Libin members excel in aortic care and research

The aorta, the body's largest blood vessel, plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health. When issues arise, such as the development of aneurysms, specialized care becomes imperative. Experts at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute provide innovative clinical aortic care and are the forefront of research aimed at improving patient outcomes. Continue reading to learn about how the Institute is revolutionizing aortic care through collaborations and commitment to excellence. 

Pioneering Collaborations for Complex Cases

Launched in 2019, the Calgary Aortic Program (CAP) is a collaborative effort between cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, interventional radiologists, and vascular surgeons. Dr. Scott McClure, Dr. Randy Moore, Dr. Eric Herget and Dr. Michelle Keir lead this multidisciplinary team, pooling their expertise both inside and outside the operating room. Their goal is to improve outcomes for patients with complex aortic problems, ranging from aortic dissections to thoracoabdominal aneurysms.

A significant achievement under CAP is the establishment of the Calgary Complex Aortic Clinic at the South Health Campus, the first of its kind in Calgary. This clinic acts as a hub for innovative treatments and fosters a seamless collaboration between specialists, ensuring the best treatment strategies for individual patients.

Keir, a cardiologist, says the collaboration between specialties is exciting. 

“It’s a win for the patients; it’s also a win for clinicians as it will act as a springboard for research and quality improvement.”

Introducing Thoracoflo: A Game-Changer in TAAA Treatment

Thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) are both rare and extremely serious, with the vast majority leading to fatal internal bleeding if ruptured. Traditionally, open-heart surgery was the go-to method for treatment, involving extensive incisions and the use of heart-lung bypass machines. However, experts at the Libin Institute were the first in North America to use a revolutionary device, Thoracoflo, for the minimally invasive treatment of TAAA, eliminating the need for a heart-lung bypass machine. This ground-breaking approach is a significant leap forward in improving patient outcomes for this complex condition.

Predictive Software: ViTAA Transforming AAA Treatment

Calgary aortic experts aren’t just improving surgical procedures, they are also pioneers in using precision medicine techniques to optimize timing when it comes to treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Vascular surgeon Dr. Randy Moore, MD, and biomedical engineer Dr. Elena Di Martino, PhD, developed Virtual Touch Aortic Aneurysm (ViTAA), a software that could revolutionize the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Moore says the software has huge potential. 

"For the first time ever, we can tell you if your AAA is weak," he says. "It's an absolute game changer."

With 20,000 Canadians diagnosed with AAAs annually, the need for precise intervention timing is critical. ViTAA, analyzing CT scans or MRIs using a proprietary algorithm, provides clinicians with a functional map and images, guiding them in deciding when surgery is required. This innovative software minimizes the risk associated with inaccurate measurements, offering a personalized and efficient approach to AAA treatment.

Exploring Aortic Aneurysm Prevention with Dr. Vaibhav Patel

An aortic aneurysm (AA) is a bulge that occurs in the wall of the body's main artery, called the aorta. AAs are more prevalent in men, impacting one in five men ages 65 and older, and are often fatal if they rupture. Despite the seriousness of AAs, surgery is currently the only treatment option. However, surgery has its own risks, so surgeons must determine the best time to treat AAs. 

Dr. Vaibhav Patel, PhD, is at the forefront of basic science research in this area. His lab aims to understand the disease at the molecular level with the goal of avoiding surgery by finding ways to treat AAs before they reach a critical stage. Although more research is needed, Dr. Patel's work hints at a potential shift from intervention-focused care to preventive measures, showcasing CAP's commitment to pushing the boundaries of aortic health care. 

National Guidelines: Charting the Future of Aortic Care

Cardiac surgeon Dr. Scott McClure, MD, cardiologist Dr. Michelle Keir, MD, and vascular surgeon Dr. Kenton Rommens, MD, contributed to a Clinical Practice Update on the importance of the aortic team model and collaborative decision making in managing complex aortic disease. The update was published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology in November 2023 and written by a team of 15 experts from across Canada, who represent all four specialties involved in treating complex aortic disease. McClure, Keir and Rommens are member of the Calgary Aortic Program. 

Read more about the Libin Cardiovascular Institute's Top 20 Achievements of the last 20 years here.