Dr. Mark J. Russo, MD, MS - Heart Surgeon
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(732) 235-7231
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        • Aortic Aneurysm FAQ >
          • Can I still exercise if I have an aortic aneurysm or a chronic aortic dissection?
          • What is an enlarged aorta?
          • What is an aortic aneurysm?
          • What are aortic aneurysms?
          • Is an aortic aneurysm dangerous?
          • Should I be screened for an aortic condition?
          • What are the symptoms of aortic aneurysm?
          • When is surgery recommended for an aortic aneurysm?
          • How do I prevent an aortic dissection and/or further growth of my aneurysm?
          • What is a Bicuspid Aortic Valve
          • If I do not have symptoms, why do I need surgery?
          • I do not need surgery, how frequently do I need see my doctor?
        • Aortic Dissection FAQ >
          • What is an aortic dissection?
          • Is an aortic dissection dangerous?
          • What are the symptoms of an aortic dissection?
          • What are risk factors for aortic disease, including aortic dissection and/or aortic aneurysm
          • How do I prevent an aortic dissection and/or further growth of my aneurysm?
          • Can I still exercise if I have an aortic aneurysm or a chronic aortic dissection?
        • Aortic Stenosis FAQ >
          • What is aortic stenosis?
          • What are the causes of aortic stenosis?
          • How common is aortic valve stenosis?
          • What is the natural history of aortic stenosis
          • Is there medication to treat severe aortic stenosis?
          • What is the treatment for aortic stenosis?
          • What is the treatment for inoperable aortic stenosis?
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Aortic Root

Aorta  |  Aortic Valve  |  Aortic Root  |  Ascending Aorta  |  Aortic Arch  |  Descending Aorta  | Abdominal Aorta

The aortic root, the first part of the aorta, begins just above the top of the main pumping chamber of the heart (the left ventricle).  
  • The root of the aorta includes:
  • the aortic valve  
  • the aortic annulus, where the valve is attached
  • the sinotubular junction
  • the origin of the coronary arteries.  

This valve prevents blood pumped out of the heart from leaking (or regurgitating) back into the heart when the heart relaxes.  The coronary arteries allow blood and oxygen to flow to myocardium (the heart muscle).

The valvular apparatus of the aorta begins at the aortic annulus and extends to the sinotubular junction. Most commonly between each commissure of the aortic valve and opposite the cusps of the aortic valve, there are three small dilatations called the aortic sinuses.  The sinotubular junction is the point in the ascending aorta where the aortic sinuses end and the aorta becomes a tubular structure.

In aortic disease The valve may become leaky (aka regurgutant) as a result of enlargement (or dilatation) of the aortic annulus.  This may also result from structural defects in the valve leaflets.  Conversely, the valve may become narrowed (or stenotic) resulting in the restriction blood flow. 
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Aortic Root CT Reconstruction
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Aortic Root
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Appointement - 732-235-7231
​Patients:   We are committed to providing you with an appointment within 5 business days of your call. If you have questions in the meantime, please   Ask Our Experts.

 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​
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Ask Our Experts
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
Expert in Complex Aortic  Disease, Valve Surgery,
​Transcatheter Aortic Valve Repalcement (TAVR) , and Mitraclip
​125 Paterson St
​New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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(c) Mark Russo 2019