Complex Open Aortic Surgery and Hybrid Open Endovascular Surgery

Ross Procedure

The Ross Procedure (also known as the pulmonary autograft procedure), is a highly specialized open-heart surgical option for select patients with aortic valve disease. At Michigan Medicine, the procedure is typically performed on patients younger than 55 who want to avoid future repeat open-heart surgery and the need for long-term blood thinners following surgery.

To learn more, visit the Ross Procedure page.

Y-Incision/rectangular patch aortic root enlargement

This procedure was developed at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center and is recognized globally as game-changing for patients who need a new aortic valve but have a small aortic root. The surgeon enlarges the aortic root and inserts a replacement prosthetic valve  or mechanical valve that is three to four sizes larger. This results in better blood flow and a better outcome if the valve must be replaced in the future.

Aortic Valve repair

Complex Aortic Root Reconstruction

An Aortic Root Aneurysm is a bulging of the aortic root, the section of the aorta where it branches off from the left ventricle of the heart. The aortic root contains the aortic valve, which regulates the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body.  To learn more, visit Aortic Root Aneurysm page.

Open AAA, TAA or TAAA Repair

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Not all patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms require immediate surgical treatment. We provide comprehensive care and monitor the progression of the aneurysms until surgery becomes necessary. To learn more, visit Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm page.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): The type of surgical repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm will depend on several factors including the location and type of aneurysm, and the patient’s tolerance for the procedure. To learn more, visit Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm page.

Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm TAAA: Open surgical repair remains the gold standard for treating TAAA. It consists of a graft replacement and reattachment of the aortic branches. To learn more, visit Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm page.

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the treatment of choice for aortic stenosis patients. During the procedure, the valve leaflets are repaired or the damaged valve is removed and replaced with a new valve. Visit our Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement page to learn more about this open-heart procedure.

Surgical Treatment of Aortic Occlusion

The treatment for aortic occlusion will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the occlusion, as well as your overall health. To learn more, visit Aortic Occlusion page.

Failed Endografts

For endoleaks that cannot be resolved with minimally invasive treatment, we offer open surgical repair aortic endoleaks. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and involves making an incision in the patient's chest or abdomen to access the affected area of the aorta. To learn more, visit Minimally Invasive Aortic Surgery page.

Surgical management of Acute Aortic Disease Related to Aortic Dissections

Acute Type A Dissection usually require immediate repair. Our highly skilled surgeons are among the best in the country in repairing Type A dissections. We use grafts (fabric-covered, metal mesh tubes) to replace damaged areas of the aorta. While placing a graft, our doctors may perform additional procedures to improve your outcome. These complex surgeries are not available at most other hospitals. To learn more, visit Aortic Dissection page.