Grand Rounds Highlight: Kim Insua de la Cruz, MD, on Open Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Apr 30, 2026

The Department of Surgery was honored to welcome Kim Insua de la Cruz, MD, FACS, FACC, FCCP as our Grand Rounds speaker. In his presentation, “Open Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms: Principles, Strategies, and Outcomes,” Dr. de la Cruz examined one of the most technically demanding areas in cardiovascular surgery, offering an in-depth discussion of the operative principles, decision-making, and outcomes that shape contemporary open aortic repair. His talk highlighted the complexity of these cases and the level of precision, planning, and judgment required to manage them successfully.  

Through his discussion of principles, strategies, and outcomes, Dr. de la Cruz emphasized that success in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair depends not only on technical execution, but also on careful operative strategy and thoughtful management of complex disease. He gave a thorough discussion of the importance of preoperative planning, operative technique, and postoperative management, underscoring that successful outcomes rely on every phase of care. He emphasized that these cases are meticulously planned and fundamentally team-based, with each member of the operative and perioperative team needing to clearly understand their role. The presentation provided faculty, residents, and students with valuable insight into the surgical approach to high-risk aortic pathology and underscored the enduring importance of open repair in select patients with advanced aortic disease. 

A nationally recognized cardiothoracic and aortic surgeon, Dr. de la Cruz currently serves as Associate Professor of Surgery and Co-Director of the Aortic Disease Program at UVA Health. His visit brought a high-level perspective on complex aortic surgery to our department and made for an outstanding and highly educational Grand Rounds session.