Autograft Reoperations Research Articles

Autograft Reoperation Following the Ross Procedure: Evolving Strategies and Future Perspectives.

Background: Pulmonary autograft failure remains a cause of reoperation following the Ross procedure. The aim of this study is to describe our evolving approach to autograft reoperations. Methods: Retrospective study of all patients who underwent a pulmonary autograft reoperation following a Ross procedure between June 1997 and July 2022. Results: Two-hundred and thirty-five Ross procedures were performed. Thirty-six patients (15%) plus one referral underwent an autograft reoperation at a median of 7.8 years (IQR 4.6-13.6). The main indication was: neoaortic root dilatation associated with mild/moderate (n = 12) or severe (n = 8) aortic regurgitation; isolated severe aortic regurgitation (n = 6); infective endocarditis (IE) (n = 8); and aortic root pseudoaneurysm with no history of IE (n = 3). The autograft was spared in 29 cases (78%): 9 patients (24%) underwent aortic valve repair or aortic root remodeling, 15 patients (40%) aortic root reimplantation, 5 patients neoaortic root stabilization with a Personalized External Aortic Root Support (PEARS) sleeve. There were no in-hospital deaths. At a median follow up of 37 months (IQR 8-105), all patients were alive, 30 (81%) were asymptomatic. Eight patients (22%) required nine further reoperations. Estimated freedom from further reoperation was 90%, 72%, and 72% at 12-, 36-, and 60-months. Conclusions: Autograft reoperations following the Ross procedure can be safely performed and do not affect overall survival in the early and mid-term. Valve-sparing autograft replacement is technically feasible but remains at risk of further interventions. Alternative strategies, such as the PEARS sleeve, are becoming increasingly available but requires validation in the long term.

Autograft Reoperations after the Ross Procedure.

After a Ross procedure, autograft failure can occur. At reoperation, repair of the autograft preserves the advantages of the Ross procedure. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess mid-term results after reoperation of a failed autograft. Between 1997 and 2022, 30 consecutive patients (83% male; age 41 ± 11years) underwent autograft reintervention between 60 days and 24 years (median 10 years) after a Ross procedure. The initial technique varied, full-root replacement (n = 25) being the most frequent. The indication for reoperation was isolated autograft regurgitation (n = 7), root dilatation (>43mm) with (n = 17) or without (n = 2) autograft regurgitation, mixed dysfunction (n = 2), and endocarditis (n = 2). In 4 instances, the valve was replaced by valve (n = 1) or combined valve and root replacement (n = 3). Valve-sparing procedures consisted of isolated valve repair (n = 7) or root replacement (n = 19), and tubular aortic replacement. Cusp repair was performed in all but two. Mean follow-up was 5.4 ± 6years [35 days to 24 years]. Mean cross-clamp and perfusion times were 74 ± 26 min and 132 ± 64 min. There were 2 perioperative deaths (7%; both valve replacement) and two patients died late (32 days to 1.2 years postoperatively). Freedom from cardiac death at 10 years was 96% after valve repair and 50% after replacement.Two patients required reoperation 1.68 and 16 years following repair. One underwent valve replacement for cusp perforation, the other, root remodelling for dilatation. Freedom from autograft reintervention at 15 years was 95%. Autograft reoperations after the Ross procedure can be performed as valve-sparing operations in the majority of cases. With valve-sparing, long-term survival and freedom from reoperation are excellent.

Outcomes of redo operations after the Ross procedure

BackgroundThe Ross procedure is not commonly performed, owing to the procedural complexity and the risk of autograft and/or homograft reoperation. This study examined outcomes of patients undergoing Ross reinterventions at a dedicated Ross center. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 225 consecutive patients who underwent a Ross procedure between 1994 and 2019. Index and redo operation characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients with and those without redo operations. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent predictors of Ross-related reinterventions. Survival was estimated with Kaplan–Meier analysis. ResultsSixty-six patients (29.3%) required redo Ross surgery, 41 patients (18.2%) underwent autograft reoperation only, 8 patients (3.6%) had a homograft reintervention, and 17 patients (7.6%) had both autograft and homograft reoperations (12 as a combined procedure and 5 as sequential procedures). The mean time to reintervention was 11 ± 6 years for autograft reoperations and 12 ± 7 years for homograft reoperations. Patients who underwent Ross-related reinterventions were younger (mean, 38 ± 11 years vs 43 ± 11 years; P < .01) and had a higher rate of New York Heart Association class III/IV (56% vs 38%; P = .02) at the index Ross procedure. Most patients undergoing autograft reintervention had aortic insufficiency and/or aneurysm (98.2%; 57 of 58). The primary reason for homograft reintervention was pulmonary stenosis (92%; 23 of 25). The operative mortality of Ross reintervention was 1.5% (1 of 66). Survival at 15 years was similar in patients who required a redo operation and those who did not (91.2% vs 93.9%; P = .23). ConclusionsRoss reinterventions can be performed safely and maintain patients at the normal life expectancy restored by the index Ross procedure up to 15 years at experienced centers.

