ExoVasc® PEARS
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Living with an aortic condition can feel uncertain, but safe and proven options exist. Exstent’s technology offers a personalised way to strengthen the aorta while preserving your own valve. This section is here to help you understand what the procedure involves, what to expect, and hear directly from people who’ve been through it.

What is ExoVasc®?
Hear from patients

What is ExoVasc®?

The ExoVasc® device is used in a procedure called PEARS (Personalised External Aortic Root Support). During a PEARS procedure, the device is fitted around the aorta to provide external support. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, the aorta and valve remain intact, reducing the need for replacement surgery or lifelong anticoagulation. PEARS implantations are may be performed alongside other cardiac procedures, often treating the consequences of genetic or congenital variations: PEARS — supports the ascending aorta and aortic root.
Learn about Aortic PEARS

Before surgery

Your care team will arrange imaging and assessments to design your ExoVasc® device.

During surgery

The operation usually takes two to three hours and is done on the beating heart, so a heart-lung machine is not normally required.

After surgery

Patients usually spend a few days recovering in hospital. Most return to normal activity within weeks and do not require lifelong anticoagulation therapy.

“This procedure is simple and elegant and it’s going to change my life.”

– Matia Brocker  |  Date of procedure: 2019

Real experiences from real people

More than 1,500 people have undergone an ExoVasc® procedure. Many have shared how it helped them regain confidence and return to normal life.

Kevin Conway

"While I am not a medical professional, it seemed intuitive that keeping my own aortic root and adding an external supporting element (i.e. PEARS) was better than removing my aortic root entirely and replacing it with an artificial aortic root (i.e. VSRR)."
Date of procedure: 2024 | Age: 42
My name is Kevin Conway. I am a US Citizen with Marfan Syndrome and chose to undergo surgery to implant the PEARS device from Exstent. I read many similar patient stories on the Exstent website prior to deciding to move forward with PEARS. I hope my experience can give you the confidence to make the right decision for you....
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All stories

Scott Stowell

“I believe the benefits of the PEARS procedure are too high for the medical community here in the States to continue to ignore: no bypass machine, a shorter operation, no part of your heart is cut out or replaced, the surgery is significantly cheaper than VSRR or Bentall, the ExoVasc graft is custom-made to your exact dimensions, and unlike VSRR, which will likely require a second surgery down the road, the ExoVasc graft is designed to last a lifetime.”
Date of procedure: 2025
Age: 28
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Dennis Lieskamp

“Five months later, I’m doing well, very well. Rehabilitation completed, no more medication. The rest of my life has begun.”
Date of procedure: 2025
Age: 37
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Esther Nobel-Renes

“Through trial and error my recovery is going well. Sometimes you want to do more than you are able, but I am working towards a full recovery (now 3 months after surgery). It is such a relief that the dilation is solved.”
Date of procedure: 2024
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Kevin Conway

“While I am not a medical professional, it seemed intuitive that keeping my own aortic root and adding an external supporting element (i.e. PEARS) was better than removing my aortic root entirely and replacing it with an artificial aortic root (i.e. VSRR).”
Date of procedure: 2024
Age: 42
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Michael Böcker

“A big thanks to Tal and the rest of his team. Even PEARS is now already successfully done since 19 years it is still innovative. I’m proud to be number 794 of the family and 100% convinced that I have taken for me and my family the right decision.”
Date of procedure: 2023
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Nicole Boyce

“I am beyond grateful for the option to have the PEARS procedure done. I truly believe that the PEARS procedure has saved my life and given me quality of life.”
Date of procedure: 2023
Age: 36
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Beirne Chisolm

“Remember to ensure that you are exploring all options for your own health issues. Don’t settle. It’s your life. You may have to look a bit further than you think.”
Date of procedure: 2023
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Joe Madden

“It is now over 3 years since my operation and I am back as physically active as I want to be. I go the gym, cycle and swim and feel just great (also don’t have to take any medication whatsoever).”
Date of procedure: 2021
Age: 63
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Marin Mircea

“I continued with daily walks (my body would go without limit) and in November I will perform the first checks at IKEM Prague. I thank Tal for his invention and I recommend this intervention. I thank Professor Pirk and his team, I thank the IKEM institute. You are the best!”
Date of procedure: 2021
Age: 52
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Raquel Adami

“PEARS changed my life, now I can have other plans and dreams for my life – one of them is regulate PEARS in Brazil. We were the first 3 patients to have the PEARS surgery in the Americas and I’m patient number 593.”
Date of procedure: 2021
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Talk to your doctor about ExoVasc®

If you have been told you have an enlarged aorta, speak with your cardiologist or surgeon to see if ExoVasc® could be an option for you.
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You may find our patient benefits brochures useful when discussing the ExoVasc® PEARS with your doctor.
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Understanding the terms

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Aorta

The main artery that carries blood from the heart.

Aortic root

The section of the aorta attached to the heart and valve.

Dissection

A tear in the inner wall of the aorta.

Anticoagulant

Medication that thins the blood to prevent clots.

The Most Exclusive Club on the Planet

There is a private Facebook Group, ‘The Most Exclusive Club on the Planet’, for people who have received an ExoVasc® PEARS. If you are an ExoVasc® PEARS recipient and would like to receive an invitation to join, please get in touch.

Request access

Help is always available

There are numerous foundations and associations dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Marfan syndrome. These organisations are a valuable source of information and practical and emotional support.

Useful websites

Learn more about the ExoVasc® PEARS

Find out more

We develop medical devices that manage aortic dilation and minimise the risk of aortic dissection.

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The staff of Exstent Limited are not medically qualified and are thus not able to provide clinical advice or answer questions of a clinical nature. We may direct your attention to publications in peer-reviewed journals that provide clinical information or provide information based upon personal experience. However, for any questions of a clinical nature patients are recommended to consult a qualified clinician.
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