Patient with Rare Connective Tissue Disorder Grateful to Hoag

It can be difficult to visual what Hoag’s “multidisciplinary approach” to patient care really means.

But when Lauren Wiepking hears the term, a crystal-clear picture comes to mind: Ten specialists – some of the top medical experts in their fields – working closely together to ensure she receives the finest care for her condition – Vascular Ehlers Danlos (vEDS), an inherited connective tissue condition. Connective tissue is found throughout the body and is responsible for helping the body grow properly. vEDS patients have compromised connective tissue and are at an increased risk of arterial ruptures; in addition, they are at risk for ruptures of internal organs such as the uterus and colon.

Lauren was born with vEDS and was so grateful to have found Hoag to manage her care. “Not all hospitals have the kind of expertise like Hoag does to care for me. I have numerous specialists, including Dr. Liang and Dr. Caffarelli tracking my health,” said Lauren.

Hoag offers a comprehensive center for patients with connective tissue disorders, like Lauren, through the Elaine & Robert Matranga Aortic Center, led by Anthony Caffarelli, M.D., the Newkirk Family Endowed Chair in Aortic Care and Director of Cardiac Surgery, and the Hoag , led by connective tissue condition specialist and program director David Liang, M.D. Lauren said she never experienced such well-rounded care and support from such a comprehensive, skilled team.