Our History

For nearly 40 years, the UCLA Aortic Center has been on the forefront of discoveries in the field of aortic disease. Our doctors have helped develop new treatments for aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections and aortic valve disease. Today, our team continues to build on the center’s history of excellence by offering the latest techniques in open and endovascular repair today. Learn more about our diagnosis and treatment options.

Breakthroughs in Aortic Disease Treatments at UCLA

1970s

UCLA surgeons pioneer research that expands the understanding of the pathophysiology of aortic aneurysms.

1980s

UCLA researchers develop a collagen-impregnated Dacron aortic prosthesis to repair conditions including aneurysms, dissection and blockages. This type of prosthesis prevents blood leakage from the repair site and is still in use today.

1994

UCLA surgeons Wesley S. Moore, MD, and William Quinones-Baldrich, MD, perform the first endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the western United States.

1998

UCLA surgeons perform the first reported combined endovascular and surgical procedure to repair a thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm.

2001

UCLA researchers publish clinical pathway for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. No deaths were reported in the 150 cases that were followed.

2004

UCLA reports one of the lowest morbidity and mortality rates for surgical treatment of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms.

2007

Reported on treatment of aortic native and graft infections with human aortic tissue, thus avoiding use of artificial materials and reducing complications.

2008

UCLA is selected as one of 20 U.S. medical centers for a clinical trial of endograft repair for Type B aortic dissections.

2009

UCLA surgeons report excellent results with a hybrid endovascular and surgical approach for the repair of aortic arch aneurysms, a particularly difficult part of the aortic anatomy to treat.

2011

UCLA is selected as one of five medical centers worldwide for the trial of fenestrated endograft (endovascular) treatment of aortic aneurysms involving the kidney (renal) arteries

2012

UCLA is selected as the medical center in California for clinical trial of fenestrated endograft for endovascular treatment of aneurysms involving the kidney (renal) arteries.

2012

UCLA researchers develop custom endografts for the endovascular repair of thoraco-abdominal aneurysms.