and I trust them. Just want to say that. Thank you.

March 1, 2025

5

Awesome professionalism!

February 19, 2025

5

Dr. Burke was very informative, and listened to all my questions and concerns.

February 19, 2025

5

Everyone was personable and professional.

February 14, 2025

5

Dr. Burke and staff absolutely made my day! I was terrified going in, but his assurance that heart surgery was a very last resort in my case had me smiling. Some doctors I know are scalpel- happy; he's not one of those. Excellent physician and his team is as excellent.

February 13, 2025

5

Excellent care and treatment provided by the team of doctors and nurses!

February 13, 2025

5

Outstanding team, very caring, on task, and very knowledgeable!!!!

January 31, 2025

5

Nice experience

January 30, 2025

5

My visit with Dr. Burke and his staff was excellent. I am grateful for their care and kindness.

January 24, 2025

5

Dr Burke and staff were extremely helpful and answered all my questions

January 10, 2025

5

Very prompt courteous and professional

January 9, 2025

5

Nice people- seem to know what they are doing

January 9, 2025

5

Everything was explained at a level which I easily understood

December 11, 2024

5

I had an excellent video visit with Dr. Burke. I feel that my heart health care is in good hands.

December 11, 2024

5

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Burke or any of the PAs and other providers on staff in his practice. I thought every single one of them was outstanding.

November 24, 2024

5

I was somewhat nervous going to this consultation as I'd been informed that I would be needing surgery. Dr Burke put me at ease straight away. He was informative and thoroughly explained what was happening in the heart and the procedure they would use to correct it. All the team members were very friendly and professional.

November 22, 2024

5

I am extremely happy and satisfied about Dr. Burke and all his team. Thank you so much. I really appreciate his amazing job with my heart. Thank you so much. Thank you.

November 16, 2024

5

I had a very positive experience. Dr. Burke was very caring, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.

November 14, 2024

5

Yes, Dr. Burke and his team were excellent, took very, very good care of me during surgery, post-surgery, and ongoing, so I appreciate everything that was done. Very, Dr. Burke is very approachable, answered all my questions. So, I would rate him a 10 without any problem whatsoever. Thank you.

November 9, 2024

5

Considering the critical nature of my condition, I was extremely pleased with the way that Dr. Burke took the time at my post-op review to explain everything to me, listen to my questions, spend the time with me, etc. I would definitely recommend him for any type of CABG type of procedure. Thank you.

October 27, 2024

5

I have a lot of trust in Dr. Burke's knowledge and the decisions he makes regarding my care. Also, Sandra Pruett is a conscientious and efficient NP.

October 25, 2024

5

I appreciated the take home information sheet and the verbal explanation was great. The advice on seeing a cardiologist for other results and the staff getting an appointment for me was terrific. Very impressed

October 16, 2024

5

Dr Burke was thorough in explaining my heart problems to my wife and me. I have surgery planned with Dr Burke and his team in the near future. I know he will provide top notch care!

May 9, 2025

5

The care from beginning to end was impeccable. Thanks so much for taking care of me.

April 30, 2025

5

Great experience!

April 30, 2025

5

Patient and informative discussion that placed us in a positive state of mind re pending surgery

April 17, 2025

5

Very informative, I have no questions Thank you

April 4, 2025

5

Thank you for professional and kind care.

March 26, 2025

5

They do their job well.

March 20, 2025

5

I am very confident about this doctor and this practice

March 16, 2025

5

Yes, the doctor and nurse were very friendly, they were very informative and I trust them. Just want to say that. Thank you.

March 1, 2025

5

Dr. Burke was very informative, and listened to all my questions and concerns.

February 19, 2025

5

Awesome professionalism!

February 19, 2025

5

Everyone was personable and professional.

February 14, 2025

5

Dr. Burke and staff absolutely made my day! I was terrified going in, but his assurance that heart surgery was a very last resort in my case had me smiling. Some doctors I know are scalpel- happy; he's not one of those. Excellent physician and his team is as excellent.

February 13, 2025

5

Excellent care and treatment provided by the team of doctors and nurses!

February 13, 2025

5

Outstanding team, very caring, on task, and very knowledgeable!!!!

January 31, 2025

5

Nice experience

January 30, 2025

5

My visit with Dr. Burke and his staff was excellent. I am grateful for their care and kindness.

