Welcome back, everyone! Today we’ll be discussing one of the most common myths regarding bicuspid aortic valves. Being told that you have a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) can understandably raise a lot of questions. One of the most common is: “If my valve is abnormal, does that mean I’ll eventually need surgery?” The short answer is no. A bicuspid aortic valve can sometimes cause significant problems, but many people with BAV never need their valve replaced. Understanding what a bicuspid valve...

Welcome back, everyone! Continuing our theme of exploring genetic syndromes that can cause heritable aortic disease, today we will be diving into Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). EDS is a group of inherited conditions that affect the body's connective tissue. While many people associate EDS with flexible joints or stretchy skin, some forms of the condition can also affect the heart and blood vessels, including the aorta. Understanding this connection is an important step in preventing...

Welcome back, everyone! Behind every successful treatment plan is a team of specialists working together to provide care. Last week, we kicked off our month-long dive into the healthcare professionals who make up an aortic care team. Today, we’ll be discussing cardiac surgeons and their role in diagnosing and managing patients with aortic pathologies. From routine valve operations to life-saving emergency procedures, cardiac surgeons play a central role in the treatment of complex aortic...