Surgery for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

During surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the weakened aortic wall is replaced with a hollow manmade tube (a graft).

Reaching the aneurysm

The aorta can be reached through open surgery.

Open surgery

An incision is made in your abdomen. Once inside, your surgeon gently moves aside your organs to reach the damaged section of the aorta.

Placing the graft

The goal is to safely route blood past the aneurysm.

During open surgery

Here is what to expect:

• The aneurysm is opened and cleaned of any blood clot.

• The graft is sewn to the aorta.

• The wall of the aorta is wrapped around the graft to protect it. The wall is then sewn up.

• The incision site is closed with sutures or staples.