Anatomic and physiologic bases for the Ross procedure

Now that the Ross procedure (RP) has been established as the best method of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in several cohorts of patients, it is appropriate to analyze the evolution, as well as the anatomic and physiologic bases for it. Reviewing the evolution of this operation, one may understand the time lapse between its inception and the universal performance of this procedure. Experimental work began as early as 1927 by Hochrein. He was followed by the Stanford group, Lower in 1960 and 1961, and Pillsbury and Shumway in 1966. Successful clinical application by Donald Ross in 14 patients, two in the mitral and 12 in the aortic positions, was accomplished in 1967. Several important developments followed, including Marcel Geens' study of the blood supply to the ventricular septum in 1971 together with the improvement in surgical results following the initial experience of Gonzalez-Lavin and Ross. Further developments included assessment of the tensile strength of the pulmonary valve (PV) by Gorczynski (1982), ability to grow by Murata (1984), a finding of low Ca++ content of the PV by Livi in 1987 and of excellent hydraulic function by Wareesena in 1994. Finally there was universal acceptance by Elkins, Duran, and others, culminating with the Ross Registry and the establishment of the Ross Colloquium by Oury et al. A review of the anatomical features of the PV are compared with those of the aortic valve (AV), including gross anatomy and relationship to the sinotubular junction, scan microscopy and anisotropic properties of both AV and PV. The blood supply to the ventricular septum will be outlined by reviewing Marcel Geens work. The hemodynamics as reported by several investigators are reviewed. The clinical evidence of growth by Elkins et al. is outlined. Based on this increasing knowledge, indications and contraindications for AVR by the RP are discussed.