Open-heart surgery is a procedure used to repair the damaged section of the aorta affected by an aneurysm. To access the aneurysm, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen or side. After temporarily stopping blood flow in the aorta, the weakened section is replaced with a fabric tube called a graft, which is sewn into place to restore proper circulation. The surgery typically takes two to four hours.
Open surgery is a well-established and effective treatment, but recovery takes longer compared to minimally invasive options. Patients usually spend one night in the intensive care unit (ICU), followed by an additional five to nine days in the hospital.
As with any medical procedure, open-heart surgery carries some risk of complications. It’s important to discuss these risks with your doctor to understand what to expect.
