Welcome to Patient Education Center for the Emory Aortic Center.
The information here will help you understand your condition and give you information on our different procedures. If you have any questions, please ask your physician.
Your Aorta
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to all of the vital organs. The portion of the aorta within the chest and above the diaphragm is called the thoracic aorta. Once the aorta passes through the diaphragm to the lower half of the body it is called the abdominal aorta. The thoracic aorta is further classified into segments - the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending thoracic aorta. Treatment indications and options will vary depending on the location of aortic pathology.
