Methodist Aortic Center

The Methodist Aortic Center offers comprehensive surgical care, including open and endovascular therapies, to manage thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic diseases. We offer patients expert care using an evidence-based approach.

To learn more about our services, please call the Methodist Aortic Center at (210) 575-5506.

Methodist Aortic Center is a proud member of the Methodist Healthcare family. Our facility is located on the Methodist Hospital campus within the Methodist Plaza building. Patients can receive world-class care from Dr. Kim de la Cruz, one of our aortic surgeons.

Methodist Aortic Center is open Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aortic conditions we treat

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Aortic aneurysm
• Diseases of the aorta
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Familial aortic aneurysm
• Heart valve disease
• Loeys-Dietz syndrome
• Marfan syndrome

Aortic procedures we offer

At Methodist Aortic Center, we offer a range of heart and vascular procedures to correct conditions affecting the structures of the heart, including the aorta. We offer the following surgeries and advanced technologies:

• Aortic arch surgery
• Aortic root replacement
• Aortic root procedures
• Aortic surgery
• Aortic valve repair
• Ascending aortic aneurysm repair
• Complex open aorta repair
• Connective tissue disorder valve repair and replacement
• David reimplantation procedure
• Endovascular aorta repairs (EVAR, TEVAR and FEVAR)
• Endovascular stent grafts
• Heart transplant
• Lung transplant
• Heart valve repair
• Heart valve replacement
• Mechanical circulatory support
• Minimally invasive aortic surgery
• Myocardial revascularization
• Percutaneous valve technology
• Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair
• Valve sparing techniques

What to expect with surgical aortic aneurysm treatment

Each patient will have a specific treatment plan provided based upon their stage of aortic aneurysm and their medical history. On average, it takes about two to three months to achieve full recovery after undergoing ascending aortic aneurysm surgery /dissection or arch surgery. Your surgeon will advise you to plan to be away from work for six to eight weeks with some postoperative restrictions for activities.

We encourage participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program during your recovery period. Arrangements can be made for these services prior to your discharge home. Remember to make lifestyle changes even after surgery, such as:

• Eating well
• Subscribing to a healthy diet
• Quitting smoking
• Engaging in moderate physical activity

Postoperative patient care

Your surgeon will follow up with you at three, six and nine months post-surgery. After nine months, visits will decrease and your primary care provider or cardiologist will continue your follow-up care. The following are a few guidelines of what to expect when you go home after surgery:

• Postoperative restriction will differ from patient to patient. Your surgeon will advise you on these restrictions before discharge.
• Participating in a cardiac rehab program is strongly recommended.
• Daily walking is a good way to regain strength and improve your energy levels.
• Eating healthy by incorporating fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet will help in your recovery.
• Habits, including smoking and alcohol use, should be eliminated.