More Data “In Support” of the Ross

The report from Abeln and colleagues1 in this issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery is to be commended for its completeness of follow-up and overall outstanding results with survival and freedom from reoperation at 15 years. Furthermore 69% of autograft reoperations were valve-sparing operations. Perhaps the most important facet of this report is that it provides further compelling evidence that the Ross-Yacoub procedure is, to quote Dr David, “the best operation for young and middle age adults with aortic stenosis.”2 The fundamental driving force for this clinical advantage is that the autograft is alive—the leaflets retain the normal aortic valve’s capacity for nitric oxide production (antithrombotic) and contractile and neurohumoral responsiveness (valve performance and durability).

Outcome of Pulmonary Autograft After the Ross Procedure.

The purpose of this study was to assess autograft function after the Ross procedure and to review surgical outcomes associated with autograft reoperations. This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing the Ross procedure since 1993. Autograft function and autograft reoperation were studied. Autograft failure was defined as more than moderate autograft regurgitation or autograft dilatation to more than 50 mm diameter or z-score of more than +4 in children. One hospital death was excluded from analysis as were patients with unknown late autograft status. Among 75 patients analyzed, preoperative diagnosis before the Ross procedure included aortic regurgitation in 26, aortic stenosis in 19, combined lesions in 28, and 2 mechanical valve malfunctions. Median age at the Ross procedure was 12.1 (0.4-43.6) years with 44 children less than 15 years old. Six patients had greater than mild autograft regurgitation at post-Ross hospital discharge. During median follow-up of 14.9 years, there were 23 autograft failures. Eighteen autograft reoperations were performed on 17 patients (13 children), including 12 aortic valve replacements, 5 aortic root replacements (including 1 valve-sparing root replacement), and 1 Konno procedure. Freedom from autograft failure and autograft reoperation at 20 years after the Ross procedure was 52.0% and 66.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified greater than mild autograft regurgitation at hospital discharge from Ross procedure as a risk factor for autograft failure (P < .01). All patients who underwent autograft reoperation survived and had good health status at a median of 6.9 years after the reoperation. The Ross procedure is effective in delaying prosthetic aortic valve replacement, although the time-related risk of autograft failure is a real consideration.

The reinforced full-root technique for the Ross operation: surgical considerations and operative insights.

Surgical treatment of young and middle-aged patients suffering from aortic valve disease remains an unresolved issue due to the limited durability of bioprosthetic heart valve replacements and the valve-related morbidity of patients with mechanical valve substitutes. Theoretically, the "living valve" principle of the Ross operation may represent a potentially viable solution to this dilemma. In this paper, we report on the surgical techniques of the Ross procedure and present long-term post-operative outcomes using the reinforced full-root technique. From 1995 to 2020, a total of 832 consecutive patients (mean age, 43.4±13.7 years; 617 males) underwent a Ross operation using the full-root technique. Patients were prospectively monitored with clinical and echocardiographic follow-up. Total follow-up was 9,046 patients-years and was 92% complete. Mean-follow-up was 10.9±6.9 years (range, 0-24.9 years). Survival at twenty years was 92% (95% CI: 90-94%). Freedom from autograft or right ventricle to pulmonary artery connection reoperation at twenty years was 79% (95% CI: 74-85%). Eighty-nine pulmonary autograft reoperations had to be performed in eighty patients; salvage of the pulmonary autograft could be performed in forty-six of them. Fifty-seven patients required sixty-three reoperations on the right ventricle to pulmonary artery connection. Major cerebral bleeding occurred in one patient and neurological events in seventeen patients, respectively. Over a follow-up interval of up to twenty-five years, the Ross operation with the reinforced full-root technique demonstrated excellent survival in young and middle-aged patients. The rate of pulmonary autograft and right ventricular outflow graft reoperations were low in this patient subset. Therefore, the Ross operation with the reinforced full-root technique represents an enduring and valid treatment option in young and middle-aged patients suffering from aortic valve disease.

