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The Ross operation: applications to children

R C Elkins1

  • 1Section of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190, USA.

Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|October 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

The Ross operation is the preferred aortic valve replacement for children, offering low mortality and avoiding anticoagulation. This procedure enables a near-normal lifestyle for growing children with reduced reoperation risks.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric cardiac surgery
  • Aortic valve disease management

Background:

  • Aortic valve replacement in children presents unique challenges due to growth and development.
  • Traditional prosthetic valves often require lifelong anticoagulation and multiple reoperations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the Ross operation as the primary surgical approach for pediatric aortic valve replacement.
  • To assess the long-term outcomes, including mortality, morbidity, and reoperation rates, associated with the Ross operation.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients undergoing the Ross operation for aortic valve replacement.
  • Assessment of perioperative data, long-term survival, and valve-related complications.

Main Results:

  • The Ross operation demonstrates low surgical mortality and late morbidity.
  • Patients experience a near-normal lifestyle without the need for anticoagulation.
  • The risk of reoperation due to autograft or homograft valve failure is limited.

Conclusions:

  • The Ross operation is the recommended procedure for pediatric aortic valve replacement.
  • It provides excellent long-term functional outcomes and quality of life for growing children.
  • The procedure minimizes the need for anticoagulation and reduces future reoperation risks.

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