Ross Surgery
What is?
It is an operation on the aortic valve of the heart, in which the patient’s own pulmonary valve is used to replace it, instead of a prosthesis.
How is it performed?
It is performed through a median sternotomy or longitudinal opening of the chest. The patient’s pulmonary valve is removed and placed in the position of the patient’s aortic valve, at the root of the aorta. A biological graft is then used to replace the pulmonary valve.
It is a complex surgery, which involves working on two heart valves (aortic and pumonary). The end result is to be able to dispense with the use of mechanical or biological prostheses in the position of the patient’s aortic valve. The allograft, i.e. the patient’s own pulmonary valve, is the best substitute for the patient’s own aortic valve under favourable circumstances.
*https://guysandstthomasspecialistcare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/RBHH_Ross-Pears_heart-diagram_v2-1920×1080-1.png
In which patients is indicated?
It is indicated for patients with aortic valve disease that is not amenable to repair:
- Congenital stenosis (present from birth)
- Aortic insufficiency with insufficient valve tissue
- Valve calcification
- Valve infection (endocarditis)
For patients in whom the use of mechanical prostheses or lifelong anticoagulation is not recommended:
- Active athletes
- Women planning to become pregnant
- Professionals with activities at risk of bleeding (active members of the armed forces, law enforcement personnel, individuals handling firearms, physically demanding jobs with a high risk of occupational accidents, etc.).
Advantages
- The blood flow from the heart will be as natural as possible.
- Implanting a prosthesis in the aortic position is avoided, reducing the associated risk of degeneration.
- The use of anticoagulant medication is avoided.
- There is a lower risk of valve infection (endocarditis) compared to mechanical or biological prostheses.
- In children, the graft grows during development, which a prosthesis cannot do.
Results
Is it a durable procedure?
Will reinterventions be needed in the future?
YES, as long as it is performed in specialized centers by experienced surgeons and using a well-established durability technique. 90% of patients remain free from reintervention in the long term.
The durability of the procedure has been demonstrated in various scientific publications, provided the above conditions are met.
I have an aortic valve disease. Am I a candidate for the Ross procedure?
If you suffer from aortic valve disease, don’t hesitate to contact (link to contact form) our team of surgeons. They will guide you on the best surgical option for your case and offer you the best possible alternative to ensure a long and high-quality life.
