Aortic replacement in cardiac surgery.

The number of aorta procedures performed annually in the United States has grown substantially during the past decade. Cleveland Clinic is a leader in research on the risk of aortic dissection in patients with a bicuspid or tricuspid aortic valve and associated aneurysm, which has led to changes in the recommendations of when to operate. Safety and efficacy data support more proactive treatment for most patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or dissection with a growing emphasis on the need to provide life-long care to patients with aortic conditions.