DR. MARK J. RUSSO, MD, MS
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(732) 235-7231
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What is an aortic aneurysm?

What are the risks of an aortic aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm, also known as an enlarged aorta, is an abnormal dilation of the wall of the aorta, that is 50% greater than its normal size. 

What is the Aortic Aneurysm Surveillance Program?

Aortic Aneurysm Surveillance Program guides patient and their primary physicians regarding the management of known aortic aneurysms including the timing and type of imaging needed.

Why do I need repeat imaging?

Aortic aneurysms grow over time.  As the size of the aneurysm grows, the risk of aortic catastrophe--including dissection, rupture, and death related to the aneurysm--increases.  Therefore to assess growth and the need for treatment before an aortic catastrophe occurs, repeat imaging is recommended for all patients with aortic aneurysms.  

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Prior to your appointment, it is important that you provide us with your most recent medical information.  We will review all of the materials in advance to ensure that your visit will occur without unnecessary delays.  If you have had an echocardiogram, CT scan, MRI, and/or a cardiac catheterization, please provide us with a copy of the report as well as the actual images--which is usually provided a CD.
The most feared complications related to aortic aneurysms include aorta dissection and/or rupture of the aorta.  These are life-threatening conditions and may even lead to sudden death. In general, the larger the aneurysm, the greater the risk of dissection and rupture.

Who can benefit from this program?

While some people with aortic aneurysms need treatment immediately when an aortic aneurysm is detected, more frequently patients may not require treatment for months or even years.  Those who do not require immediate treatment will need regular surveillance, including imaging of the aorta and follow-up with an aortic specialist.

How frequently do I need aortic imaging ? 

The type and frequency of imaging depends a number of factors including:
  • size of the aneurysm
  • type and location of the aneurysm 
  • the presence or absence of recent changes
  • family history of aortic and heart disease
  • history of connective tissue disease

Dr. Russo and his team will provide recommendations based on objective evidence regarding expected future growth and risks.
Appointment - 732-235-7231
​Patients:   We are committed to providing you with an appointment within 7 days of your request. For your convenience, Telemedicine Consults are available.   If you have questions in the meantime, please   Ask Our Experts.
Patient   Appointments   -  732-235-7231

​ Physicians:   Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a weeks, to assist in the care of your patients and to facilitate urgent, emergent and elective transfers at the local, regional, national and international levels​
RWJUH Transfer Center   -   732-427-5725
About Dr. Russo
Telemedicine
Aortic Aneurysms
Minimally Invasive Surgery
TAVR
Mitraclip
Clinical Trials

2nd Opinion
Ask Dr. Russo
Getting a second opinion can provide peace of mind and confidence that you have been diagnosed appropriately and understand of all your treatment options. 
​Send your non-urgent questions regarding your aortic,  heart, and vascular conditions via email.

Mark J Russo, MD, MS
 Chief, Cardiac Surgery

Director, Structural Heart Disease
Associate Professor of Surgery
​
​Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Robert Wood Johnson
University  Hospital 
​125 Paterson St
​New Brunswick, NJ  ​08901

Office: 732-235-7231
Fax:   
732-235-8963​
Expert in Complex Aortic  Disease, Valve Surgery, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Repalcement (TAVR) , and Mitraclip
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(c) Mark Russo 2020
Dr. Russo performs the full range of cardiac surgery including  Coronary Artery Surgery - Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts; Bypass Surgery;  CABG;  Coronary Artery Surgery; Reoperation; Off Pump Bypass Surgery; Off Pump Heart Surgery; Valve Surgery - Aortic Valve Repair; Aortic Valve Replacement; Mitral Valve Repair; Mitral Valve Replacement ; Reoperatve Heart Valve Surgery;;  Endovascular and Hybrid Aortic Surgery;  Transcatheter Valve Surgery - TAVR, TAVI, ViV, MVIV, valve-in-valve; Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery - Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair; Mitral Valve Replacement; Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery​; Aortic Surgery - Aorta Surgery; Aortic Dissection; Complex Aorta Surgery; Valve Sparing Roots, Heart Surgery for Marfan Syndrome; Aortic Root Aneurysms; Ascending Aortic Aneurysms; Aortic Arch Aneurysms; Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms; Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms; Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms; Aortic Dissections, including Type A Dissections and Type B Dissections; Native Aortic and Prosthetic Graft Infections, including Endocarditis; Congenital Aortic Disease, such as Marfan's syndrome and Loeys Dietz; Transplant Surgery - Heart and Lung.  He was trained by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Craig Smith and Eric Rose.  Read about Matt Millen undergoing Heart Transplant