title: Pulmonary autograft. An aortic valve replacement alternative.
abstract: In selected patients, the pulmonary autograft procedure utilizing cryopreserved homografts for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract is becoming an increasingly popular aortic valve replacement alternative. Longitudinal statistical reports show that patients need reoperation less often with this procedure. Because the valve is autogenous tissue, all indications to date show that the valve continues to function for extended periods of time in all patients and can accommodate growth in children. At the same time, transfer of the pulmonary valve to the aortic position provides a natural valvular flow pattern and freedom from the degenerative changes associated with bioprosthetic valves or the need for anticoagulation associated with mechanical valves.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Elkins
mesh_terms: D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009871:Operating Room Nursing; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011664:Pulmonary Valve / Q000637:transplantation*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000379:methods