Twenty-year analysis of autologous support of the pulmonary autograft in the Ross procedure

Abstract

Background The Ross procedure is seldom offered to adults less than 60 years of age who require aortic valve replacement except in a few high-volume centers with documented expertise. Inserting the pulmonary autograft as an unsupported root replacement may lead to increasing reoperations on the aortic valve in the second decade.

Methods Of 333 patients undergoing the Ross procedure between October 1992 and June 2012, the study group of 310 consecutive patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 39.3 ± 12.7 years (limits 16–63) had the aortic root size adjusted to match the pulmonary autograft, which was inserted as a root replacement, with the aorta closed up around it to provide autologous support.

Results The mean follow-up time was 9.4 years; the actuarial survival was 97% at 16 years; and freedom from the composite of all reoperations on the aortic valve and late echocardiographic-detected aortic regurgitation greater than mild was 95% at 5 years, 94% at 10 years, and 93% at 15 years. Overall freedom from all reoperations on aortic and pulmonary valves was 97% at 5 years, 94% at 10 years, and 93% at 15 years. All results were better for the patients presenting with predominant aortic stenosis (98% freedom at 15 years) than for those with aortic regurgitation (p = 0.01).

Conclusions Autologous support of the pulmonary autograft leads to excellent results in the groups presenting with aortic stenosis and mixed aortic stenosis/regurgitation and to good results for those presenting with pure aortic regurgitation. The Ross procedure, using one of the proven, durable techniques available, should be considered for more widespread adoption.