Clare's story – Aortic surgery, complications and recovery | Clare Davis & Michael Sabatai

What happens when life-saving aortic surgery results in a life-changing complication? Patient Clare Davis shares her experience of Aortic Dissection, complex aortic surgery and the spinal cord injury that left her paralysed from approximately the waist down. Clare describes her diagnosis, the decision to undergo surgery, the complication that followed and her subsequent rehabilitation and adjustment to a new way of life. Her surgeon, Mr Michael Sabatai, then provides the medical perspective, explaining the complexity of Clare's operation, the measures taken to protect the spinal cord and the difficult reality that complications can occur despite careful planning and treatment. He also reflects candidly on the impact that adverse outcomes can have on the surgeons and clinical teams caring for patients. Recorded at the Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland Annual Patient Event 2026, held in Birmingham on 18 September 2026. Find more talks, patient stories and information at: aorticdissectionawareness.org