January 24, 2025

5

Dr Burke and staff were extremely helpful and answered all my questions

January 10, 2025

5

Very prompt courteous and professional

January 9, 2025

5

Nice people- seem to know what they are doing

January 9, 2025

5

Everything was explained at a level which I easily understood

December 11, 2024

5

I had an excellent video visit with Dr. Burke. I feel that my heart health care is in good hands.

December 11, 2024

5

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Burke or any of the PAs and other providers on staff in his practice. I thought every single one of them was outstanding.

November 24, 2024

5

I was somewhat nervous going to this consultation as I'd been informed that I would be needing surgery. Dr Burke put me at ease straight away. He was informative and thoroughly explained what was happening in the heart and the procedure they would use to correct it. All the team members were very friendly and professional.

November 22, 2024

5

I am extremely happy and satisfied about Dr. Burke and all his team. Thank you so much. I really appreciate his amazing job with my heart. Thank you so much. Thank you.

November 16, 2024

5

I had a very positive experience. Dr. Burke was very caring, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.

November 14, 2024

5

Yes, Dr. Burke and his team were excellent, took very, very good care of me during surgery, post-surgery, and ongoing, so I appreciate everything that was done. Very, Dr. Burke is very approachable, answered all my questions. So, I would rate him a 10 without any problem whatsoever. Thank you.

November 9, 2024

5

Considering the critical nature of my condition, I was extremely pleased with the way that Dr. Burke took the time at my post-op review to explain everything to me, listen to my questions, spend the time with me, etc. I would definitely recommend him for any type of CABG type of procedure. Thank you.

October 27, 2024

5

I have a lot of trust in Dr. Burke's knowledge and the decisions he makes regarding my care. Also, Sandra Pruett is a conscientious and efficient NP.

October 25, 2024

5

I appreciated the take home information sheet and the verbal explanation was great. The advice on seeing a cardiologist for other results and the staff getting an appointment for me was terrific. Very impressed

October 16, 2024

5

I appreciated the take home information sheet and the verbal explanation was great. The advice on seeing a cardiologist for other results and the staff getting an appointment for me was terrific. Very impressed

October 16, 2024

5

I have a lot of trust in Dr. Burke's knowledge and the decisions he makes regarding my care. Also, Sandra Pruett is a conscientious and efficient NP.

October 25, 2024

5

Considering the critical nature of my condition, I was extremely pleased with the way that Dr. Burke took the time at my post-op review to explain everything to me, listen to my questions, spend the time with me, etc. I would definitely recommend him for any type of CABG type of procedure. Thank you.

October 27, 2024

5

Yes, Dr. Burke and his team were excellent, took very, very good care of me during surgery, post-surgery, and ongoing, so I appreciate everything that was done. Very, Dr. Burke is very approachable, answered all my questions. So, I would rate him a 10 without any problem whatsoever. Thank you.

November 9, 2024

5

I had a very positive experience. Dr. Burke was very caring, efficient, knowledgeable and professional.

November 14, 2024

5

I am extremely happy and satisfied about Dr. Burke and all his team. Thank you so much. I really appreciate his amazing job with my heart. Thank you so much. Thank you.

November 16, 2024

5

I was somewhat nervous going to this consultation as I'd been informed that I would be needing surgery. Dr Burke put me at ease straight away. He was informative and thoroughly explained what was happening in the heart and the procedure they would use to correct it. All the team members were very friendly and professional.

November 22, 2024

5

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Burke or any of the PAs and other providers on staff in his practice. I thought every single one of them was outstanding.

November 24, 2024

5

I had an excellent video visit with Dr. Burke. I feel that my heart health care is in good hands.

December 11, 2024

5

Everything was explained at a level which I easily understood

December 11, 2024

5

Nice people- seem to know what they are doing

January 9, 2025

5

Very prompt courteous and professional

January 9, 2025

5

Dr Burke and staff were extremely helpful and answered all my questions

January 10, 2025

5

My visit with Dr. Burke and his staff was excellent. I am grateful for their care and kindness.

January 24, 2025

5

Nice experience

January 30, 2025

5

Outstanding team, very caring, on task, and very knowledgeable!!!!

January 31, 2025

5

Excellent care and treatment provided by the team of doctors and nurses!

February 13, 2025

5

Dr. Burke and staff absolutely made my day! I was terrified going in, but his assurance that heart surgery was a very last resort in my case had me smiling. Some doctors I know are scalpel- happy; he's not one of those. Excellent physician and his team is as excellent.