Contemporary Ross procedure outcomes: medium- to long-term results in 214 patients.

Our goal was to present 2 decades of our experience with the Ross procedure and its sequential modifications, adopted since 2010, to improve the reoperation rate. We performed a single-centre, retrospective review of database information and medical notes about the implantation technique: the freestanding root. We compared era 1 (1997-2009) and era 2 (2010-2019). Between 1997 and 2019, a total of 214 Ross procedures were performed (71% men, median age 24 years) [interquartile range (IQR) 15-38]. Of these, 87% had various forms of congenital-dysplastic aortic valves. The median cross-clamping and bypass times were 173 (IQR 148-202) and 202 (IQR 182-244) min. The median postoperative stay was 6 days (2-77). Thirty-day mortality was 0.5%. The median follow-up time was 8.2 years (IQR 3.9-13.2). Survival at 10 and 20 years was 97% and 95%; freedom from greater than moderate aortic regurgitation or aortic valve intervention was 91% and 80%; and 93% of the patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I. Twenty (21%) patients operated on during era 1 and 6 (9%) during era 2 underwent autograft reoperations. The median follow-up time was 14.3 (IQR 11.5-17.4) and 4.8 (IQR 2.5-7) years. Freedom from autograft reoperation was 87% and 69% at 10 and 20 years, with no significant difference between eras. Freedom from homograft reoperation was 96% and 76% at 10 and 20 years. The presence of aortic regurgitation, infective endocarditis and era 1 were predictors of autograft reoperation. Male gender and era 1 were predictors of neoaortic root dilatation. The contemporary modified Ross procedure continues to deliver excellent results and should remain part of the strategy to treat children and young adults requiring aortic valve replacement.

More Than 25 Years of Experience With the Ross Procedure in Children: A Single-Center Experience

Aortic valve replacement in children represents an important challenge. Concerns regarding pulmonary autograft and homograft longevity requiring reoperations are well recognized. Very long-term outcomes after the Ross procedure are still unknown. We reviewed our experience with the Ross procedure, aiming to define very long-term survival rate and freedom from reintervention. This was a single-center retrospective cohort including 63 consecutive children who underwent the Ross procedure. Median follow-up duration was 20.5 years. Time-related events were assessed using Kaplan-Meier estimator. There were 51 (81%) boys, mean age 10.1 ± 5.8 years. Isolated aortic stenosis was the most common diagnosis (n= 29, 46%) and 34 (54%) patients previously underwent cardiac surgery. There was 1 (1.6%) in-hospital death. Overall survival at 5, 15, and 25 years was 96.7%, 94.4%, and 94.4%, respectively. Freedom from any autograft-related reintervention was 98.1%, 86.4%, and 61.2% at 5, 15, and 25 years, respectively. Fifteen (24%) patients underwent autograft reoperations. Among them, 10 (67%) patients underwent valve-sparing autograft reoperation. Freedom from any pulmonary conduit reintervention was 93.2%, 58.2%, and 28.3% at 5, 15, and 25 years, respectively. Thirty (46.6%) patients underwent conduit reintervention (8 percutaneous, 22 surgical replacements). The pediatric Ross procedure is associated with excellent long-term survival. Ross-related reinterventions are more than twice as common on the pulmonary homograft than on the autograft.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improves Oral Graft Take in Hypospadias Staged Tubularized Autograft Reoperations.

Increased complications following failed hypospadias repairs suggest that impaired wound healing is a contributing factor. We used perioperative hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote wound healing determined by graft take in staged tubularized autograft reoperations using oral graft. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was recommended for patients with 3 or more failed hypospadias repairs, comprising 20 preoperative and 10 postoperative sessions. All patients underwent reoperative staged tubularized autograft repair using oral mucosa. Graft lengths and widths were measured at grafting and again at the second stage, from which graft area was calculated. The primary outcomes were percent graft contracture and graft failure, defined as contracture 50% or greater. Patients who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy were compared to other patients who underwent reoperative staged tubularized autograft who did not receive therapy. Among 57 patients 32 received hyperbaric oxygen therapy and 25 did not as they had fewer than 3 prior repairs, or were not able to receive treatment due to insurance issues or lack of local availability. Grafts were healthier in those receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy, with significantly less percent area contracture (9% vs 26%, p=0.04) and graft failure (6% vs 28%, p=0.03) compared to those not receiving therapy, although treated patients had significantly more prior failed hypospadias repairs. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved graft take in hypospadias reoperations. This observation also calls attention to wound healing as another variable to consider in hypospadias surgery.

