The Ross procedure is not the procedure of choice for the teenager requiring aortic valve replacement

Abstract

The Ross procedure was a remarkable technical achievement when it was introduced in 1967. Although the long-term results for the procedure when performed in adults using the technique of intra-aortic subcoronary freehand implantation have been satisfactory, the results for children using the technique of complete aortic root replacement have been less satisfactory. Not only have early outgrowth, calcification, and shrinkage of the pulmonary homograft used to reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract been a problem but in addition some children have experienced excessive dilation of the neoaortic root as well as neoaortic valve regurgitation. In contrast to the Ross procedure, aortic valve repair and other forms of aortic valve replacement do not exclude the possibility of reoperation in the future using more advanced options such as tissue engineered leaflets or valves. Until more information is available regarding long-term performance of the pulmonary root when implanted as a neoaortic root, as well as improved results for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract, the Ross procedure should be used rarely.