Normalization of left ventricular dimensions after Ross operation with aortic annular reduction

Fifty-seven patients (August 1995 to November 1998) with a dysplastic dilated aortic root, a relative contraindication to the Ross operation, received an extended Ross operation with aortic annulus reduction and external cuff fixation (age 14-54 years). To assess the efficacy of these operations, echocardiographic assessment of autograft valve function and left ventricular function and dimensions were reviewed.

Preoperative and postoperative assessment of 27 patients with aortic insufficiency (AI group) and 30 patients with aortic stenosis (>20 mm Hg peak gradient) and aortic insufficiency (AS group) were compared. Aortic annulus size, valvular gradient, valve insufficiency, left ventricular dimensions at end-systole and end-diastole, left ventricular fractional shortening, and left ventricular mass were assessed.

There was one late death. Aortic annulus size, degree of AI, left ventricular internal dimensions, and left ventricular mass were all significantly reduced (p<0.05) postoperatively in the AI group. Mean peak pressure gradients for this group were 6.8+/-6.7 mm Hg before operation and 8.7+/-6.4 mm Hg at 1 year after operation. Peak pressure gradient, aortic annulus size, degree of AI, left ventricular internal dimensions, and left ventricular mass were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the AS group. Mean fractional shortening was within normal limits pre- and postoperatively for both groups.

Regression of left ventricular dilatation and hypertrophy, excellent autograft valve function, and survival suggest that this modification of the Ross operation may be offered to patients with a dysplastic aortic root requiring aortic valve replacement.