Open surgical treatment of thoracic aneurysms is a great challenge for surgeons, anaesthetists and perfusionists. It is a very aggressive procedure, dealing with a high number of uncommon variables and is usually non-standardised in this area, due to its low incidence. The aim of this article is to conduct a review of current indications of treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms and to present the open surgery approach, anatomical references, and the most usual and reliable techniques for surgery and perfusion. Step-by-step planning for the intervention is also explained, as well as the strategies for spine and visceral protection. Finally, results for this surgery and future alternatives are discussed.