Gustavo S. Oderich, MD, FACS

Complex Aortic & Endovascular Surgery

Abdominal & Thoracoabdominal Aorta

Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Repair

A durable, time-tested repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Overview

What it is

Open AAA repair replaces the weakened section of the abdominal aorta with a strong synthetic graft, sewn in through an incision in the abdomen. It is highly durable and remains an excellent choice for younger patients, anatomy not suited to a stent-graft, or aneurysms that have grown after a previous endovascular repair.

When it’s recommended

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm not suited to a stent-graft
  • Younger or lower-risk patients seeking a once-and-done durable repair
  • Aneurysm growth or failure after a prior EVAR

How it’s performed

Every plan is individualized and reviewed by our multidisciplinary aortic team.

Detailed evaluation and CT angiography to map the aorta

The aorta is clamped above and below the aneurysm

The weakened segment is replaced with a synthetic graft

Blood flow is restored and the incision closed

Recovery

Recovery & follow-up

Because this is major surgery, recovery typically takes several weeks, with a short hospital stay followed by a gradual return to normal activity.

Why the Baylor Medicine Center for Aortic Surgery

Complex aortic care is safest in experienced hands. Dr. Oderich and the Center bring more than 7,000 open and endovascular aortic repairs of experience, advanced imaging, and a multidisciplinary team to every case.

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