What is open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms?

Mr Usman Jaffer explains when it is important to consider repair for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Evidence from trials shows that operating on small aneurysms (less than 5.5cm in diameter) has no benefit over monitoring. Generally, we would offer to repair aneurysms greater than 5.5cm.

Mr Usman Jaffer explains that there are two options to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): endovascular repair (EVAR) and open repair. In terms of EVAR, this is done by keyhole incisions in the groin. A device (called a stent graft) is inserted into the femoral artery (artery in the thigh) in the groin and travels up the blood vessels to reach the aorta inside the abdomen (belly). It is fixed inside the aorta to strengthen it and prevent it from rupturing (bursting).

Mr Usman Jaffer explains that there are two options to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): endovascular repair (EVAR) and open repair. In terms of EVAR, this is done by keyhole incisions in the groin. A device (called a stent graft) is inserted into the femoral artery (artery in the thigh) in the groin and travels up the blood vessels to reach the aorta inside the abdomen (belly). It is fixed inside the aorta to strengthen it and prevent it from rupturing (bursting).

Mr Usman Jaffer explains that an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling in the aorta, which is the main blood vessel taking blood away from the heart down into the abdomen (belly). A small aneurysm has a low risk of rupture (bursting). As the aneurysm gets larger, there is a higher chance of rupture.

This is a Surgical operation to repair an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA; swelling of the abdominal aorta). This topic discuses when an AAA needs to be repaired and talks about what the traditional open operation involves including pre- and post-surgery expectations for infra-renal AAA. The traditional, open operation for AAA is the most durable and robust way to repair an infra-renal AAA. Other techniques to repair an infra-renal AAA can include keyhole or endovascular repair.

Professor Alun Davies explains that there are two main treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and that they are open surgery and endovascular repair.