Binding OUTSIDE of aorta to prevent dissection

[Bicuspid]

I have two recent stents and a bicuspid valve with only a minor leak first detected 8 years ago.  I also have an ascending aorta measuring 4.9cm which is borderline I understand.  My surgeon originally suggested that we check the measurement every few months and, if it expands beyond 5cm, do all three together - replacing the aorta root and the valve and doing two bipasses.  I feel concerned about waiting, especially for several years, as I feel each year poses a small percentage risk which all adds up

I am wondering if anyone has just bound the OUTSIDE of the aorta with the material well sealed at each end.  This would seem to be a simpler and much safer operation not requiring stopping of the heart.  It would help prevent the aorta expanding and, even if it did dissect, the binding would retain the blood thus preventing possible death. In my case I think my own valve would probably last as long as a bio valve anyway and hopefully the stents will too.  (My BP is well under control, as is my cholesterol and my weight.)  I know I would need further surgery but probably not until well into my 70's, being 62 now.  My main concern is to reduce the risk of surgery at this stage as I feel very uneasy about doing nothing but watching..

[Darcy Green Conaway, MD]

This is a case to discuss with a cardiothoracic surgeon

[Bicuspid]

PS:  I have since read that such wrapping has been done and that problems of damaging the outside of the aorta can be minimised with a custom made (bent) prosthesis.  However, these operations seem to be done in conjunction with valve replacements.  My surgeon does not recommend one.  But I would still like to know if it is possible to fit such a custom-made wrapping without replacing the valve and without opening or stopping the heart itself.  Can the wrapping be fitted close enough to the valve such that any incovered section is relatively small?  Can the ends be effectively sealed to the natural aorta?  If so, would blood between the layers still be a threat to life if there were a dissection?