usb video adaptor for a 2011 macbook pro

I have an early 2011 MacBook pro. I recently experienced an issue with one of the graphic cards and am no longer able to connect an external monitor via the thunderbolt jack. It was suggested I try a usb video adaptor to do so. I see usb 3.0 adaptors but am not sure if this will work on a 2011 mac. Can anyone offer any advice on how to accomplish this? Thank you