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Dr. Mark Russo, MD

Bio

Mark Russo, MD, MSc, is Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Chicago and Co-Director, Center for Aortic Diseases, University of Chicago Medical Center

Dr. Russo specializes in complex and reoperative aortic surgery. In addition, as a member of the University of Chicago thoracic organ transplant team, Dr. Russo has participated in more than 300 successful organ transplants. He is also interested in treating high-risk patients with valvular abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and other complex cardiovascular conditions.

A nationally recognized outcomes researcher, Dr. Russo has authored more than 120 published papers, abstracts, and textbook chapters focused on improving health care quality and clinical outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease. He has presented his research internationally at nearly every major meeting focused on heart disease, and the findings of his work have been reported by major media outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, ABC News, MSNBC, U.S. News & World Report, and Newsweek.

Dr. Russo has helped to delineate the appropriate applications of a number of surgical techniques, including ventricular assist devices, heart and lung transplantation, biological composite aortic grafts, and advanced cardiopulmonary perfusion techniques. He serves as an investigator for a number of important clinical trial groups, including the prestigious NHLBI-sponsored Cardiothoracic Surgery Trials Network (CTSN) and the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissections (IRAD). For his efforts, Dr. Russo has received awards from leading professional organizations, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, European Society of Cardiology, Association of American Medical Colleges, American Heart Association, and the National Institutes of Health

Specialties:

Affiliation:

  • University of Chicago Medical Center

Location:

Activity

  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    What are risk factors for aortic disease?

    Aortic disease tends to run in families. 15-25% of people with aortic aneurysms have a 1st degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter) with history of aortic disease. Therefore, people with a strong family history of aortic disease or known connective tissue disease, such as Marfan's

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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    Who is the ideal patient for a valve sparing aneurysm repair?

    When the aorta is dilated, but the aortic valve is structurally otherwise normal, the aorta can be replaced ("root replacement") while preserving the aortic valve ("valve sparing"). This avoids the need for a valve replacement with an artificial valve. Thus offering the possibility for a more durable

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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    What are the different types of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery?

    There are three approaches of repairing for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA): open surgery, endovascular (TEVAR), and the hybrid approach. The type of surgical repair of AAA will depend on several factors, including the location of the aneurysm, the type of aneurysm, and the patient's tolerance for the

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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    What causes an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
    The exact cause is not fully known.  An abdominal aortic aneurysm may be caused by multiple factors that result in the breaking down of the well-organized structural components (proteins) of the aortic wall that provide support and stabilize the wall. 

    Atherosclerosis (a build-up of plaque, which is a deposit of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular...  Full Post
  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    Why is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) dangerous?

    Aortic aneurysms are the 13th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 15,000-20,000 deaths annually.

    Aortic disease is often insidious. Most people with aortic aneurysms experience no symptoms, unless they are extremely large or an aortic dissection occurs. For most

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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    What is the goal of endovascular treatments?

    An endovascular stent graft repair replaces and reinforces the diseased aortic wall, ensuring continuity of blood flow while preventing further expansion of the aorta, aortic rupture, and/or aortic dissection. The potential benefits of the procedure include greatly reduced risk, a shorter hospital stay,

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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    What are the complications from aortic dissection?

    An acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency. As many as 40% of people with certain types of acute aortic dissections die instantly, and the risk of the death increases 1 - 3% every hour without emergent surgery. Other important complications include heart attack, stroke, bleeding, damage

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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    Are statins recommended for patients with aortic stenosis?

    There is no medical treatment, including statins that have been found to reverse aortic stenosis. In advanced stages, surgery is required to correct this problem. 

    Though there is a reasonable pathophysiologic basis for statin therapy in aortic stenosis, and some early data suggested that statins would provide

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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    How are aortic diseases diagnosed?

    Aortic disease is often insidious. Most people with aortic aneurysms experience no symptoms, unless the aneurysm is extremely large or an aortic dissection occurs. In most cases, aortic disease is discovered incidentally while being tested for other reasons.  
     
    15-25% of people with aortic aneurysms have a 1st

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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    How are descending thoracic aneurysms repaired?

    There are three approaches of repairing for thoracic aortic aneurysms: open surgery, endovascular (TEVAR), and the hybrid approach. The type of surgical repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm will depend on several factors, including the location of the aneurysm, the type of aneurysm, and the patient's

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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    What is a thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR)?

    A thoracic endovascular (TEVAR) stent graft repair is a treatment for aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta. It is similar to the approach used for a cardiac catheterization of the coronary arteries. This procedure requires only small incisions in the groin. Then the surgeon inserts a catheter through

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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    What happens during an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)?

    An endovascular stent graft repair is a treatment for aneurysms of the descending (thoracic and abdominal) aorta. It is similar to the approach used for a cardiac catheterization of the coronary arteries. This procedure requires only small incisions in the groin. Then the surgeon inserts a catheter through

    ...  Full Post
  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    How does an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) work?

    An endovascular stent graft repair is a treatment for aneurysms of the descending (thoracic and abdominal) aorta. It is similar to the approach used for a cardiac catheterization of the coronary arteries. This procedure requires only small incisions in the groin. Then the surgeon inserts a catheter through

    ...  Full Post
  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    What are alternatives to an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)?

    Alternative to EVAR include: 

    • Medical management, which consists of (a) routine imaging procedures to monitor the size and rate of growth of the aneurysm; (b) controlling or modifying risk factors: steps such as quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar if diabetic, losing weight if ov
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  • Mark Russo, MD
    Mark Russo, MD answered:
    What is endovascular stent graft abdominal aortic aneurysm repair?

    An endovascular stent graft repair is a treatment for aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. It is similar to the approach used for a cardiac catheterization of the coronary arteries. This procedure requires only small incisions in the groin. Then the surgeon inserts a catheter through the femoral artery in the

    ...  Full Post