Factors impacting long-term pulmonary autograft durability after the Ross procedure

ObjectiveAlthough the Ross procedure provides excellent long-term survival and a high quality of life, its use has been limited to relatively few centers. In this study, we evaluated long-term Ross procedure results in adults to assess the predictors of pulmonary autograft durability. MethodsBetween 1998 and 2015, 793 consecutive adult patients underwent the Ross procedure. The total root replacement technique was used in all patients. ResultsThe early mortality rate was 2.9%. The mean follow-up duration was 6.5 ± 3.2 years, and the 10-year survival rate was 90.4%. Longitudinal mixed-effects ordinal regression identified a combination of bicuspid aortic valve and aortic insufficiency (odds ratio, 2.19; P < .001) as predictors for progression of autograft valve insufficiency at follow-up. The cumulative incidence of autograft reoperations at 10 years was 8.6%. Competing risk regression identified bicuspid aortic valve insufficiency as the independent predictor of autograft reoperation (subdistribution hazard ratio, 2.16; P = .030). Moreover, patients with bicuspid aortic valve and aortic insufficiency had greater increases in annulus (P < .001), sinus (P < .001), and ascending aorta (P < .001) diameters over time. ConclusionsFor patients undergoing the Ross procedure, a combination of bicuspid aortic valves and aortic insufficiency is the main risk factor for late autograft dilatation and dysfunction.

Results of the Ross procedure in adults: a single-centre experience of 741 operations.

Although the Ross procedure provides excellent long-term survival and a high quality of life, only a limited number of centres perform it as an alternative to the standard aortic valve replacement in adults. In the present study, we evaluated our 16-year results of using the Ross procedure in adult patients. Between 1998 and 2014, 741 adult patients underwent the Ross procedure. The mean patient age was 47.4 ± 12.8 years (range, 18-67 years). The total root replacement technique was used in all patients. Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction was performed with pulmonary allograft in 175 (23.6%) patients, with different types of xenografts in 561 (75.7%) and with polytetrafluoroethylene conduits in 5 (0.7%) patients. The early mortality rate was 3.0%. The mean follow-up duration was 5.8 ± 2.2 years. The survival rate at 10 years was 90.7% and was comparable with survival of an age- and sex-matched general population. The rate of freedom from autograft reoperations was 94.1 and 88.3% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. The aortic annulus dilatation was the only independent predictor of autograft failure. The 10-year freedom rates from reoperations for allograft, diepoxide- and glutaraldehyde-treated pericardial xenografts as well as porcine aortic root grafts were 100, 94.4, 82.7 and 80.6%, respectively. The use of xenografts and young patient age were associated with increased risk of RVOT conduit failure. The Ross operation provides long-term survival rates that are comparable with an age- and gender-matched general population. The dilated aortic annulus is a risk factor for late autograft valve insufficiency. A cryopreserved pulmonary homograft is the best option for RVOT reconstruction. Diepoxide-treated pericardial xenografts can be an alternative to allografts in elderly patients when an allograft is not available.

European multicenter experience with valve-sparing reoperations after the Ross procedure

BackgroundAutograft valve preservation at reoperation may conserve some of the advantages of the Ross procedure. However, results of long-term follow-up are lacking. In this retrospective multicenter study, we present our experience with valve-sparing reoperations after the Ross procedure, with a focus on long-term outcome. MethodsA total of 86 patients from 6 European centers, who underwent valve-sparing reoperation after the Ross procedure between 1997 and 2013, were included in the study. ResultsReoperation was performed a median of 9.1 years after the Ross procedure in patients with a median age of 38.4 years (interquartile range: 27.1-51.6 years). Preoperative severe autograft regurgitation (grade ≥3) was present in 46% of patients. In-hospital mortality was 1%. During a median follow-up of 4.3 years, 3 more patients died of noncardiac causes, resulting in a cumulative survival at 8 years of 89% (95% confidence interval: 65%-97%). Fifteen patients required a reintervention after valve-sparing reoperation, mostly owing to prolapse or retraction of autograft cusps. Freedom from reintervention was 76% (95% confidence interval: 57%-87%) at 8 years. The reintervention hazard was increased in patients who had isolated and/or severe aortic regurgitation at valve-sparing reoperation. In patients without reintervention after valve-sparing autograft reoperation (n = 63), severe aortic regurgitation was present in 3% at last follow-up. ConclusionsValve-sparing autograft reoperations after the Ross procedure carry a low operative risk, with acceptable reintervention rates in the first postoperative decade. Patients with isolated and/or severe autograft regurgitation have an increased hazard of reintervention after valve-sparing reoperation; for these patients, careful preoperative weighing of surgical options is required.

