At the Forefront - UChicago Medicine

Aortic Disease Doctors

Our Aortic Disease Physicians

At the University of Chicago Medicine Center for Aortic Diseases (UCCAD), you will find a team of nationally recognized vascular surgeons, cardiac surgeons, cardiologists and interventional specialists dedicated to treating even the most complex aortic conditions. Our physicians combine advanced expertise with a genuine commitment to your well-being — and collaborate closely across disciplines to make sure every aspect of your care is addressed.

Many of our patients come to us after not finding answers elsewhere. Our team welcomes complex and high-risk cases, and we have a consistent track record of successful outcomes — including some of the lowest mortality rates in the country for aortic disease treatment.

A Multidisciplinary Team

Our physicians work together from your first consultation through long-term follow-up. By collaborating across vascular surgery, cardiac surgery, cardiology and interventional specialties, our team comprehensively evaluates each patient's condition, risk factors and treatment options before making any recommendations. This approach means you benefit from the collective expertise of the entire team — not just a single specialist.

We perform a wide range of complex techniques and use a full assortment of devices, giving us the flexibility to tailor treatment to your unique aortic anatomy and health profile.

Research and Innovation

Our physicians do not just treat aortic disease — they advance the science behind it. Our team participates in ongoing clinical trials and has contributed to the development of national clinical guidelines for aortic disease diagnosis and management. Through this research, our patients gain access to new therapies and devices before they are widely available elsewhere. Learn more about our aortic disease research and clinical trials.

Request an Appointment

To schedule a consultation with our aortic disease team, call 773-702-6128 or request an appointment online. If you are experiencing sudden severe chest or back pain, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Meet Our Aortic Disease Physician Team

Vascular Surgery

Ross Milner, MDRoss Milner, MD

Vascular Surgery

Trissa A. Babrowski, MDTrissa A. Babrowski, MD

Vascular Surgery

Sara Gaines, MDSara Gaines, MD

Vascular Surgery

Xiaoyi (Sean) Li, MDXiaoyi (Sean) Li, MD

Vascular Surgery

Luka Pocivavsek, MD, PhDLuka Pocivavsek, MD, PhD

Vascular Surgery

Christopher Skelly, MDChristopher Skelly, MD

Vascular Surgery

Cardiac Surgery

Narutoshi Hibino, MD, PhDNarutoshi Hibino, MD, PhD

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Takeyoshi Ota, MD, PhDTakeyoshi Ota, MD, PhD

Cardiac Surgery (Heart Surgery)

Valluvan Jeevanandam, MDValluvan Jeevanandam, MD

Cardiac Surgery (Heart Surgery)

Miroslav Peev, MDMiroslav Peev, MD

Cardiac Surgery (Heart Surgery)

Christopher T. Salerno, MDChristopher T. Salerno, MD

Cardiac Surgery (Heart Surgery)

Luca Vricella, MDLuca Vricella, MD

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

Cardiology

Michael Earing, MDMichael Earing, MD

Cardiology (Heart Care)

Anesthesiology

Mark Chaney, MDMark Chaney, MD

Anesthesiology

Frank Dupont, MDFrank Dupont, MD

Anesthesiology

Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Brian Funaki, MDBrian Funaki, MD

Vascular and Interventional Radiology

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're navigating an aortic disease diagnosis, it's natural to have questions about what your care will look like. Here you'll find answers to some of the most common questions patients ask — from how our team works together to what happens at your first visit and how to access the latest treatment options.

Aortic Diseases We Treat

Abdominal Aortic AneurysmThoracic Aortic AneurysmAortic Dissection
USNWR - HV 2025-2026 - 606x596

Nationally Ranked in Cardiology, Heart Surgery and Vascular Surgery

According to U.S. News & World Report's 2025-26 Rankings

USNWR - Aortic Valve - 2025-26

High Performing in Aortic Valve Surgery

According to U.S. News & World Report's 2025-26 Rankings

Find an Aortic Disease Specialist Near You

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-773-702-6128 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.