A new incision for retroperitoneal approach to the aorta.

A new incision for retroperitoneal approach to the abdominal aorta is described. The incision extends from alongside the rectus abdominis muscle across the costal arch over the 7-8th intercostal space. In the upper part only the skin and muscles are divided, allowing wide opening of the incision. The approach is muscle-sparing, since fibers of the transverse abdominal muscle are incised only in the upper part. It permits a good approach even for high aortic reconstruction.