Good information is the best medicine.
- Michael E. De Bakey, MD
 
I am here to help you and your family.
 
Aortic dissections are sudden, violent, and often catastrophic medical conditions that can occur seemingly "out of the blue."
 
Up to 50% of patients with an acute aortic dissection die before reaching the hospital. Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Dissections are often lethal diseases.
 
This book will guide you whether you are reading this book because you survived an aortic dissection and want to learn more about your health problem or because you are trying to become more knowledgeable so that you can help someone you know, such as a parent, neighbor, or colleague, who has been afflicted with an aortic dissection.
 
Furthermore, this book will be a resource for you now and throughout your career, if you are a student, resident, or fellow.
 
Surgeons and scientists from all over the world are working tirelessly to understand aortic disease better. Yet, we have so much more to learn about this challenging health problem.
 
Viewing the aorta as a holistic organ, instead of fractionated anatomic segments, capitalizes on 1) efficient, integrated care across the continuum of aortic pathologies, 2) the powerful synergy created within the interventional aortic therapies team, and 3) economies of scale from a procedural perspective which helps streamline the cross-trained support staff and institutional supply chain.
 
My goal is to bring forth valuable information that can make a difference not only for individuals with aortic disease but also empower friends and family members to become more knowledgeable about who is at risk for developing aortic disease.