In this heart podcast, Dr. John Ikonomidis, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at MUSC's South Carolina heart center, discusses diagnosis and treatment of aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta. As an expert in surgical repair of the aorta, he also reviews the innovative technique of "valve-sparing surgery of the aorta", designed to preserve the patient's own aortic valve. Learn more about the MUSC South Carolina heart center and cardiovascular services at MUSC today at http://www.muschealth.com/heart/index.htm