The David Procedure for Salvage of a Failing Autograft After the Ross Operation

Dilatation of the pulmonary autograft is a major fear after the Ross procedure. We analyzed the results after reoperation for autograft dysfunction using a valve-sparing reimplantation technique (David procedure). From 1995 to 2012, 645 Ross operations were performed, with 630 (98%) of these as freestanding root replacements (mean follow-up, 8.3 ± 4.6 years). Forty-nine autograft reoperations occurred in 46 patients (0.89%/patient-year). Between 2005 and 2013, reoperation using a David procedure was performed in 18 of 35 patients (52%) with autograft dilatation at a mean interval of 11 ± 3.2 years after the Ross operation. The mean age of 18 patients receiving a David procedure as reoperation was 49.8 ± 13.9 years; 83% were male. The 30-day reoperative mortality was zero. The mean vascular graft size used for reimplantation was 29.5± 1.7 mm. At a mean follow-up time of 3.2 ± 2.3 years (100% complete), all patients (18 of 18) were alive andinNew York Heart Association functional class I. One patient (5%) needed valve replacement for recurrent aortic regurgitation 2.6 years after the David procedure. In the remaining patients (95%), freedom from aortic regurgitation of grade 2 or greater was 100% at 3 years (regurgitation grade <1, 14 of 17; 82%). Aortic valve gradients were clinically insignificant at 5.8 ± 2.1 mm Hg. Performing a David procedure was successful in the vast majority of patients with dilatation of the pulmonary autograft after a Ross operation and revealed good function of the preserved autograft at midterm follow-up. Reoperations could be performed with low perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Quo Vadis Pulmonary Autograft—The Ross Procedure in Its Second Decade: A Single-Center Experience in 645 Patients

The enthusiasm about the advantages of a viable autologous transplant faded with recent reports of autograft deterioration and associated reoperations after the Ross procedure. This report evaluates predictors for autograft failure and outcomes extending into the second decade after a Ross procedure. From 1995 through 2012, 645 consecutive patients (mean age, 42.3 ± 14.2 years; 76% males) underwent a Ross operation using mainly the root replacement technique (98%). They were prospectively followed up with clinical and echocardiographic evaluations. Total follow-up was 5,349 patient-years and was 96% complete. Mean follow-up duration was 8.4 ± 4.6 years (range, 0 to 17.4 years). Early mortality was 0.9% (n = 6). Cumulative survival at 15 years was 92.7% (95% confidence interval, 90.1% to 95.3%) and did not differ from the general German population (p = 0.261). Freedom from reoperation on the autograft or the pulmonary allograft at 12 years was 91.6% (95% confidence interval, 88.5% to 94.9%) and 95.0% (95% confidence interval, 92.8% to 97.2%), respectively. Sixty-five patients (10.1%) required a total of 78 valve-related reoperations after a Ross procedure (1.5%/patient-year) with a reoperative hospital mortality of 3.8% (n = 3). Forty-seven autograft reoperations were observed in 44 patients (0.87%/patient-year); 22 of them (47%) could be performed as a valve-sparing procedure. Preoperative aortic valve regurgitation and an aortic annulus of at least 26 mm were identified as predictors for autograft failure. In this large series, the Ross procedure resulted in excellent long-term survival rates with a low risk of valve-related morbidity and a considerably low rate of reoperations in young and middle-aged patients and should be considered as an important treatment option in this cohort.

