Center for Complex Aortic Disease

We offer minimally invasive treatment for complex aortic aneurysms to help you recover faster and with less pain.

Advanced Aortic Aneurysm Care

At UMass Memorial Health’s Center for Complex Aortic Disease, vascular surgeons treat the most challenging aortic aneurysms using innovative, minimally invasive techniques. Our capabilities mean an easier recovery, fewer risks and renewed hope for people considered too high risk for surgery. 

We are among only a handful of centers in the U.S. with access to custom-made endografts (covered stents placed inside the aneurysm to keep it from rupturing). We’re also one of only a few centers in the country with access to physician-modified endografts through a clinical trial, giving you treatment options that aren’t widely available. 

What Is a Complex Aortic Aneurysm? 

An aortic aneurysm is a weakened, bulging section of the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body. Aortic aneurysms can cause life-threatening complications if they rupture (burst).

Complex aortic aneurysms involve branch arteries that supply blood to your kidneys, intestines and other vital organs. They can develop anywhere along your aorta, which runs from your chest all the way down to your groin. 

Our surgeons repair the most challenging aneurysms, as well as conditions related to aortic aneurysms, including aortic dissections and endoleaks (complication of a previous aneurysm repair). 

Complex Aortic Aneurysm Treatments 

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive treatment for aortic aneurysms. Vascular surgeons use catheters (thin, flexible tubes) to access aneurysms through blood vessels, avoiding the need for open surgery.

Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (FEVAR)

At our Center for Complex Aortic Disease, we specialize in a unique type of EVAR called fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR). FEVAR uses special stent-grafts that line up with branch arteries, allowing us to repair aneurysms while maintaining blood flow to your organs. 

Learn more about our approach to EVAR and FEVAR. 

Open Aortic Surgery

Open aortic aneurysm surgery may offer better long-term outcomes for people in good health who can tolerate an operation. Our vascular surgeons are well-versed in both open and minimally invasive techniques, a unique skillset that allows us to select the best procedure for your needs. 

Watch our patient education videos about aortic aneurysm treatments.

Patient Journey: After Long Denial Period, a Short Road From Evar to Recovery

Jawan Betts was diagnosed with multiple life-threatening aortic aneurysms but initially delayed treatment out of fear and denial. After her condition worsened, she underwent two minimally invasive endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) procedures in 2020 with Dr. Andres Schanzer, recovered quickly, and is now doing well with ongoing monitoring and annual follow-up care.

Read Jawan Betts' Story

Female patient Jawan Betts stops to pose while on a walk in the woods with her two young grandsons and the family's golden retriever.

Why Choose Us for Aortic Aneurysm Care?

Leading-Edge Treatments

UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester was the first hospital in the U.S. to perform endovascular aneurysm repair using fiberoptic cable imaging instead of X-ray radiation. This approach is safer for patients and helps surgeons operate with exceptional accuracy

Advanced Diagnostics

We offer the latest vascular imaging technology for vascular disease, including ultrasounds, angiography, and CT scans. With several vascular labs throughout the region, it’s easy to get many tests, such as vascular ultrasounds, close to where you live and work. 

Hybrid OR

In some cases, we combine open and endovascular techniques into one procedure in our state-of-the-art hybrid operating room. A hybrid approach for complex aneurysms is less invasive and requires less time in the operating room than conventional open surgery.

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