Ross Procedure
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This procedure is undertaken for aortic valve disease. There have been various modifications of the technique since it was originally described by Donald Ross (Guy's Hospital, London) in 1967. The aortic valve leaflets are removed and disposed of and the coronary arteries detached from the aorta. The patient's pulmonary valve is excised and reinserted inside the aortic root. The coronary arteries are re-implanted into the pulmonary autograft. The resultant deficiency between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery is bridged by inserting a homograft (cadaver valve). Whilst at first sight this seems a more complicated procedure to undertake than necessary the advantages are that the pulmonary valve implanted in the aortic position can continue to grow with the child. |
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Hover the mouse over the heart to see the animation |
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The homograft lasts much longer in the pulmonary position compared to the aortic position and so the need for further operations is reduced. There is no need for anticoagulation and so the impact on sports and pregnancy is less. |
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This page was last edited 14/2/2004 |
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