Two methods currently exist to repair AAA.

The first, and most common, is called endovascular stent-grafting. Based on minimally invasive techniques, catheters are place into your arteries through small incisions in the groins. These catheters contain grafts that can be deployed in such a way as to seal off the aneurysm while continue blood flow through the main aorta (imagine replacing the inner tube of a tire, rather than replacing the whole tire). This technique is very effective, and very well tolerated with patients recovering quite quickly from the surgery.

The second method, called open repair, is done through an incision into your abdomen or flank to expose your abdominal aorta. Once there, the aneurysm is opened and a graft is sewn into its place, thus completely replacing that segment of the aorta. Although this is more invasive than endovascular repair, it is extremely long-lasting and time-tested. Furthermore, not every patient is a candidate for the endovascular stent graft due to the shape of the aorta and other factors.