PEARS implantation in a patient with ascending aortic dilation after bicuspidalization of aortic valve

Ascending aortic dilation poses a risk of life-threatening aortic dissection. So far the only option for affected patients has been a timely replacement of their aortas with a vascular prosthesis. In 2004 a novel solution emerged to address the issue, i.e. wrapping the dilated aorta into an external supporting netted prosthesis. This method has been utilized in 408 (1/2021) patients around the world up to now and with growing experience the criteria for an indication of this type of treatment change accordingly.(1) PEARS (Personalised External Aortic Root Support) was devised initially for patients suffering from Marfan syndrome. However, it seems to be a viable option for various types of diseases causing dilation of the ascending aorta and it could offer these patients a safe and less invasive alternative to established methods of treatment. The case report describes an application of PEARS to prevent dissection in a patient with a dilating aorta, who was operated on ten years ago for a regurgitant unicuspid aortic valve.