February 13, 2025

5

Everyone was personable and professional.

February 14, 2025

5

Awesome professionalism!

February 19, 2025

5

Dr. Burke was very informative, and listened to all my questions and concerns.

February 19, 2025

5

Yes, the doctor and nurse were very friendly, they were very informative and I trust them. Just want to say that. Thank you.

March 1, 2025

5

I am very confident about this doctor and this practice

March 16, 2025

5

They do their job well.

March 20, 2025

5

Thank you for professional and kind care.

March 26, 2025

5

Very informative, I have no questions Thank you

April 4, 2025

5

Patient and informative discussion that placed us in a positive state of mind re pending surgery

April 17, 2025

5

Great experience!

April 30, 2025

5

The care from beginning to end was impeccable. Thanks so much for taking care of me.

April 30, 2025

5

Dr Burke was thorough in explaining my heart problems to my wife and me. I have surgery planned with Dr Burke and his team in the near future. I know he will provide top notch care!

May 9, 2025

Publications and Articles

Two aortic specialists in Wellstar’s Comprehensive Aortic Program perform a complex aneurysm procedure together.

Aortic Experts & AI Identify Thousands with Hidden Aneurysms

Wellstar’s Comprehensive Aortic Program has identified thousands of hidden aneurysms in the past two years. The goal of the program is to help people before their conditions become life-threatening.

Aortic aneurysms are bulges in the body’s largest blood vessel. They can burst and cause severe damage or death if they become too big. Unfortunately, most people never know they have one because they are typically asymptomatic until they rupture.

However, the aortic experts at Wellstar found a way to help people before they have an emergency.

“When patients have CT scans at Wellstar for other reasons, we use artificial intelligence (AI) to sift through them and find images of someone who may have aneurysm,” said Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. James Ryan Burke. “That allows us to proactively contact them and bring them in if appropriate for evaluation to discuss that diagnosis.”

Since the program launch in July 2022, more than 4,700 people with aneurysms have been placed under surveillance—a protocol to monitor people who have a risk. Surveillance allows people to avoid undergoing unnecessary surgery but to know when the aneurysm grows larger and becomes a greater concern.

For people who had large, potentially life-threatening aneurysms, cardiovascular surgeons and vascular surgeons performed more than 700 advanced procedures at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center since the program began.

“These are major cardiac operations only performed in centers that offer complex aortic surgery,” Dr. Burke said. “The outcomes are best when done in experienced centers that do a high volume of procedures, like Wellstar Kennestone.”


Patient-centered aortic care

“This program is very patient-oriented. We have an excellent team of dedicated physicians at Wellstar to accomplish our mission and I think it’s very beneficial for both patients and physicians,” said Dr. Michael Corey of Vascular Surgical Associates.

The aortic program at Wellstar provides a higher level of aortic care than a patient would typically find in a local hospital. What makes the program unique is:

  • The multispecialty team of aortic experts working together
  • The cutting-edge AI technology used to identify patients who are unaware they have an aneurysm
  • A high-tech hybrid operating room (OR) for open or minimally invasive procedures
  • The latest surgical techniques and technology
  • A high volume of procedures performed

“The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It runs from the heart, through the chest and abdomen and down to the legs,” said Dr. Burke. “When you have a disease process involving the aorta, it requires multiple specialties.”

Wellstar’s specialized aortic team includes cardiovascular surgeons, vascular surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

There is also a cardiac hybrid OR that brings a catheterization lab and surgery suite together in one space, making aortic aneurysm treatment more efficient and encouraging collaboration between our expert providers.

“The hybrid OR is a state-of-the-art, innovative, open operating room where patients can receive complex aortic reconstructions—procedures that have open surgery components to them—as well as endovascular (or minimally invasive) aortic reconstructions. This all can take place in one nice operating room,” Dr. Corey said.

The aortic program is part of a larger heart care program at Wellstar, based at Wellstar Kennestone, the first in Georgia and the fourth in the nation to receive Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center Certification by The Joint Commission and American Heart Association. This is the highest certification in cardiovascular care.

 

Learn more or schedule an appointment with an aortic disease specialist.



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Top Marks for Heart Care at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center

Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center recently received two major commendations highlighting the high level of heart care continuously provided to patients—putting Wellstar Kennstone among the top hospitals in the nation. The Marietta-based heart care program received:

  • A distinguished three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This is the highest category of quality, placing Wellstar Kennestone among the best programs for heart bypass surgery in the U.S. and Canada. 
  • The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark for Comprehensive Cardiac Center Certification, which means Wellstar Kennestone is the only hospital in Georgia to raise its total cardiac program to the elite level. 

“This community is where we live, and when we care for our patients, we’re caring for our neighbors and friends—that’s why pursuing excellence is such a high priority,” said Steve Cermak, executive director of Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care & Hospital Operations at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. “We feel it’s our duty to provide the highest level of care possible.”

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Wellstar Comprehensive Aortic Program Provides Complete Care for Aortic Conditions

A new multidisciplinary program at Wellstar cares for people with aortic conditions, providing both emergency and non-emergent treatment.

The Wellstar Comprehensive Aortic Program brings together a highly-skilled team of experts, including cardiovascular surgeons and vascular surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. These providers share the common goal of diagnosing, treating and preventing aortic diseases and emergencies—making care more comprehensive and improving outcomes for patients.

“Traditionally, aortic diseases have been managed by multiple physicians spread throughout multiple specialties, which can lead to confusion, delays in treatment and competing treatment plans,” said Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. James Ryan Burke. “Wellstar has created a single, multidisciplinary program to bring together aortic-specific disease expertise and leverage advanced technology.”

Aortic health is crucial to overall wellness

The aorta is the major artery that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. If the aorta is ruptured, then blood does not flow to other areas like the legs, feet and brain, which can lead to lasting brain damage or death.

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta. Aneurysms are often asymptomatic until they become large, rupture or dissect. However, an aortic dissection, when a tear develops on the inner wall of the aorta, is one for concern. Depending on the aneurysm location, the most common symptom could be one of severe chest pain, back pain, or abdominal pain. When an aneurysm ruptures or tears, it can lead to death within minutes or hours.

The aortic program takes a proactive approach to prevent aneurysms by monitoring and treating aortic conditions.

“Identifying aortic pathology early leads to better patient outcomes,” said Wellstar Cardiovascular Disease Specialist Dr. Jennifer Giuseffi. 

The program’s team partners with patients to reduce their risk of an aortic emergency. Risk factors include tobacco use, being older than 65, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, history of coronary artery disease or peripheral vascular disease, family history of aneurysms, certain connective tissue disorders, and certain genetic conditions. Men are also at higher risk than women.

The team of aortic care specialists gets to know each patient and collaborates with them to create a personalized care plan to keep their aorta healthy.

“Every patient is different. Every aorta is different. The risk factors and complications with every aorta are different,” Dr. Giuseffi said. “Within our group, we’ll be able to address all of our patients’ issues individually.”

Our approach to aortic care brings together experts from multiple specialties, allowing patients to have all their questions answered and get multiple perspectives.

“All patients with aortic diseases being cared for at Wellstar will benefit long-term through the program’s unique collaboration of healthcare practitioners from cardiology, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery all working together to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for patients with these complex heart conditions,” said Vascular Surgeon Dr. Michael Corey.

Managing aortic emergencies

While the program includes an outpatient component to help patients manage aortic conditions or recover from aneurysms or dissections, the systemwide team is also prepared to save lives and step into action during emergencies.

The program offers treatments including aortic root and aortic valve surgery, thoracic aortic surgery and thoracoabdominal aortic surgery.

If you experience any of these symptoms of aortic disease, call 911:

  • Severe, sudden pain in the chest, back, abdomen or groin area
  • Pulsating feeling in the abdomen similar to a heartbeat
  • Cold, numbness or tingling in the hands, legs or feet
  • Drop in blood pressure, dizziness or feeling faint

While the team performs procedures at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, care teams at all Wellstar hospitals are trained in how to address aortic emergencies and transfer patients if needed. Wellstar Kennestone was the first hospital in Georgia and only fourth in the country to receive the highest certification in cardiovascular care—the Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center Certification—by The Joint Commission and American Heart Association.

Receiving care from the Wellstar Comprehensive Aortic Program

To see a provider in the aortic program, patients can either be referred by their physician or call the office to make an appointment. The team will help patients determine which provider they should see first, depending on their health history or aortic condition. Call (770) 590-4180 to make an appointment or learn more about the program.

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James Burke, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon with Wellstar since 2020
Rating
4.8
Specialties
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
Emory University School of Medicine
Residency
Emory University School of Medicine
Fellowship
Emory University School of Medicine
Certifications
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Spoken Languages
English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/james-burke-md
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