A single center's experience with the Ross procedure in pediatrics

The use of a pulmonary autograft for aortic valve replacement (AVR) has become more prevalent than other forms of AVR in the pediatric population. We reviewed the data on pediatric patients who underwent the Ross procedure at our institution from 1993 to 2005. Sixty patients < 18 years old who underwent a Ross procedure had available clinical and echocardiographic data collected and statistical analysis performed. Mortality rate was 3.3%, while overall survival and freedom from reoperation of either the homograft or the autograft were 96.7% and 66.2%, respectively, at 10 years. Freedom from reoperation of the left ventricular outflow tract was 60.5% at 10 years. Echocardiographic data showed aortic regurgitation to be mild or less in 76% of patients by last follow-up, while dilation of the sinuses of Valsalva had occurred in 52%. Compared to other AVR options, the Ross procedure in eligible pediatric patients demonstrates good intermediate survival rates and continued growth potential, yet a time-dependent need for reoperation.