Surgical Treatment

Open Repair
The traditional method of repairing thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms involves a left thoracotomy, which is an opening between the ribs on the left side of the chest. The incision also involves opening a portion of the abdomen as well, so that the diaphragm can be reflected to expose the thoracic and abdominal aorta at the same time. The segment of the aorta containing the aneurysmal portion is removed and replaced with a Dacron graft. To accomplish this, we generally use a partial form of cardiopulmonary bypass, in which the heart continues to beat on its own.

Endovascular Stent Graft Repair
A newer type of aortic surgery has been introduced in the last few years which repairs aneurysms from within the aorta using endovascular stent grafts. With this technique, there is no need for "open" surgery or cardiopulmonary bypass - the repair is performed entirely within the aorta itself (hence the term endo-vascular repair). By accessing the femoral artery in the groin, a graft is placed within the aortic aneurysm, effectively excluding that segment of aorta. While not every patient is a candidate for this technique, it offers shorter recovery time, less pain, and faster return to normal activities.