The Ross/Konno procedure in neonates and infants: intermediate-term survival and autograft function

The Ross procedure has been increasingly applied to neonates and infants. Addition of a modified Konno-type enlargement of the aortic annulus allows the application of this procedure to neonates and infants with significant annular hypoplasia. The potential for growth and the proven durability make the autograft an ideal aortic valve replacement.

Between March 1993 and December 2000, 10 patients under 1 year of age underwent a Ross/Konno procedure at our institution (range, 2 to 349 days; median 16). All patients had severe to critical aortic stenosis. All patients required aortic annulus enlargement for size mismatch between the aortic and pulmonary valves.

There were no deaths at a median follow-up of 48 months (range, 1 to 74 months). All patients had none to mild aortic stenosis on Doppler echocardiography. Eight patients had a 0 to 1+ aortic insufficiency, 1 patient had a 2+ aortic insufficiency, and 1 patient had a 3+ aortic insufficiency. Aortic annular dilatation was not observed. Aortic sinus dilatation occurred initially (mean change in z-value: 0 to 12 months, +2.1) and then stabilized (mean change in z-value: 12 to > 36 months, +0.6). No patient required additional procedures for aortic valve disease. Two patients required three pulmonary allograft replacements.

The Ross procedure with a modified Konno-type enlargement of the aortic annulus is an excellent approach to aortic valve disease in the neonate and infant. The procedure can be accomplished with low morbidity and mortality, and low rates of reoperation. The pulmonary autograft demonstrates durability without developing aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency, or progressive dilatation. Enlargement of the aortic annulus parallels somatic growth.