| Abstract: | Aortic valve replacement with pulmonary autograft was first performed by Donald Ross in 1967. Initially, the procedure was not widely accepted, by Cardiologists and Cardiac surgeons fundamentally due to its complexity and demanding surgical technique, and because innumerous series two cardiac valves were at risk. The results published in the last 10-15 years established the pulmonary autograft as one of the best methods of aortic valve replacement, especially in pediatric patients and young adults. In the present article, we reviewed present indications and contraindications, and our clinical experience with 26 patients (pediatrics and adults). Analysis of the first 22 the patients with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up (180-620 days) was performed. Follow-up is complete (100%). Mean age was 31.4 +/- 12.6 years. Five patients were pediatrics (<= 14 years). Three patients (11%) with previous percutaneous procedures and 4 patients (14%) with previous surgical procedures. There was no early or late mortality. In the last follow-up, 19 of 22 (86.36%) had no autograft insufficiency (>= grade 1), and in one patient it was moderate (grade 2). The 2 remaining patients developed severe autograft insufficiency (grade 4) and were reoperated on, with satisfactory postoperative outcome. Mean maximal gradient was 7.85 +/- 5 mmHg at 18 months (3-29). Patients with preoperative aortic stenosis showed a significant reduction in myocardial mass index (208.7 +/- 32 a 95.8 +/- 28.8 g/m2) at 18 months. In these patients, septal and posterior wall thickness decreased significantly, in the first month. Two pediatric patients have developed transpulmonar gradient > 50 mmHg. One of them underwent successful stent implantation. We have not observed significant homograft insufficiency in any of our patients. All our patients remain asymptomatic (functional class I) without medical treatment. We have not observed either thromboembolic or haemorrhagic episodes, nor endocarditis. No patient is receiving anticoagulants. Clinical and echocardiographic mid term results in pulmonary autograft and homograft in our series, are excellent after the Ross procedure. |