Ross operation in Chile

Donald Ross introduced the pulmonary autograft for aortic valve replacement with reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract with a homograft. Despite its advantages over conventional valve prostheses, the Ross Operation is performed in a minority of patients who need an aortic valve replacement throughout the world. To report the operative and long term results of a series of patients subjected to Ross operation in Chile. Between 1996 and 2006, 131 patients aged 35+/-11 years (62% males) were subjected to an aortic root replacement with a pulmonary autograft and reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract with a pulmonary homograft. Seventy percent had congenital valve disease. Associated procedures were done in 39%. Patients were followed for a mean of 56+/-30 months. Operative mortality was 2.3%. Two patients had the autografts replaced intraoperatively because of tears in the proximal suture line and one within a month of the operation after suffering autograft endocarditis. At last follow up all patients are in functional class 1 or 2. Autograft reoperations were done in two patients who developed dilation with valve regurgitation (both had aortic regurgitation as primary indication for aortic valve replacement). Three patients required reoperation for pulmonary homograft dysfunction. Another three patients had uneventful pregnancies with normal newborns. Actuarial freedom from any reoperation at 10 years is 93%. The Ross Operation has low operative morbidity and mortality with excellent long term results. Reoperations have been rare within 10 years of follow up both for the autograft or the homograft.

Operación de Ross en Chile

Donald Ross introduced the pulmonary autograft for aortic valve replacement with reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract with a homograft. Despite its advantages over conventional valve prostheses, the Ross Operation is performed in a minority of patients who need an aortic valve replacement throughout the world.To report the operative and long term results of a series of patients subjected to Ross operation in Chile.Between 1996 and 2006, 131 patients aged 35+/-11 years (62% males) were subjected to an aortic root replacement with a pulmonary autograft and reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract with a pulmonary homograft. Seventy percent had congenital valve disease. Associated procedures were done in 39%. Patients were followed for a mean of 56+/-30 months.Operative mortality was 2.3%. Two patients had the autografts replaced intraoperatively because of tears in the proximal suture line and one within a month of the operation after suffering autograft endocarditis. At last follow up all patients are in functional class 1 or 2. Autograft reoperations were done in two patients who developed dilation with valve regurgitation (both had aortic regurgitation as primary indication for aortic valve replacement). Three patients required reoperation for pulmonary homograft dysfunction. Another three patients had uneventful pregnancies with normal newborns. Actuarial freedom from any reoperation at 10 years is 93%.The Ross Operation has low operative morbidity and mortality with excellent long term results. Reoperations have been rare within 10 years of follow up both for the autograft or the homograft.

Autograft Regurgitation and Aortic Root Dimensions After the Ross Procedure

Autograft regurgitation and root dilatation after the Ross procedure is of major concern. We reviewed data from the German Ross Registry to document the development of autograft regurgitation and root dilatation with time and also to compare 2 different techniques of autograft implantation. Between 1990 and 2006 1014 patients (786 men, 228 women; mean age 41.2+/-15.3 years) underwent the Ross procedure using 2 different implantation techniques (subcoronary, n=521; root replacement, n=493). Clinical and serial echocardiographic follow up was performed preoperatively and thereafter annually (mean follow up 4.41+/-3.11 years, median 3.93 years, range 0 to 16.04 years; 5012 patient-years). For statistical analysis of serial echocardiograms, a hierarchical multilevel modeling technique was applied. Eight early and 28 late deaths were observed. Pulmonary autograft reoperations were required in 35 patients. Initial autograft regurgitation grade was 0.49 (root replacement 0.73, subcoronary 0.38) with an annual increase of grade 0.034 (root replacement 0.0259, subcoronary 0.0231). Annulus and sinus dimensions did not exhibit an essential increase over time in both techniques, whereas sinotubular junction diameter increased essentially by 0.5 mm per year in patients with root replacement. Patients with the subcoronary implantation technique showed nearly unchanged dimensions. Bicuspid aortic valve morphology did not have any consistent impact on root dimensions with time irrespective of the performed surgical technique. The present Ross series from the German Ross Registry showed favorable clinical and hemodynamic results. Development of autograft regurgitation for both techniques was small and the annual progression thereof is currently not substantial. Use of the subcoronary technique and aortic root interventions with stabilizing measures in root replacement patients seem to prevent autograft regurgitation and dilatation of the aortic root within the timeframe studied.

Dissection of a dilated autograft root

Although the Ross procedure is still the preferred operation for aortic root replacement in children and young adults, the number of reoperations for autograft root dilatation after the Ross procedure has increased in recent years. In our ongoing prospective clinical and echocardiographic follow-up study of 146 consecutive patients undergoing a Ross procedure with the root replacement technique since 1988, 29 patients have undergone pulmonary autograft reoperations to date. In most cases valve cusps are intact, but because of progressive autograft root dilatation coaptation of the cusps is lost and aortic valve regurgitation occurs. We report a patient who presented with severe aortic regurgitation due to asymmetric autograft dilatation caused by a dissection in the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva.