From the operating room to the bigger picture: Dr Mastracci on the future of complex aortic surgery

What does the future hold for complex aortic surgery? In this interview, Dr Marta Lobato, one of our PVI 2026 Social Media Team members, talks to Dr Tara Mastracci, member of the PVI 2026 AORTA Scientific Committee, about the experiences, challenges and innovations shaping her practice. 

From the influence of working across different healthcare systems to the evolving management of aortic dissection, Dr Mastracci shares her perspective on clinical decision-making and the areas that could define the next generation of vascular surgery.

The conversation also explores how digital technologies, fusion imaging and remote monitoring could transform both complex procedures and long-term patient follow-up, while highlighting the challenges of digital exclusion. 

Dr Mastracci then discusses the impact of social deprivation on vascular outcomes, the importance of addressing disparities in care, and her own journey as a woman in aortic surgery. 

She also reveals which emerging technologies excite her most, how she builds strong teams, what she thinks of the PVI Course, and the advice she would give to young surgeons looking to specialise in aortic pathology.

Watch the full interview for a personal and forward-looking conversation about the evolution of complex aortic surgery.