Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Open & Endovascular)
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the body's main artery, the aorta, that can enlarge and burst. Aortic aneurysm repair reinforces or replaces the weakened segment to prevent life-threatening rupture — either by open surgery or, increasingly, by a minimally invasive stent graft placed through the groin (EVAR in the abdomen, TEVAR in the chest).
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
The aorta is the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When part of its wall weakens it can balloon outward as an aneurysm, most often in the abdomen (AAA) or chest (TAA). Repair is advised once an aneurysm reaches a certain size, grows quickly or causes symptoms, because a rupture is frequently fatal. Two approaches are used: open repair, in which the weakened section is replaced with a fabric graft, and endovascular repair (EVAR/TEVAR), in which a stent graft is guided into place through small groin incisions, reinforcing the aorta from the inside.
Our cardiovascular and vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists work as one team and choose the approach that best fits your anatomy. International patients receive a remote review of their CT scans, a clear recommendation and a transparent, itemized estimate before traveling.
Who is a candidate?
- A large aneurysm (for example an abdominal aneurysm of 5.5 cm or more)
- An aneurysm that is enlarging quickly on follow-up scans
- Symptoms such as back, abdominal or chest pain from the aneurysm
- High risk of rupture based on size, shape or growth
- Anatomy suitable for endovascular repair, or fitness for open surgery
What happens
- 1
Preparation
A detailed CT angiogram maps the aneurysm and decides whether an endovascular stent graft or open repair is best. You have a full pre-operative assessment.
- 2
During the procedure
In open repair the surgeon opens the abdomen or chest, clamps the aorta and replaces the weak section with a synthetic graft. In endovascular repair, catheters are passed through the groin arteries and a stent graft is deployed inside the aorta under X-ray guidance.
- 3
Recovery & follow-up
Endovascular patients usually recover within weeks; open repair needs a longer hospital stay and recovery. Lifelong surveillance scans check that the repair remains secure.
Benefits
- Prevents a life-threatening rupture
- Endovascular repair uses small incisions with faster recovery
- Durable reinforcement of the weakened aorta
- Options for both abdominal and chest aneurysms
- Planned by an experienced cardiovascular team
Risks & considerations
- Bleeding and the usual risks of major surgery and anesthesia
- Endoleak after a stent graft (leak around the graft), which is monitored on scans
- Graft or stent complications over time
- Reduced blood flow to the kidneys, bowel or legs in some cases
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Heart Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Aortic Aneurysm Repair (Open & Endovascular) — frequently asked questions
Open repair replaces the weak section through a surgical incision; endovascular repair lines the aorta with a stent graft passed through the groin. Endovascular is less invasive with faster recovery, but is not suitable for every aneurysm shape — your CT scan decides.
It depends mainly on size, growth rate and symptoms. Share your scans and our surgeons will advise whether repair or continued monitoring is right.
After endovascular repair most people are back to normal activity within a few weeks; open repair takes longer, often 6–12 weeks.
Yes. Especially after a stent graft, you will have periodic imaging for life to confirm the repair stays secure.
Yes — send your CT angiogram and our team will give a remote second opinion and a recommendation before you commit to treatment.
You receive a transparent, itemized estimate based on the approach and your anatomy, with no hidden charges.
Related treatments
Considering aortic aneurysm repair (open & endovascular)?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.