Ross operation: 16-year experience.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a review of a consecutive series of 487 patients undergoing the Ross operation to identify surgical techniques and clinical parameters that affect outcome.


METHODS
We performed a prospective review of consecutive patients from August 1986 through June 2002 and follow-up through August 2004. Patient age was 2 days to 62 years (median, 24 years), and 197 patients were less than 18 years of age. The Ross operation was performed as a scalloped subcoronary implant in 26 patients, an inclusion cylinder in 54 patients, root replacement in 392 patients, and root-Konno procedure in 15 patients. Clinical follow-up in 96% and echocardiographic evaluation in 77% were performed within 2 years of closure.


RESULTS
Actuarial survival was 82% +/- 6% at 16 years, and hospital mortality was 3.9%. Freedom from autograft failure (autograft reoperation and valve-related death) was 74% +/- 5%. Male sex and primary diagnosis of aortic insufficiency (no prior aortic stenosis) were significantly associated with autograft failure by means of multivariate analysis. Freedom from autograft valve replacement was 80% +/- 5%. Freedom from endocarditis was 95% +/- 2%. One late thromboembolic episode occurred. Freedom from allograft reoperation or reintervention was 82% +/- 4%. Freedom from all valve-related events was 63% +/- 6%. In children survival was 84% +/- 8%, and freedom from autograft valve failure was 83% +/- 6%.


CONCLUSIONS
The Ross operation provides excellent survival in adults and children willing to accept a risk of reoperation. Male sex and a primary diagnosis of aortic insufficiency had a negative effect on late results.
Elkins
Ronald C
RC
Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Okla 73190, USA. ronald-elkins@ouhsc.edu
Thompson
David M
DM
Lane
Mary M
MM
Elkins
C Craig
CC
Peyton
Marvin D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001022:Aortic Valve Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome