How Multidisciplinary Care Helped Treat a Silent Aortic Aneurysm

By: Staff Writer | September 30, 2026 | 8 min. read |

After years of monitoring a symptom-free aortic aneurysm, coordinated specialists at UHealth determined that Ellis Álvaro Senior needed surgery before reaching the traditional treatment threshold. The planned procedure allowed the team to preserve his native aortic valve.

Joseph Lamelas, M.D., performing surgery in operating room

Key Takeaways

Aortic aneurysms may progress without noticeable symptoms.
UHealth’s Comprehensive Aortic Center is a team of experienced surgeons trained to take on some of the most intricate aortic operations.
Specialists recommended surgery when Ellis Álvaro’s aorta measured 5.3 centimeters.
The procedure preserved his native aortic valve.

Ellis Álvaro, Sr., felt no pain and had no symptoms when, in 2019, a routine medical test revealed an aneurysm in the ascending aorta. The diagnosis marked the beginning of years of medical follow-up and, ultimately, a life-saving intervention.

“I didn’t feel anything,” Álvaro recalled. “It was during a routine coronary calcium scan my doctor ordered that they discovered the aneurysm. At the time it was small, but they knew it could grow.”

Over the following years, the aneurysm was monitored through periodic imaging studies. Although the growth was slow, evaluations showed steady progression. In May 2025, tests revealed a turning point. The aorta had reached 5.3 centimeters in diameter.

That finding changed the course of treatment.

Comprehensive Aortic Center

UHealth offers advanced, multidisciplinary care for patients with complex aortic disease.

Learn more about our Aortic Center Call 305‑4‑AORTIC

What is an Aortic Aneurysm and Why Can It Be Dangerous?

Over the past decade, advances in medical imaging and the use of artificial intelligence have made it possible to detect aneurysms at earlier stages and to track their progression with precision.

“This helps us decide whether a patient needs medical treatment, surgery or just follow-up, always with the goal of preventing serious complications,” said Juan Pablo Umaña, professor and chief of cardiothoracic surgery at UHealth—University Of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Juan Pablo Umaña, M.D., in his white clinic coat — Dr. Juan Pablo Umańa

Aortic aneurysms often progress silently until a major complication occurs.

“That’s why early diagnosis and close monitoring are essential,” noted Dr. Umaña.

An aortic dissection or rupture can have devastating consequences. According to the specialist, up to 80% of patients die before reaching the hospital. Even for patients who do make it to the hospital, mortality can reach 30%.

“In contrast, a planned surgery at a specialized center like UHealth reduces mortality to less than 1%,” Dr. Umaña said.

When did Monitoring Become a Decision to Operate?

Although Álvaro’s aneurysm had not yet reached the classic threshold of 5.5 centimeters, the medical team determined that waiting would increase the risk. This decision made it possible to perform an elective surgery under controlled and safe conditions.

Managing aortic disease requires coordination among multiple specialties. UHealth’s Comprehensive Aortic Center provides a dedicated, multidisciplinary model for the diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of complex aortic disease. Specialists in cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, cardiology, cardiovascular imaging, cardiac anesthesia, genetics and critical care collaborate through a coordinated care pathway to evaluate each patient individually and determine the optimal timing and type of intervention.

“This approach allows us to make the right diagnosis at the right time, offer the best therapy and ensure long-term follow-up,” explained Dr. Umaña.

“Dr. Umaña saved my life, and today I feel like a new man,” says Ellis Álvaro.

This team-based approach is particularly important for patients with ascending aortic aneurysms, connective tissue disorders, bicuspid aortic valve disease and other conditions that increase the risk of aortic complications.

Thanks to this multidisciplinary work, the team was able to make the decision to intervene early and preserve Álvaro’s native aortic valve. In 2025, Álvaro underwent a five-hour open-heart surgery performed by Dr. Umaña, which included replacement of the aortic root with reimplantation of the aortic valve and a single-vessel coronary artery bypass.

“Preserving the valve has multiple advantages,” Dr. Umaña said. “It maintains cardiac function, reduces the risk of infections and avoids complications associated with artificial valves.”

In patients younger than 60 years of age, this type of surgery can restore a normal life expectancy and offer better long-term quality of life.

“I Knew I Was O.K.”

Álvaro clearly remembers the moment he woke up after surgery.

“I was intubated, with tubes everywhere, but when I saw my wife and my mom, I knew I was O.K.,” he said. “I felt at peace and happy. I felt like I came back to life.”

After completing his rehabilitation process and medical follow-up, his heart is now functioning properly.

“Dr. Umaña saved my life, and today I feel like a new man, blessed,” he said. “Everything went wonderfully.”

Coordinated expertise contributes to safer procedures, improved recovery and long-term management of patients with complex aortic pathology. The Comprehensive Aortic Center serves as a referral destination for patients with challenging aortic conditions throughout South Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America. The program offers access to advanced diagnostic imaging, complex open aortic surgery, valve-sparing techniques, aortic arch reconstruction, hybrid procedures and long-term surveillance programs designed to monitor patients throughout the course of their disease.