Modified extraperitoneal approach to the abdominal aorta in exposure of the thoracoabdominal aorta

A modified left transthoracic and retroperitoneal approach to the thoracoabdominal aorta without entering the peritoneal cavity is reported. The advantage of this modification is that the abdominal wall musculature is preserved intact except for the division of a small part of the transversus abdominis muscle.