The ExoVasc® PEARS was the brainchild of Tal Golesworthy, who has Marfan syndrome.
After 10 years of echocardiograms to monitor his ascending aorta, Tal was advised that he needed surgery to reduce the risk of aortic dissection.
However, the standard options open to him, a Bentall operation or valve sparing surgery, did not appeal. Both were major surgical procedures and the Bentall graft required a lifetime on anticoagulant drugs.
As a chartered engineer with a lifetime in research and development engineering, he felt there would be better ways to reduce the risk of aortic dissection.
A timeline of key events for Exstent
Tal attends a Marfan Association UK Information Day to listen to a presentation by Professor Tom Treasure on aortic surgery. At the end of the presentation, Tal engages Professor Treasure in discussions on an alternative approach and the idea to externally support the aortic root arose.
Professor John Pepper joins the project, Tal raises finance and Tal and engineers at Imperial College start work.
The Local Research & Ethics Committee at the Royal Brompton Hospital gives approval for a clinical trial.
In May, Professor Pepper implants the first ExoVasc® PEARS in Tal, who is the first patient to receive the implant.
After successful implantation of the ExoVasc® PEARS in 19 patients, the Clinical Practice Committee at the Royal Brompton Hospital approves the device for use in the treatment of suitable patients with a dilated aorta due to Marfan syndrome.
Following a consultation process, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence issues guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on External aortic root support in Marfan syndrome. This guidance was updated in May 2022.
The ExoVasc® PEARS reaches the 100 patient milestone.
The first Ross-PEARS procedure takes place.
The ExoVasc® PEARS reaches the 200 patient milestone.
The ExoVasc® PEARS reaches the 1,000 patient milestone.
The procedure to implant the ExoVasc® PEARS has been adopted by 40 surgical centres and more than 1,100 patients have had the implant fitted.
