Good idea. You need a thoracic surgeon in a high volume surgical center. Thank Cleveland clinic, Mayo Clinic, UCSD, University of Texas at Husten, Cedar Sinai, etc. This is not the kind of thing that a local small town cardiologist handles. Cardiologist do not do thoracic surgery. You need to meet a person who knows how to cut somebody open and fix them up. That’s not a cardiologist unfortunately that’s a thoracic surgeon. So you’re right on to think about finding a referral to a thoracic surgeon who specializes in aortic repair. Tell your cardiologist you want a referral right away and then go see them. You’re gonna be fine. Good luck. Peace.