For more than 50 years, open surgery has been the standard of care to repair problems with the aorta. During an open surgery, surgeons directly access the aorta through an incision in the chest or abdomen or both. The surgeon replaces the damaged section of the aorta with a tube-like graft made from synthetic material.
The experts at the UCLA Aortic Center are national leaders in treatment of aortic disorders. From aortic aneurysms to traumatic aortic injuries, our surgeons have performed thousands of open surgeries to repair many types of aortic conditions. With modern operating facilities at Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center and a highly trained team of post-operative caregivers, we strive to provide you with the highest level of care and comfort during your operation and recovery. Meet our expert team.
Open surgery requires a longer recovery and rehabilitation period but is a proven technique that provides patients with a durable, lasting aortic repair. Other benefits include:
Many open surgeries can now done using a more minimally invasive approach. Learn more about endovascular repair at the UCLA Aortic Center.
Young, relatively healthy individuals are the best candidates for open surgical repair of the aorta.
The type of open surgery you receive depends on your aortic disorder. During an open operation, surgeons make an incision nearby or directly over the surgical site, which may be the chest, abdomen or both. Many open surgeries involve the removal of the diseased part of the aorta and placement of a prosthetic graft--either a tube or a bifurcated (forked) graft—depending on whether the surgeon must replace some of the branch arteries. Surgeons at UCLA have extensive experience in open surgical repair of the aorta, particularly using a retroperitoneal approach, which can lead to faster discharge and recovery.
Here’s what to expect:
Our doctors believe in patient-centered care. That’s why we take a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment for aortic disease.
Learn more:
You can request an appointment online or call the UCLA Aortic Center at 310-267-8234 (310-AORTAFIX).