UniSR hosts the launch of the “Pensa all'Aorta” campaign

Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (UniSR) reaffirms its commitment to research, education, and public awareness through initiatives such as the Aortic Disease Awareness Day (AD-Day). This annual event, organized as part of the World Aortic Disease Awareness Day, is led by Professor Germano Melissano, Full Professor of Vascular Surgery, Director of the Postgraduate School in Vascular Surgery and of the Advanced Master’s Program in Aortic Surgery at UniSR, as well as Vascular Surgeon at the Vascular Surgery Unit of IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital.

The most recent edition of AD-Day, held at San Raffaele on October 3, under the direction of Professors Germano Melissano and Roberto Chiesa—Head of the Vascular Surgery Unit at IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital—marked the launch of “PENSA all’AORTA”, the Italian version of “THINK AORTA”, a campaign that originated over seven years ago in the United Kingdom to raise awareness about acute aortic dissection.

This is a rare but highly lethal condition, often underdiagnosed because its symptoms can resemble those of other cardiac events or different diseases. Early recognition can make the difference between life and death.

“Aortic dissection is often under-recognized,” explains Professor Germano Melissano. “Patients may present with chest pain or other symptoms similar to those of a heart problem or even issues involving other organs. Without timely diagnosis, up to half of the cases can be fatal. However, with early recognition and access to appropriate treatments, survival rates can reach as high as 95%.”

Special guests at the launch of the Italian campaign included Anne Cotton, representing the campaign in the United Kingdom, and Robert Glass, representing the campaign in the United States—both survivors of an aortic dissection themselves.

They emphasized that a CT scan (Computed Tomography) can be life-saving if performed early, allowing for immediate medical intervention. They also encouraged raising awareness among both patients and healthcare professionals, and actively sharing personal experiences with this condition.

Professor Grace Mulatti, vascular surgeon at the University of São Paulo (Brazil) and the “THINK AORTA” campaign representative in Brazil, stressed that effective treatment requires coordinated care:

“It is essential to refer patients to centers equipped with vascular surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and emergency personnel. Collaboration among specialties ensures that patients receive the right treatment at the right time.”

She also summarized the therapeutic approaches widely discussed during the event:

“Some cases require open-heart surgery, others can be managed with minimally invasive endovascular procedures, and in some situations, intensive medical therapy alone is sufficient. Endovascular techniques, which use stent grafts and prostheses, are very promising but not always suitable—decisions in these cases are critical and require a timely multidisciplinary approach.”

Training and education also play a key role:

“The aorta is often seen as just another vessel, but over the years research has shown that it is, in fact, an organ in its own right. Medical schools should convey this concept to students to foster awareness starting from their education,” adds Professor Mulatti.

“Through events like AD-Day and campaigns such as ‘PENSA all’AORTA’, UniSR promotes international collaboration, encourages knowledge sharing, and works in synergy with San Raffaele Hospital to standardize care. By uniting specialists from around the world, the University is committed to ensuring that acute aortic dissection is recognized, treated, and prevented—transforming awareness and collaboration into concrete, life-saving outcomes,” concludes Professor Melissano.

The Postgraduate School in Vascular Surgery at UniSR offers comprehensive training built on international collaboration and hands-on experience alongside world-renowned experts.

Explore our programs and join a community dedicated to advancing life-saving care:

• Specialization School in Vascular Surgery
• Advanced Master’s Program in Aortic Surgery