Aortic Clinic

Aortic diseases can affect people at any age. They are complex illnesses health care providers must continually monitor.

Patients referred to the Aortic Clinic primarily have aortic aneurysms in the thoracic (chest) aorta. Patients who have had an aortic dissection are also referred. At the Aortic Clinic, there are two groups of patients: Those who require surveillance of their aneurysm, and those who require surgery or follow-up care after surgery.

The Aortic Clinic is a multi-disciplinary clinic that brings together cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and a registered nurse to provide comprehensive patient care.  

What to expect

Your first consultation will either be in person, by telephone or over Zoom. We will review your complete medical history and your medications. Please bring your medication list to your appointment. We will explain your aortic disease to you and provide you with an informative booklet. At the end of your appointment, you will know the plan of care for you.

Patient instructions

If you are coming to the Heart Institute, please arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment to register in the main lobby.

Bring your health card. You may have a family member or friend accompany you to the appointment.

For telephone or Zoom appointments, please ensure you have adequate cellular service or internet access. To join a Zoom call, you must already have access to MyChart. For MyChart access, you may email @email for login details.

Referrals

A health care practitioner must refer patients to the Aortic Clinic. Eligibility for referral requires that patients meet one or more of the following criteria:  

• Aortic disease, including aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm, dissection, penetrating ulcer, intramural hematoma or aortitis
• Aortic disease involving the aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch, and/or descending thoracic aorta
• Aortic pathology associated with connective tissue disorders (for example, Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos, Loeys-Deitz)
• History of familial aortopathy
• History of bicuspid aortic valve associated with aortopathy
• Previous surgical repair of Type A aortic dissection  

To refer a patient, please review our referral criteria and submit the referral as outlined on the form: 

• Referral form (pdf)

Patient resources

• Coming for a clinic appointment
• Aortic Disease booklet
• Patient partners
• Aortic Diseases Support Group
  Group sessions will take place on the third Tuesday of every other month. Patients with a history of an aortic aneurysm, aortic surgery or aortic dissection and their family are welcome to attend. Sessions will be posted in our events calendar. You may direct questions or comments to the nurse coordinator at the clinic.
  
  Kathryn McLean,
  Nurse Coordinator, Aortic Clinic
  613-696-7237
  aorticclinic@ottawaheart.ca