Redo aortic valve-sparing root replacement for failing autograft after the Ross procedure: A case report

Late pulmonary autograft dilatation is observed in 10-20 % of patients after the Ross procedure, more often during the second decade of follow-up. Composite aortic root replacement with a valved conduit is the most common redo procedure. An aortic valve-sparing root replacement does not require lifelong anticoagulation and may significantly decrease the risk of complications, associated with a valve prosthesis.

We report a case of late pulmonary autograft dilatation developed after the Ross procedure. The annual transthoracic echocardiography after 20 years revealed severe dilatation of the pulmonary autograft, measuring 60 mm in diameter. The patient underwent a successful elective redo valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David I procedure). The aortic cross-clamp time was 144 min, and the CPB time was 181 min. The patient had an uneventful midterm postoperative course.

Late pulmonary autograft failure after the Ross procedure is a relatively rare condition, leading to repeat operation. Late autograft failure can contribute to aortic regurgitation, heart failure, and death due to ascending aortic dissection and rupture. Several research groups reported good early and midterm results of redo valve-sparing root replacement in such cases. In a reoperative valve-sparing root replacement after the Ross procedure, the portion of the native aorta with the adjacent part of the autograft may complicate the aortic root proper sizing.

Redo valve-sparing root replacement (David I procedure) is a viable option in pulmonary autograft dilatation with unaffected valve leaflets.