The Ross procedure is a cardiac surgery procedure in which a diseased aortic valve is replaced with the patient’s own pulmonary valve.
It is a pulmonary or aortic homograft – that is, a cadaveric valve – and is used to replace the patient’s used pulmonary valve. The Ross operation is widely used in the pediatric population but remains a matter of debate in the adult population.
How is it possible for a pulmonary graft to replace an aortic valve?
The pulmonary valve of the same patient in the aortic position functions perfectly and degenerates late depending on the degree of dilatation of the implanted homograft.
After 20 years, only 15% of patients who undergo the Ross operation require another procedure, especially due to failure of the homograft in the pulmonary position.
When is the Ross operation recommended?
The Ross operation is recommended in all pediatric patients without age differences who have severe aortic valve stenosis or severe insufficiency for which repair is not possible.
In adolescent or adult patients it is recommended especially for women who want to have children. The Ross operation does not require postoperative anticoagulation therapy. Anticoagulant therapy is teratogenic and promotes miscarriage.
What are the results of the Ross operation?
The results of the Ross operation are favorable and allow the patient to return to a normal life. The procedure has a risk of 2-3%. For more information, consult with a specialist in Children’s Cardiac Surgery.