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This procedure is undertaken for aortic valve
problems. The aortic valve is removed and disposed of. The patient's pulmonary valve (between
the right ventricle and pulmonary artery) is cut out and reinserted in
the position of the aortic valve. The resultant gap 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. The homograft
lasts much longer in the pulmonary position compared to the aortic position
and so the need for further operations is reduced. |
