Watch the talks and films from our 2026 Annual Patient Event
Our 2026 Annual Patient Event brought patients, families and healthcare professionals together in Birmingham for a day of shared experience, clinical insight and discussion.
We’ve now released 13 videos from the event. They include patient stories, practical information for people living with Aortic Dissection, and presentations on diagnosis, emergency care, surgery and recovery. Browse the collection below and choose a topic that interests you.
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Understanding the aorta and treatment
From heart to toe – your aorta explained
Aortic Nurse Emma Hope takes an accessible look at the aorta, using the memorable description of it as the “M1 of our body’s vascular system”.
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Aortic Dissection beginnings – a patient and surgeon narrative
Patient Simon Gawthorne and consultant surgeon Mr Amit Modi tell the story of an acute Type A Aortic Dissection from both sides of the operating theatre, from unexpected discovery to emergency surgery and recovery.
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Acute Aortic Syndrome: when surgeons operate
Consultant aortic surgeon Karen Booth explains how specialists weigh up surgical options and individual circumstances, and encourages patients to ask questions and advocate for themselves.
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Emergency care and the patient pathway
Safe Transfers
Dr Alistair Hellewell describes what happens behind the scenes when a critically ill patient needs to travel from one hospital to another for specialist care.
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Aortic Dissection Pathways & SOPs – Why Do They Matter?
Mr Marcus Brooks explores how clear clinical pathways and Standard Operating Procedures can help teams communicate, reduce avoidable delays and improve patient safety.
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Surgery, recovery and aftercare
Beyond the Surgeon – Meet Your Anaesthetist & ICU Team
Dr Martin Lees introduces the anaesthetists, perfusionists and intensive care specialists whose work supports patients before, during and after major aortic surgery.
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Aortic surgery, complications and recovery – Clare Davis’s story
Clare Davis and her surgeon discuss complex aortic surgery, the serious complications Clare experienced and the long process of rebuilding her independence.
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Better Aftercare – What Should Aortic Dissection Patients Expect?
Professor Robert Sneyd brings together his experience as a clinician and patient to consider rehabilitation, mental health, family support and lifelong follow-up.
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Living with Aortic Dissection
Me and my Type B – an Aortic Dissection patient story
Rachel Martin joins Simon Jones for a candid conversation about Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Aortic Dissection, major surgery and the physical and emotional work of recovery.
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The Virtual Ward – using technology to support Aortic Dissection patients at home
Dr Tara Mastracci explains how remote blood pressure monitoring can support patients at home while keeping them connected with their clinical team.
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Driving After Aortic Dissection – Understanding the DVLA Rules
Dr Nass Lamprakis, Senior Doctor and Adviser at the DVLA, explains how medical fitness-to-drive decisions are made and what drivers need to know.
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What benefits and financial support are available after Aortic Dissection?
Drawing on her own experience, patient Sarah Nuttman gives a practical introduction to benefits, workplace support and other help that may be worth exploring.
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Closing reflections
Looking Ahead – From Birmingham 2026 to Norwich 2027
Our closing film thanks the Birmingham hosts and clinicians, reflects on the event and announces Norwich as the destination for our 2027 Annual Patient Event.
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Our thanks go to everyone who shared their expertise and experience, and to everyone who helped make the event possible. We hope these talks and stories are useful to patients, families and healthcare professionals.
