Threshold for intervention upon ascending aortic aneurysms: an evolving target and implication of bicuspid aortic valve

With the proliferation of non-invasive thoracic imaging modalities, the question of when to operate on asymptomatic ascending aortic aneurysms for non-syndromic patients is becoming increasingly relevant. Operation is extensive, often involves circulatory arrest, and subjects the patient to significant risk of mortality and morbidity. Surgery is performed to avert fatal aortic adverse events, which carry a markedly poor prognosis. The question...